11. Chapter 11
Chapter eleven
W e got back to the castle ten minutes before midnight. I had to ride Eeri with Eren, unable to sit upright long enough to fly Tarsyrth home as my body still fought for sleep. His damn magic was like a drug and had lasting effects. He laughed at me the entire way home, teasing and making fun of me. Gods, how I wished I had an offensive power. I would torment him with it every chance I got.
I awoke the next morning and began to prepare myself for combat training, when Atalee appeared.
“Your father has requested you attend breakfast with him in his private chambers,” she informed me.
This was an unusual request. Usually, my father took his political meetings with other houses in the morning—never for personal benefit. Something had to be amiss.
I nodded. “Tell him I will be right there.”
She bowed before leaving to relay the message. I quickly pulled a plain, black dress from the wardrobe and trailed a brush through my curly hair before heading to his rooms.
When I entered, the smell of fresh pastries and fried meat greeted me. My mouth instantly began to water. I rounded the corner of his study and was surprised by the display of food set out for just the two of us. It was truly a table fit for a king.
My father came out from his bedchamber dressed in a casual shirt and pants. His hair was pulled away from his face; his green eyes, identical to my own, placed on display.
He embraced me, kissing my head softly. “Good morning, Genevieve. How did you sleep?”
“Okay, thank you,” I said with a suspicious smile. “Is something wrong?”
He looked at me with curiosity. “Not at all. Why would you think that?” He shooed the help away, leaving only the two of us in the room.
“You’ve never called me to breakfast before.” I followed him to the table, sitting in the chair he pulled out for me. He began filling a plate without a word. “Usually,” I continued, needing to fill the silence, “you conduct courtly matters during breakfast. So, I just figured it had to do with something political.”
He set the plate in front of me and took a seat across the table. He folded his hands in front of his chest, smiling down the rectangular surface at me. “You’re very observant for one so young. An excellent trait to possess.”
“What is it, Father?” I asked, trying to get to the point.
He exhaled, leaning towards the table. “I wish to discuss the upcoming tournament. The one that will decide your future husband. Our future king.”
My stomach dropped. I took a deep drink of the juice in front of me, trying to keep my calm demeaner. “What about it?”
“The tournament will soon be upon us. It is important you take the time to get to know each candidate. Has Ambassador Lyklor shared with you those who wish to claim your hand?”
The word ‘claim’ made me sick—as if I were another’s property. “He has.”
“Good. The tournament will consist of three trials. Each will test their abilities, whether they be physical, mental, or political. The winner will have the honor of claiming your hand.”
“Why have the three candidates been chosen? Can no one else join the tournament? Do I have no say in who I am tied to for the rest of my life?” I felt my confidence grow as each word passed through my lips.
“Each candidate was chosen based on the alliance and strength they would bring to the throne and to our bloodline. These are families we trust, loyal to us for generations.
“During the tournament, it is a formality that we open the floor to any last-minute contenders that wish to toss their coin into the race. But it is just that: a formality. No one has ever dared to go against the chosen three. It is a death sentence socially and physically. These candidates are the strongest of their generation and are best equipped to face the challenges the tournament will deliver .
“And as far as choice goes …” my father paused, looking down at the table. Something like guilt fluttered across his face. “I am sorry that you haven’t been able to choose how your life has unfolded. It pains me to take this choice away from you, but you must understand … as a royal, in this matter, we will never have a choice.
“Though, as I am sure you are now aware, marriage is mostly a formality here. After the ceremony is complete and an heir conceived, you are free to take who your heart desires. No one will ever question you.”
“Marriage means something to me,” I spat, the anger of the situation getting the best of me. “I wasn’t raised like the rest of you. I don’t want a political match. I want a husband. A real husband, who loves and desires me just as much as I desire him. A male who I’ve chosen to give myself to. Who I can trust … who makes me happy.”
Father took another deep breath while he shook his head. “I wish I could give you that, but this is not the way our world works.”
“You are the king. You have the power to change that, just like you changed the law about half-breeds.”
He slammed his hand into the table, rattling the glasses on the surface. I sat back, surprised by the outburst. I had never seen my father enraged before.
He took a moment and steadied himself before finally looking up at me. “I desire nothing more than to make you happy. After everything I’ve missed out on … after everything you’ve had to endure, truly, I want to see you happy, but our station requires sacrifice. Yes, we are royal. Yes, we have power, but we serve our people. Our court comes first … always.
