Chapter 20 #2
The prince either had not noticed that I stepped into the carriage or had simply not cared, since I knew he could scent me.
It was odd seeing the prince like this. Lying across the cushioned seats, hand on his head and breathing in and out rhythmically, controlling his breath intake.
With a jerk that nearly had me toppling over the prince, the carriage began moving.
The prince didn't seem to notice and I thanked the goddess for it.
"Why are we going to Viridis Aurum first?" I felt confident enough to ask.
"Important business." Was his curt reply.
"Why not go to Abdera first?" I asked. The land was closer and much vaster than Viridis Aurum.
The prince roughly sighed. "Why must you know? You are to protect me. That's it."
I bit my cheek. The prince rubbed his face and finally sat up. His eyes remained closed. No sight of those red eyes. He looked almost innocent, his long dark eyelashes in contrast with his platinum hair kissing his forehead. He looked devastating.
"Why must you know," he asked softer this time. More gentle. I thought of my words carefully.
"If I am to protect you, I need to understand what lies out there that I may need to be concerned about.
As a bodyguard, fighting is not my only responsibility.
I need to be strategic, be able to plan with you if there are enemies that await.
" The prince was quiet. He seemed to process what I said thoughtfully.
"And why do that, when I am the one that took you from your family."
"Because you threatened to slaughter all of them if I don't," I answered back without skipping a beat. His sudden chuckle made me ease my tensed shoulders.
"That does make more sense. Alright then."
"Alright, then what?"
"Alright, I will tell you." He sighed. I listened carefully, interested in what he had to reveal. "There were some... unexpected visitors that I had gotten news of that are currently visiting Abdera."
"Are they enemies of yours?" I couldn’t help the scepticism in my words. Wherever power travelled, enemies were sure to follow.
"Of sorts, they are well connected with my father. But I do not trust them; their presence feels... wrong."
"Wrong?" I ask.
"The blood within me dislikes when they are near. It's just a feeling." More questions flood my head, wanting to ask more personal questions as to why his fae instincts reacted that way. Or who these visitors were. But I stayed in my lane.
"Why are we going to these places?” I asked this instead.
"My, my, if you are asking all these questions, I should at least get to ask some about you." He smiled, his eyes still closed. It kept me at ease.
"You may ask," I answered with some confidence. There is not much to know anyways.
“Is that so...?” The shadows inside me crooned, making goosebumps arise on my arms.
“Sweet or savoury?” the prince asked. My thoughts could not comprehend what he was asking.
“Excuse me,”
“Food warrior. Food.” Was the prince’s glorious explanation. I could have almost laughed.
“Spicy. And sometimes sweet,” I answered truthfully. I loved spicy food and I loved my desserts even more. The prince only chuckled, smirking slightly.
“What about you?” I asked and was taken aback when the prince softly licked his lips and answered. “Sweet. Always sweet.”
"Why is your hair that colour?" I nearly reeled back from the next question. Remembering the dream, I had last night, I tried to keep my heartbeat under control, else if it is irregular, he might assume I was lying.
"I am not fond of the natural colour. Brighter, more fun colours were also used for aesthetics in the performance arena." I shrugged.
"Interesting. Why do you not like the natural colour?"
"No, you have to answer my question now about why we are visiting these lands," I shot back. The prince smiled lightly and I was glad his eyes were closed because my cheeks stained pink, my eyes wandered down his perfect cheekbones, his soft smile and then to his sharp jawline.
By the gods... was I checking him out?
His smile instantly faded when he answered, "I am to get the remaining lords of the lands to bend the knee to the king. He is to be the King to all of Terran. To rule all as one. That is my conquest." The shock of the answer stilled me.
“The king wants to rule all the lands?”
"Your turn."
I decided to be more honest about his previous question. "My hair reminds me of my upbringing. I do not like the resemblance," I answered truthfully. Only a few people in my life knew this, and now... he does.
"I can understand that. If I had my father's hair, I might feel the same, unfortunately, my sister inherited his blonde locks," he said. I ignored his mention of the king, my body went still but I had smiled nonetheless at his tease, it was a good thing he could not see it.
"Why are you doing this for your father, doesn't he have people who can do this for him?" I asked.
"Pass."
My lips tighten. He holds secrets, but so do I. Fair enough.
“Tell me what it’s like living in Apollo. I am sure living in the golden castle must be nice,” I asked carefully. The prince just snorted and stretched out.
“Personally, I hate it. Realistically, I tolerate it. The castle I mean. Apollo itself is in need of new leadership, therefore the people cannot be blamed. Growing up as the crown prince was not favourable when there is a plethora of expectations. And it certainly does not help when you have a sister that likes to burn things.” The prince muttered the last part.
I opened my mouth and closed it, not entirely knowing how to answer.
"I will let Inanov give you a list of lords and lands we will be visiting. Perhaps that may help you... strategise.” The prince mocked.
"Yes, appreciated," I simply answered. I needed to know what I was being forced into and where.
“What was it like growing up in the Kingdom of Darkness," the prince then asked, and my heart sank. He had already suspected my roots.
“I’m from the arena. I do not remember anything before that.
” Was the response I managed to come up with.
Before he could pry for anything more, I asked, "Did you not going to Abdera also have to do with your physical state?
Will having to face those visitors be too much in your condition?
" He opened his eyes and it startled me.
Bright and glowing. However, the whites of his eyes looked strained, almost as if he was looking into the sun for too long.
Just then, the carriage seemed to hit a rough path that felt like a bunch of uneven cobblestones.
It was futile trying to catch myself like earlier.
Strong, firm arms caught me, mere inches from the prince's face.
I breathed in sharply. The last time I was this close, he kissed me in front of Ezra.
He stiffened, also remembering. He moved wisps of my hair away from my face.
I looked into his cruel eyes that seemed soft now.
"I must compliment Lorian, you look absolutely breathtaking.
" He smelled like embers, fury and sage.
His body firm, with an arm circling around my waist, holding me up.
I didn't understand what this feeling was.
But I was getting goosebumps, and I unconsciously licked my lips.
His eyes darted to the action, like a predator.
He leaned in and time froze, I closed my eyes, holding my breath but an alarmed shout echoed outside.
We sprang apart. Our eyes wide, his facial expression quicker to school.
Danger was here. I pressed him behind me, as I held the carriage door.
"Stay here," I whispered harshly, trying to steady my breathing. Or... maybe I could let him die? The thought was not as appealing as I thought it would be.
"I am more powerful." Even in the state he was in, the pride in him radiated like a disease. He might as well be the King of Pride if not the Prince of Apollo.
"You’ll get us killed in that state. Stay put." I grit out.
"Just like Inanov. So bossy." He scoffed and folded his arms. I held the door tight, worried if Red was alright. I swung the door open and stepped out.
And was met with chaos and blood.