Chapter 12 The Betrayal
Verena
W ater trickles down the side of my head, stirring me from slumber. I want to move, open my eyes, something. But, my body feels frozen and my eyes feel as if they are sealed shut. My throat feels no different.
“Shh.” A voice close to me makes me flinch, but I don’t think they notice. “She’s still sleeping. Poor thing. I can feel the turmoil running through her heart.” The voice was a young female and she spoke softly to whomever was in the space with us.
I try to orient myself, taking in the sensations around me. The bed beneath me is more comfortable than any I’ve ever slept on, and the fluffy comforter envelops me in warmth. Soft light filters through the room, creating a cozy yet not blinding atmosphere. A faint but soothing scent lingers in the air, and I can’t help but relax into it.
“Why hasn’t she woken?” A deep, velvety voice speaks from nearby, sending shivers down my spine. My subconscious recognizes it, but my conscious mind struggles to place it. I sense movement as the woman approaches him.
Come on, wake up! I mentally urge myself.
“She’s been through a terrible ordeal, brother. The poison in her blood, the arduous travels, and being constantly on the run have taken their toll on her body and mind. She needs this rest.” The feminine voice is gentle and comforting. An exasperated sigh escapes from him.
Impatiently, he urges her, “What? What are you not telling me?”
A heavy sigh escapes her lips. “She has a large wound on her arm… like someone tried to remove her skin.” The thought of my wedded rune makes my arm throb with pain as I reflect on the agony of its removal.
Who are these people?
With great effort, I manage to pry open my eyes.
“She’s awake,” the female voice exclaims in surprise. She rushes over to me, placing a damp rag on my forehead. Cool water trickles down the side of my face and provides some relief. At least now I know why my head is wet.
I squint, trying to make out the unfamiliar faces in the dimly lit room. My eyes finally land on him, the Dark King, and I gasp in shock. Hastily sitting up, my body aching and groaning from the exertion, I push myself as far away from him as possible. The space between us serves as a barrier as I quickly grab the blanket to cover my not-naked body.
My attention is then drawn to the fae female standing before me, her hair tucked behind small, pointed ears. With a sense of wariness, I ask her, “Who are you?”
She raises her hands in a peaceful gesture, a sweet and soft smile gracing her features. “Hi there,” she introduces herself. “My name is Ruelle. And may I know yours?”
“Princ- Verena. Just, Verena.” I tell her, saddened by the reminder of my tragic fate at the Court of Dawn. I don’t even want to glance at the king, last he heard or saw, I was married to Dryston and practically had become an rival to his kingdom.
“Well, Verena, I am the youngest princess of Khyrel. This is my brother, Eryx, King of Khyrel. I believe you both have met previously. He is mostly just here to make sure that I am safe and you are no danger to us. After you and Hade-”
The curiosity and concern in my voice interrupts her flow of words. “How is he?” I ask urgently, unable to contain my questions any longer. But before she can even answer, a barrage of inquiries spills out of me. “Wait, how do you know his name? Has he spoken to you yet? Is he awake?”
Her previously composed expression falters, as if she has revealed something she shouldn’t have. She looks over at Eryx, her light eyes no match for his intense gaze. He pushes himself off the wall and saunters toward me, an aura of darkness radiating from him that seems to swallow up the room around us.
“He is fine, for now.” He starts, sounding angry and squinting his eyes at me. “I would like to know why you carried him for over an hour to get to the border.” His voice is firm and steady. His dark and deep eyes are cold and calculating as they watch me. I can feel the heat radiate from his surprisingly tan skin. He looks as if he is trying to be intimidating but for some reason, I can’t find it in me to care once the initial shock has worn off. I know I should be afraid of him, especially after hearing what Hadeon said to me, but I can’t. Not after the moment between us at the gala. I know the risk of coming here and honestly I’d rather die than be in the Court of Dawn.
“I’d like to know why you haven’t killed me already. You know who I am so I can only assume that you want something from me.” I counter, trying to dig for answers, feigning courage with the Dark King. His right eyebrow quirks up before turning away and taking a few steps back before looking at me again as he leans against the wall. I release a breath, holding it steady as my heart pounds in my chest. If he wants something, maybe it’ll help him feel more inclined to help me with my situation.
“I know who you were .” I’m not sure why, but if it were anyone else that would feel like a slap to the face. When he said it, though, it sounds… inviting. A challenge to show who I truly am now. The only problem was, I don’t know. “I haven’t killed you because I know you aren’t a threat.” Before I can defend my capabilities, he continues. “I know you are not a threat because as far as I am concerned, nothing is more dangerous than I am on this continent and I don’t exactly expect you to get the better of me.” I glare at him, hoping he can feel my discontent. Even after the confusing dance— that lingers in the back of my mind— I want to fight my immediate attraction to him. I want to not like him. Even at the gala there was something pulling me toward him. Does he feel it too?
My eyes dart around his face, taking in every detail — the curve of his jawline, the dimple on his left cheek, the flecks of black in his brown eyes. Try as I might to keep my gaze locked on his face, it inevitably travels down his body. His casual attire does nothing to diminish his attractiveness; if anything, it only adds to his charm. I take a deep breath and decide to give him some information, hoping to distract myself from his alluring presence.