“Daughter, if there was a way that I could guarantee you a male who loved you the way you described, who cherished you and could make you happy, I would stop at nothing to ensure that life for you—to find you a partner who would put you above anyone and anything else.
“Yet, that is not the life we were born to. So … I must ask you to make another sacrifice, to ensure our kingdom remains strong, powerful, and united.”
I pondered his words, taking in all he said. “Yes, Father. Whatever is needed, I will do.”
“Genevieve,” he whispered. I drew my eyes up to him. “You will find your happiness. I know you will.”
I forced a smile and nodded. “I am sure I will.” I dug into my breakfast, changing the subject to stories about his childhood, trying to seem interested in his retellings while a part of my heart withered and died.
After breakfast, I rushed back to my room, needing a moment to myself while I processed my future. I tore the dress from my body, reaching for my fighting leathers. I would process my fate while I pulverized someone’s face in the ring.
Eren barged in without even being announced. I threw on my clothes as fast as I could to cover myself .
“Uh, excuse me. Heard of knocking? I could have been naked,” I said, pulling my shirt down over my midsection.
“Princess, what makes you think I haven’t already seen you naked? You’ve seen what my powers are capable of,” he said, throwing a black bag onto my bed.
I stopped, trying to recall how many times I remembered the smell of whiskey and oranges. Only three times, right? Or maybe he took my memory of the smell away altogether.
He started laughing. “Calm yourself, I am just kidding. I haven’t laid eyes on you, I promise.”
“You’re the Ambassador of Lies. I can’t trust your promises,” I replied, pulling on my boots.
“And manipulation. Ambassador of Lies and Manipulation. Glad to hear my reputation is still going strong.”
“What’s in the bag?” I asked.
“Armor and weapons. You, little Genevieve, are going on your first hunt this morning.”
I smiled, rushing over to the bed in excitement. “Finally! This couldn’t have come at a better time. What are we hunting? Does it have hair, scales? Does it run in a pack?”
“Calm down already. It is only one creature that we know of. It spews some type of acid from its mouth and its blood is toxic as well, so you will have to be extra careful when you attack. None of it can touch you. We don’t know how potent it is.”
“Fantastic,” I exclaimed .
He pulled out a black leather vest, plated in silver armor. It was light and breathable. There were matching leg coverings and gloves to complete the set. I put the armor on, still trying to contain my excitement. Eren pulled out a black magic sword that I had only practiced with a handful of times. It was brand new. It had a black hilt wrapped in leather, with the Drezmore sigil stamped into the metal base at the end of the sword. It curved into a hook at the tip like the other swords I had seen. Black markings were inscribed into the neck of the blade.
“Your very own black sword, created just for your small stature,” he said, handing it to me.
“Oh, this day just keeps getting better,” I said, turning the blade from side to side.
Eren strapped a belt around my waist that contained daggers and a sheath for the sword. He then bent to strap another belt around my leg. As the leather slid across the thin fabric of my pants I giggled.
He stopped, looking up at me with an arched eyebrow. “Princess?”
“Sorry, it … tickled.”
He shook his head and continued to fasten the belt to my leg. “We’ll have to make the hunt fast. I have another surprise for you when we get back,” he said, standing to his feet.
“You’re giving me gifts now? Are we that close of friends?” I said .
“No. If I had it my way, this ‘gift’ wouldn’t be coming, but I have no say in the matter.”
I stopped, realizing he was talking about a person. “Who, Eren? Who is coming?” I asked more seriously.
“The new ambassador of Urial. Ambassador Levos Atros. He should be here for dinner. He is coming to negotiate the release of Queen Daealla’s cousin.”
“Wait. The light alfar we caught is her cousin?”
“Apparently.”
“And Levos is now their ambassador? When did this happen?”
“About a week after we rescued you. Apparently, the queen was not thrilled with the previous ambassador’s skill set. Gaelin suggested Levos, which was a smart move, but now it means I have to up my game. He’s a smart little prick, but don’t tell him I said that,” he said, strapping his own belts onto his body.
My face fell, wondering how he would be towards me. I never got to tell him goodbye. I never had the chance to explain myself. Out of everyone at the light court, I loved him the most.
“You okay, princess?”
“Yeah, just thinking,” I answered, trying to focus.
“Don’t think too hard. When you do, people end up dead, or creatures we’ve already killed come back to life. Speaking of, why don’t you call your little pet to assist on the hunt?”
“He’s going to rip your throat out for calling him that.”
“Only if you give him permission, and I know you won’t. ”
“What makes you so sure?”
