Chapter 27 #2
Although she radiated the wish to explore, I pulled her further into my space, to the heart of my chambers. Her lips parted slightly as she spotted the massive four-poster bed enveloped in heavy black curtains dominating the room.
Only—what in Kalag’s fucking name was that?
Dumbfounded, my eyes wandered from my bed to the windows.
Fuck me.
Someone had installed new drapes while I’d been away.
New fucking drapes.
All that pondering, in vain.
Confused, the unauthorized change to my quarters threw me off more than I could have imagined, and I cautiously tasted the concept of mulling over if I wanted my old drapes back or if I simply would set the new ones on fire the very moment I turned my back on the palace forever.
As usual, the tiny female dragged me from the depths of my compulsive mind.
“Oh, Dion. Look at all that. There’s a grand piano. Oh, is it broken?”
“Yes. Before my parents died and my education focused only on battle, I played a lot. The piano was my favorite instrument. One day, if you want, I’ll tell you the story.
But not now.” I’d approached the black grand piano and lightly stroked over the polished wood, which was marred by a huge gash running through the whole corpus.
The vise clamping around my chest surprised me to no end, and to my shock, I had to fight to keep my eyes from glossing over.
What was that? I’d passed the stupid thing a million times, and suddenly, my heart was breaking once again?
Gods, I wouldn’t allow that.
“How…did they die?”
“When I came into my magic, at an age comparable to twelve winters old in human terms, my mother was assassinated with poison. Galrach deemed her too soft, although this sounds like a bullshit excuse to me, and I assume there’s more to the story.
Anyway, he blamed her murder on my father and ordered his execution.
He raised me as his ward, and then, when I’d reached maturity, he officially installed me as his heir instead of Antas or any hypothetical child he’d sired out of wedlock.
Even though all that occurred prior to Galanta’s unification, I’m sure Galrach had everything planned out.
He’s a tactician and schemer like none other. ”
Nayana’s eyes were full of horror, and her fists clenched and unclenched before she flung herself at me, embracing me tightly. Gods, if I’d figured out how painful memories made her affectionate, I would have spilled some stories earlier. Or not.
“I’m so sorry, Dion.”
“This happened a long time ago, and anyway, I don’t like speaking about my fucked-up past.” As I wrapped my arms around her tiny form, I settled on using this moment to my advantage, for I was confident that once she heard what I’d decided, a discussion would follow.
“While I have your attention, there’s something important. ”
“What is it, princeling?”
“I want you to sleep here, in my bedchambers.”
“Sure. Where will you be sleeping then?”
“Also in my bedchambers.”
“Not going to happen. We’re in a castle with a million rooms, which has enough space for me to have my privacy again, thank you very much. In Ivreiana, we only shared accommodations because we were guests, and I couldn’t exactly demand a suite on my own.”
Gods, this female and her unnecessary desire for independence. “Again, this isn’t the right time for your sensitivities.”
Nayana surprised me when she backed off, then charged and tackled me in frustration. Her attempt resembled a kitten trying to scratch a lion, and I chuckled.
“I loathe you, Dionadair Dorchadas Coroin De’An Scriosta.”
She was grinning in triumph when a wince escaped my throat.
“Can you recall that I asked you for your full name back in Ivreia? Seems I was spot-on; chastising you with the unabbreviated version has quite the impact. Wouldn’t you agree, princeling?”
Suddenly, amusement took over. Sure, she’d landed a surprise hit, but I could easily change who came out on top. “Oh, you remember my entire name,” I purred. “Down to the correct pronunciation. Are you aiming to impress me?”
Nayana produced the most adorable frustrated sound, and I couldn’t resist tucking her into my chest. She didn’t struggle, and I banked this as a win. My lungs expanded as I took in her scent, my chin resting on the crown of her head.
“Let me have my own room, Dion.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not risking that someone with malevolent intentions sneaks into your chambers at night.
No one is beyond bribery, especially not when their target isn’t fae.
On top of that, only five minutes ago, I told you that my grandfather had his own daughter assassinated, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do if a deed helped his fucked-up plans.
How can I protect you from him if I’m not close to you? ”
“I don’t think that your grandfather has malicious intent toward me. After all, doesn’t he want you to be as powerful as possible?”
“Sorry Naya, but you’re naive. And I’m responsible for your safety.”
“Strictly speaking, we’re not traveling anymore.”
“Even if our bargain from Ivreia is history, I’d still tie you to the bed for security reasons.
And since you’d loathe that even more, you really should see reason and stay right by my side during the nights of your own volition.
That’s my last word. Now, through that door over there is a washroom. You might want to freshen up.”
If I didn’t put a stop to the discussion, she’d argue with me until all eternity. So I picked her up, shoved her into the bathing chamber, and shut the door between us.
Leaning against the wooden surface, exasperated by the mere fact of being back in Alaiann, I closed my eyes and sighed. One of these days, she would be the death of me.