I thought the only place Dryston wouldn’t look was Khyrel but maybe I am so predictable that this is the first place he knew I’d come. It has to be why there’s a bounty on my head over there. “Hadeon has been my royal guard for five years. It started when he saved me from being attacked and the former king titled him fresh out of training. He knew I wasn’t getting any training at all as the princess so he has been secretly training me for five years, building my muscles, making me earn my skill, allowing me to trust and hone in on my intuition and instincts. And he is my only friend, as pathetic as that is to hear.” I humorlessly chuckle and stare at my hands as I pick at the nail beds cleaned of the dirt and blood that had been caked within. “I had a duty in the court, that is all I was good for. But, he saw me for more than the future queen. He saw me as a person, someone worth more than a crown on her head or the womb in her body.” Glancing back up at them, Ruelle stares sadly at me while King Eryx just stares, almost looking bored.
“Your point?” Eryx asks, impatiently.
“ So , I carried the giant lug of a male because he is the only family I have left.” I tell them truthfully, waiting for the pity looks from him and his sister but they don’t come. A look of understanding passes between the two of them. While she looks sad, it isn’t pity and I’m thankful. “And to answer your burning questions about my arm; it was my wedded rune. I couldn’t risk Dryston tracking us so I cut it off before we left.” I tell them, watching Ruelle’s eyes widen in shock. Eryx raises a brow as if he’s genuinely surprised and I smirk to myself.
After a moment of silence, King Eryx meets my gaze, his jaw clenching profusely as his dark eyes stare. “Ruelle will help you with any questions or concerns. As of this moment, you are her guest since she has practically begged me to let you stay. She likes strays. For now. Until I decide what else to do with you. But do not believe that I trust you and I do not believe you will do us any good being here.” He stands away from the wall, kissing his sister on the cheek as his right hand brushes down her hair and turns away.
She lets out a light scoff once the door is shut, pointing at her brother’s long-gone figure, “He exaggerates. I did not beg him.” Ruelle stresses to me, her cheeks become red and it warms my heart a bit. “I just said you should stay because I trust you and that goes a long way with him.” She laughs shyly.
“Is he always that friendly ?” I ask, sarcasm dripping. Her laugh is more bubbly and light like she doesn’t carry any stress or worry now. That makes me smile.
“He’ll warm up to you, promise. He’s protective of his family and having you here could be dangerous since you were Princess—soon to be the Queen Dawn. But, like I said, I trust you and my word is the most trusted one. I’ve never lied to him and I have empathetic abilities.” She says proudly, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Ruelle was a beautiful young fae. Her small nose suits her small frame. Her skin was paler than her brothers, which fit the Dusk vibe. Her hair was black as night, just as his was but her eyes are blue, while his are so dark they look black but when he moves his head and turns toward a light, there was a faint brown tone.
“Can you get me some food, please? I am absolutely starving.” I smile and she jolts up.
“Oh, my Gods! Of course! I can’t believe I didn’t think of that! Be right back!” She exclaims and excitedly leaves the room.
As soon as the door shuts, my lungs release a large breath.
Now that I am alone, I can properly freak out in silence. What did I get myself into?
* * *
Once I had my stomach full and my mind calm, Ruelle told me we can see the castle. It was daylight still but the night will be arriving soon and she was very excited to show me the throne room.
“I am sure you heard through rumors that we are really only awake during the night and while this can be the case, it’s mainly our city, Asterlayna. It’s a mouthful, I know. We also call it Aster as a shorter name. She is the city that never sleeps. Most of the shops don’t anyway. Some do close during the night…” Her tone is cheery as she rambles and I tune her out for a period of time. I am not sure if I can handle her being so joyful. I am supposed to be their enemy, why is she being so nice?
Ruelle waves and greets everybody we pass and it’s nice to see someone part of their court so hospitable. No one was like that in the Dawn Court.
It makes me second-guess everything I thought I knew about Khyrel.
As we walk, court members gaze at me, curiosity in their eyes.
“Can I see Hadeon?” I ask quietly, not wanting others to hear as I cut off her babbles. She looks at me as we walk and I note something in her eyes I can’t read.
“Of course!” She said in her cheery tone. The sun was fully set by the time we are finished looking at every other room she showed me, gossiping about other court members.
There was something off about this place. About her and the king. There was a secret, of that I was sure. I buried my true self down deep for decades so secrets are something I know well.
“Welcome to the most breathtaking room in all of the continent,” she beams, her smile contagious. With a graceful sweep of her hand, she opens a side door that leads to a grand balcony-like space. The walls are simply made up of open arches, giving way to the northern side of the castle and offering an unobstructed view of the night sky above. The moon shone down, casting its gentle light upon the floor below. Pillars decorated with ornate sconces line the edges of the room, providing gentle illumination to the already beautifully lit space. And as if to further emphasize the enchanting ambiance, there was no roof above, allowing for an uninterrupted view of the twinkling stars above us.