“Whiskey and oranges,” he winked at me with his wicked smile.
“Gods, I hate you,” I mumbled, walking past him to the door.
“Glad to hear I’ve made an impression. Let’s head to the ragamor. The rest of the team should be there.”
“Who is coming with us?”
“Zerrial, Leenia, the twins, and Evinee.”
“Beast, pusher, the mad geniuses who immobilize things, and bone spears with a side of armor, check,” I said as we walked through the halls.
“Very good.”
“Lily filled me in on your group of friends. Quite the collection you have.”
“She did, did she? It’s almost complete. Now all I need is a wicked queen to complete the set.” He turned to me, looking for a reaction.
I rolled my eyes. “Is that why you are still assisting me? So I will be under your control once I take the throne? You would basically be king.”
“I am ambitious, aren’t I?”
I laughed as we exited the castle. I called for Tarsyrth. He appeared in a moment, slamming into the rock platform with a loud roar announcing his presence.
“She got the black one?” asked Evinee in awe. “How? I tried to get him to accept me for weeks before he finally struck at me. ”
“She basically raped him,” replied Eren.
The twins snickered while they mounted their ragamors.
“Oh, so he likes it rough, does he?” said Evinee. “Dammit, why didn’t I try that?’’
I laughed at her, kissing Tarsyrth on the nose. We took off into the sky, soaring low enough to search the treetops for the creature. After an hour of scouring our surroundings, we finally caught a glimpse of the hideous thing, climbing up a nearby mountain.
We landed behind the creature, blocking any chance for their escape once the fighting began. I withdrew my sword, allowing the needle to puncture my palm shallowly. The blade illuminated with green lightning. Usually, the stream of light was blue, but not this time. Oz and Voz came up on either side of me, taking in the new color.
“How did you?” asked Oz.
“I don’t know. Every other time it’s been blue like the rest of the black weapons,” I replied.
“But this sword was specifically made for you. We used your DNA to comprise it. Maybe that has something to do with the color change,” added Voz.
“Why does the color not change for every alfar that uses them, then?” I asked.
“Very curious. I do not have an answer for that, but I will research it once we get back,” said Oz, returning his attention to the beast .
“I guess green is just your color,” commented Eren, coming from behind. “Don’t do anything reckless. If you feel tired or get in over your head back away and let us handle it.”
I nodded before we approached.
The creature’s hairless skin was a pale, sickly flesh color. It sagged all over its body, like its hide had been melted off or stretched. It had three long fingers on each hand and three long toes that allowed it to climb. It had no eyes and no nose, only two large holes on either side of its long, oval head and a mouth full of black teeth. It was tall and gangly like Otar.
As we approached, it snapped its head towards our position, noting our arrival. We stopped, waiting for it to make the first move. Zerrial transformed into a large hairy beast the size of a massive bear. His snout was long, and his teeth made for ripping flesh. His ears stuck out from his head. The muscles of his body bulged and tensed with power as he came crashing on all fours to the ground.
“Wow,” I whispered.
Without warning the creature jumped from the rock it was perched on, landing in the center of our group. Its long legs and arms swung like whips as its body contorted into unnatural positions. It bent backward flipping and slithering on the ground like nothing I had ever seen before. Yellow bile began to spew from its mouth, burning anything it touched.
We all attacked, taking turns trying to land hits on the creature. It dodged as if it could see us coming before we even engaged. I ducked and dove out of the way as its long claws sliced at my face. Leenia used her power to throw the creature against a nearby tree, which only worked for a few moments before the thing pulled itself away from her magic, now unaffected by her gift.
“How did it—?” asked Leenia in shock.
“It must be adapting to our magic somehow. I will try to stun it with pain so someone can land a blow. Don’t use your gifts until I say,” ordered Eren.
He held his hand out, focusing on the creature. The thing grabbed at its head before it erupted with a scream more haunting than anything I had ever heard. It lashed back and forth, trying to escape Eren’s power. Leenia came from behind, slicing at its back. Blood sprayed forcefully from the wound, coating her arm. The acid began to eat into her armor, heading straight for her skin. She quickly removed her cuff and barely got the thing off before it began eating her flesh.
“Its veins are like a fountain. Everyone be on guard,” yelled Leenia.
The creature broke through Eren’s power, heading straight for him. Zerrial came out of nowhere, slamming the beast into the ground. He jumped back, unable to land a final blow because of the toxic blood. He changed back into his alfar form and picked up his sword, readying himself for a fight. Evinee launched bone spears into the creature’s abdomen, causing blood to spew out everywhere. We all dove and ran for cover as the creature pulled the spears from his hide.