“I need to see her. To explain.” A familiar voice spoke out. I had thought the space was empty, but now two male voices are audible the further we walk into the room.
“She doesn’t know yet. If she did, we’d hear about it. I am sure. Something tells me she isn’t one to show her anger quietly.” This voice was the king. The other sounds much like Hadeon.
“With all due respect, Eryx, you do not know her. I do. I have spent five years with her. She hides her emotions well, she had to.” A huff from the king follows that response.
What in the Underworld are they talking about? Explain what?
Ruelle clears her throat, making Hadeon jump from surprise and he stares at Ruelle before looking at me and smiling wide. “Verena.” He breathes out, rushing over. I meet him halfway before wrapping my arms around him, eyes tearing up.
“I thought I had lost you.” My voice wavers, my feelings overwhelmed. I have been trying not to think about his health but it’s all I could do. His arms follow my lead, wrapping around me as one of his hands brush my hair down. My eyes squeeze tight, relishing in his comfort in this foreign place, before opening them and meeting eyes with the king. A look that I am not familiar with flashes in his eyes, his fists clench on the thrones armrests as shadows billow around. He looks angry but why would he be?
“You would never lose me, I swore my loyalty to you, Verena, and I meant it.” He pulls back, staring into my eyes before glancing at the royal family duo and back at me. “But, you are not the only one I have sworn my loyalty to.” He takes a deep breath and I can’t help but wonder why. Obviously, I know this. He took an oath to the king.
“I understand how royal guards are graduated, Hadeon.” I let out a shaky laugh, wondering why we are having this conversation in front of the royal family .
He shakes his head, “When I told you that Dryston is not my king, I meant it. You were at my graduation in Zorya. I swore loyalty to my king, not the king.” I step back from his grasp, shaking my head, confusion lining my features.
He glances back at King Eryx and I shake my head again, “No.” All eyes are on me. “No, absolutely not. Are you trying to tell me your king is Eryx? You’re from a small town in Zorya, how would Eryx be your king?” He speaks to me with his eyes; five years with someone will give you that. “No.” I shake my head profusely, my hands keeping anyone from nearing and I start stepping back further and staring at the floor as tears brim my eyes.
But he says it out loud anyway. “I am not from Zorya, V. I am Khyrelian.” I shake my head more and he takes a step closer but I throw my hands out further, staring at him with betrayal featuring in my teary gaze.
“No! Do not come closer to me. I do not know you.” I speak and the hurt in his eyes makes me want to take it back.
“I know it’s not easy to hear, Verena but it is the truth. There is an entire reason you do not know! I-”
“The reason is to make me look pathetic!” I yell. “You made a fool of me.” My voice breaks at the end. I clear my throat, willing the tears to not gather in my eyes. “You lied to me. I thought you were my friend,” A humorless laugh leaves me, “my only friend. How pathetic, the princess is so desperate for just a sliver of affection, of friendship, of someone who would accept her for who she truly is, that she completely ignored all signs pointing to a spy!” My voice stays raised, anger radiating off me in waves. King Eryx stands from his throne but betrayal burns my heavily beating chest. My hands shake and my eyes continue to water. I do not even care if it offends the king. My life had already been turned upside down and now this?
“No, of course not. You are not pathetic and I am not a spy, Verena, I was sent-” A voice clears, interrupting him and we look at the king, who is the culprit keeping him from speaking. I narrow my eyes at him before looking back at Hadeon, hurt filling his eyes.
“Loyalty to both,” I laugh again, “Wow. It’s all clear to me now why Dryston’s abuse always went unpunished. It wasn’t a lack of knowledge or understanding on your part; you knew exactly what was happening and probably even found amusement in it with your little circle of friends here. As the weak and pathetic princess of Zorya, I realize now that I was nothing but a source of entertainment for you. How foolish I was to think there could be an escape from this fate. I should never have come here.” I turn sharply and storm toward the main doors, ready to leave.
Hadeon grabs my arm, keeping me from walking out of the room. “Verena…” He says, more hurt spilling from his voice, willing me to understand his dilemma. “Please.” He begs quietly. I want to believe the tears in his eyes are real but my heart will no longer be fooled.
“What hurt the most, Hadeon, is while I carried you for over an hour on my back, both of us poisoned and bleeding out, I cared more about saving you than myself. I wanted to get you through that border in hopes of giving you a better life that was far from me, my emptiness or even my lack of title. I didn’t want to but I was willing to part from you to give you something more than I could ever have now. I was fully prepared to die in enemy territory as long as you’d live.”
With a sharp and sudden movement, I wrench my arm free from his grasp. My heart pounds in my chest and tears prickle at the corners of my eyes before falling free. I squeeze my eyelids shut and take a deep breath, willing myself to stay strong. Without looking back, I slip through the door, the cool air hitting my face— a welcomed relief after the heated exchange. “Fuck!” His voice yells out, audible through the doors. The sound of my footsteps echo loudly in the empty hallway as I make my escape. I almost hope he chases after me. That our friendship means more to him, regardless of what I said. But I know him well enough and I know he will respect my wishes even if it kills him.