It reared its ugly head back and launched the liquid bile towards Evinee. She jumped out of the way, turning her skin into another layer of armor before tumbling into Eren on the way down. The creature healed in moments while it continued to shoot its dangerous bile from its mouth. I looked over at Oz and Voz, who were on opposite sides of the clearing. With the creature distracted by Eren and Evinee, this was our chance.
“Oz, Voz, hold the thing still for as long as you can,” I yelled.
They nodded, throwing both hands out towards it. Their dark power locked onto the creature, creating a magical cage. It yelled and thrashed, trying to get away already, pulling free from their magic. I took off as fast as I could towards it with my black sword ready to attack. The green power zapped and flickered through the air as I brought my sword across the creature’s neck, severing its head from its body. I rolled to the ground, rushing away from the fountain of blood that was now spouting from its neck.
The creature collapsed to the floor, defeated. I got to my feet, looking back at the hideous thing. I noticed smoke coming from my chest. I looked down to find a pool of its blood, making its way through my armor. I dropped the sword, working as quickly as I could at the buckles on the sides of the vest.
Eren appeared next to me in an instant, unfastening the other side as we raced to free my body from the burning mound of armor. I pulled my head through the hole, throwing it to the ground as I checked my shirt and skin for any acid. I exhaled in relief while I watched the acid eat through the vest until there was nothing left.
“You could have been killed,” Eren said in a hasty tone.
“So could have you,” I pointed out. “Was there a plan I was unaware of? I thought we were just making the moves up as we went.”
“I told you not to take any risks. It could have broken free of the twins and melted the skin off your skull.”
“Well, it didn’t. And now it’s dead,” I said with a smile.
He shook his head in aggravation.
“Way to go, princess,” said Evinee. “I like her, I think we should keep her,” she said, nudging me in the arm.
“Irresponsible, but effective nonetheless,” said Leenia, walking towards us.
“May we take your sword when we get back to Doonak? I would like to run some tests on it,” asked Voz.
“Sure,” I responded. I looked back at the creature’s body as blood pooled from its neck.
“Now, how are we going to get that back to the palace?” asked Oz .
As if my gift was listening, my spine began to tingle and zap. I felt a quick and powerful bolt of lightning travel to the base of my skull. I collapsed to the ground.
I saw the alfar pouring salt onto the blood of the creature. I watched as the blood sizzled and burned until it eventually clotted, rendering the liquid harmless. I opened my eyes, taking a deep breath as I looked around at the group staring down at me.
Eren had my head in his hands. I sat up, rubbing the base of my neck and then dusted myself off while they all continued to stare. I felt weak and my head was pounding from the vision. Everything around me blurred and it was a struggle to stand without tumbling back to the ground. I noted that with each new vision, the pain worsened.
“Salt,” I said. “That is how you deactivate its venom. Pour it on the blood and it will clot, rendering it harmless.”
“Interesting,” said Voz and Oz at the same time.
“I can get used to having that gift around,” said Evinee. “Yeah, we should definitely keep her.”
“Hey, guys, come look at this,” called Zerrial, poking the creature with a stick. We made our way over to its headless body. On the back of its shoulder, there was a rune burned into its flesh.
“It’s the runic symbol for D, which stands for dagaz,” Leenia pointed out. I looked at the butterfly-shaped symbol, recalling the same symbols on Otar’s chest before I brought him back to life. Once he was reborn, the symbol vanished from his flesh.
“I’ve seen this symbol before. It was on Otar’s body when he was dead, before I resurrected him,” I said.
“Maybe we should ask him if he remembers it,” suggested Eren.
I nodded and stood to my feet .
“Otar, please come,” I yelled. A few moments passed before I called again. “Otar!” Suddenly, the sigil on my wrist began to burn. I looked down to see the black-inked triangle begin to turn like a compass as the lines glowed red. I grimaced, trying to refrain from screaming. The dotted side of the triangle finally stopped, steadying out as it pointed north.
“What in Azeer’s name?” said Evinee.
Eren grabbed my wrist, turning it, watching as the compass continued to point north.
“Has it done this before?” he asked.
“No. I think something is wrong with Otar. I need to find him,” I said, the sigil steaming and burning in my flesh.
“Evinee, Oz, return to the castle and get as much salt as we need to get this thing back. The rest of you stay here and keep watch. I will take Princess Genevieve to find Otar. We will meet back at the castle,” instructed Eren, calling for Eeri. I went to call for Tarsyrth, but Eren stopped me before I had the chance.
“I don’t think so, princess,” he said. “That last vision took a lot out of you, and don’t lie and say it didn’t. You can barely stand up straight, let alone fly. I will not be the one to explain to your father why you fell off your ragamor to your death.”
I rolled my eyes just as Eeri landed. “Overprotective nursemaid,” I grumbled.
“What was that?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all. ”
We climbed onto her and took flight, following the guidance of my sigil that also doubled as a compass. Twenty minutes passed before the sigil began to spin out of control on my wrist. The thing burned hotter than before.
“Land,” I demanded. “He’s close.” I followed the compass while we traveled through the thick woods. We finally stumbled across Otar hanging from a tree. His stomach was split open, allowing his guts to fall out onto the ground. His flesh was carved away in certain areas. His ears were missing, along with his eyes.
I did all I could to keep my breakfast down, but the sight and the smell was putrid. Eren walked towards the creature, taking in the gruesome display.
“Artwork look familiar?” he asked, testing me.
“Fairies,” I replied.
He nodded.
“What now?”
“Let’s get him down. I think I can bring him back to life again.”
We cut him out of the tree. I took off my jacket and wrapped him, trying to keep the remaining organs inside of his body. We loaded him onto Eeri and then took flight.
It was almost winter. The air was cold and unforgiving on the skin. Without my jacket I shivered. Eren, without saying a word, wrapped the loose edges of his jacket around me as he pressed his body into my back for warmth. I held the fabric close to my skin, not saying a word. It was an uncomfortable situation, but I was desperate.
We got back and made our way to my room with Otar’s body. I opened the pocket doors that led to my bedroom and beheld a beautiful tunnel that led out to a balcony on the outer wall where my bed used to be. My bed was now against the left wall. I stopped, taking in the natural sunlight that streamed into the space. The balcony was separated from my room with a beautiful pair of glass doors that had black ironwork swirling around each panel.
“What is this?” I asked Eren as he placed Otar on the floor.
“I may have mentioned to your father that you like the stars. Now you can have the real thing at night. The entrance is enchanted, so from the outside of the mountain no one knows it is there, but it is an exit for you, nonetheless. It is runed, so no one or thing can come through without your permission.”
I pulled the doors open allowing the fresh air to fill my quarters. I looked back at Eren and smiled.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“Thank the king, princess. Your happiness means a great deal to him, it seems.”
I nodded, closing the doors to keep the cold air out. “I’ll make sure to do that. Thank you for your help. Now, leave,” I said, making my way over to Otar.
“What? Oh, no, no, no. I get to watch,” he said, making himself comfortable on my bed.
“I’m sorry, but no. I made him a promise that I wouldn’t share his secrets with anyone. Especially a power-hungry politician.”
Eren exhaled, standing to his feet in frustration. “Fine, but when that little shit wakes up, will you ask him to tell me? His species baffles me, and I want to know his secrets.”
“I will ask, but he will say no. He doesn’t like you much. Maybe it has something to do with you calling him my pet.”
“Is that not what he is? An animal on a leash?”
“Go, Eren. Tell the guards I will not receive anyone for an hour.”
“Fine. Then I will see you in an hour.” He nodded towards me and left my room.
I slit my palm and fed my blood into Otar’s mouth. I lit him on fire, watching as his form was encased in a black charred cocoon. I left him be while I bathed and cleaned the dirt from my skin. I was able to dress and brush my hair before he finally began to move.
He shook the ashes from his skin before he took a deep breath. I slit my wrist, offering him more blood. He looked at me with hesitation and then took my arm and gently fed. When he was done, he pulled away from me, still locked onto my eyes.
“Who do you want me to kill this time,” he said, tilting his head towards me.
“No one just yet,” I laughed.
“You saved me, again, wicked one,” he said, still sounding surprised.
“Eh, you’ve grown on me.” I got to my feet and walked back into my room. “Are you going to tell me how you died this time? ”
He stood, strolling towards me with his long gangly legs. “Fucking fairies. I hate that race. I want to destroy all of them and feast on their children,” he said with rage.
“How many did it take to kill you?”
“Twenty of the little flying fuckers. I killed a group of five before they sent for reinforcements. Cowards.”
I laughed at him as a knock came at the door.
Eren strolled through, cleaned, and dressed. “Ah, good to see you up and alive, Otar. Since I helped with your little rescue, I feel I am entitled to know the secret of how you keep coming back to life,” Eren said.
Otar laughed, baring his teeth at Eren. He appeared directly in front of Eren, taking a deep breath in as if he could taste him. “Wicked one, may I kill him yet?” asked Otar.
I turned around, looking at the two of them squaring off in front of each other. “He did drug me last night with his powers,” I said.
Otar turned his head slowly towards me, revealing his profile. “Yes, but you liked it. I felt your satisfaction,” Otar revealed.
My mouth dropped as I felt my cheeks blush with embarrassment.
Eren chuckled, looking towards me. “Is that right, princess? Told you I was addicting,” said Eren.
“Otar, please keep whatever you feel or see in my head between us, thank you,” I said, turning away from the both of them.
“If she didn’t like you so much, I would tear you to shreds right here and now,” said Otar, growling into Eren’s face.
“Otar, what did I say,” I snapped, feeling the heat rise inside of me.
“As I said, I grow on people,” Eren laughed.
“Don’t worry. I will poison her against you. Then, I will devour you, slowly. I will feed on your flesh, then allow you enough time to heal, and feed on you again,” sneered Otar.
“Okay, that’s enough of that,” I intervened, walking towards the both of them. “Otar, do you remember anything about this rune?” I held out a piece of paper that had the butterfly-shaped rune drawn on it.
He looked at the symbol for a moment, shaking his head as if to dislodge the memory. He grimaced and whined as he tried to remember. “It … I, I had it on me. Burned into me by a … by the son of a bitch that captured me before you,” he said, smiling at the memory. “Narella, yes Narella. Her name. She has … is power.” Otar jumped up and down in excitement, happy he was able to recall his memories.
“Is she the one that is controlling the rift?” I asked.
He stopped, trying to think. He shook his head violently. “No, no, not her. She is dangerous but there is another. I … I can’t remember his name. I can’t see him, but he is the one I hate. He is the one I want to destroy,” Otar growled.
“Thank you, Otar. If there is anything else you recall, please tell me as soon as you remember. You are free to go. Just don’t get killed tonight,” I said.
He nodded, taking one of my loose curls into his fingers.
Eren smacked his hand away from my face.
Otar growled in anger before he charged Eren. “She is mine. Mine, mine, all mine! I do not like you and I do not trust you. You do not touch her. No touching. No touching at all, you disgusting filth,” Otar snapped at Eren.
I was taken back by Otar’s possessive behavior, but kind of touched. Oh, gods. What was happening to me? I was flattered by a demon creature’s affections? I really was broken.
“Awe, so the pet has a crush on its master? How touching,” said Eren.
Otar screamed and stomped, enraged that he couldn’t touch him.
“Otar, please. I need to get ready for my lessons. I will call for you later,” I said, reaching out to his shoulder.
He rolled his head with satisfaction as he purred at my touch.
I pulled away, taken aback by his reaction.
“As you wish, wicked one.” He snapped his head back to Eren. “No touching!” he yelled before disappearing.
Eren started laughing as I held my head in my hands with embarrassment. “I think you have another suitor. Interesting turn of events,” Eren said, taking a seat by the wall.
“He’s never done that. I don’t know where all of that came from. ”
“Well, you are looking for love. I guess you found it.”
I threw my brush at his chest. He laughed, catching it without flinching.
“Your Highness,” said one of the guards at my door. “A letter has come for you from your uncle.” I rose to take the letter, nodding in thanks.
“What does Prince Rythlayn want now?” asked Eren.
“It’s an invitation to a private lunch with him. I guess I am getting out of all my studies today,” I said smugly.
Eren rose, taking the letter from my hands and reading it for himself. He looked down at me with a stern look. “What is rule number one?” he asked.
I rolled my eyes.
“Princess?”
“Don’t trust anyone,” I responded.
“Good.”
“But he’s family. He’s been nothing but kind and helpful. The only one I can see driving a dagger through my back is your bed warmer,” I said, referring to Icici.
“I have the ability to separate pleasure from business. Something you should probably learn to do.”
“Yuck. Please do not share any more details of how my cousin pleasures you. I might never be able to look at you again. I’m surprised she hasn’t murdered you in your sleep by now.”
“Oh, she does plenty of things to me while I sleep. None that I won’t recover from thankfully.”
“Erendrial, please. I don’t want to know,” I snapped, feeling my skin crawl.
He laughed, bowing his head towards me. “As you wish, princess. Enjoy your lunch. I will see you tonight in the throne room to welcome the new ambassador of the light,” he said, before leaving my chambers, still chuckling.