The emperor hadn’t moved from the hearth, but his voice was firm, “Sit. We still have much to discuss.”
The prince held his hands out like she was a frightened animal he was trying to soothe, “Please Veralie. I promise to answer any questions you have.”
Gods that name! Why did they keep repeating that name? Her chest started heaving in and out as her panic brushed the surface. She pushed her hands against her chest, trying to maintain her composure.
“Your majesty—please—I need some fresh air—or I am going to vomit—all over this dress.”
The emperor looked ready to deny her request, but to her shuddering relief, the prince stepped forward and, gently grasping her elbow, turned her toward the door.
“I’m sorry, I can only imagine how overwhelming this must be. I should have considered the fact I’ve grown up knowing all of this, and you’ve had it thrown at you all in one night.”
He twisted at the waist, and he and his father stared at each other, communicating silently for a moment before the prince gave a small bow and led her back through the dining area toward the main doors.
Stepping through the doorway, Vera was shocked to see Trey still waiting, along with one other guard that she recognized as one of the men who’d accompanied Prince Eithan to Midpath. Coleman maybe?
Apparently, the prince didn’t trust anyone but his own men to protect them. She supposed that made sense if he truly intended for her to marry him. She couldn’t keep herself from wondering if Trey knew about all of it, and it only caused more bile to rise to her throat.
All she wanted to do was sprint out of the palace, but the prince was offering his arm and looking at her with concern. So, swallowing her anxiety, she wrapped her hand around his proffered arm and allowed him to walk her down the hallway. Trey and Maybe-Coleman followed, just far enough to give them privacy.
“Sul—My father can be abrupt and overbearing, but he has honorable intentions. He’s not one to fall prey to conventional ways of thinking, but he has Aleron’s best interest at heart. He has sought an alliance his entire reign, but our messengers to Bhasura have never returned.” He sighed, pulling her closer.
“I know he may have expected your agreement tonight, but I do not. Although I do hope you think about it, Veralie. It’s about more than just us. It’s about two lands and thousands of people. But I also, selfishly, don’t want a wife who will resent me for the rest of our lives.”
He spoke with such heart and conviction, she felt herself relaxing, just enough to quell the threatening nausea. The emperor had no qualms about ordering her into a marriage, and she had no doubt he would, but at least his son seemed to care about her opinion. So, she nodded as if she had a choice.
When they finally took a step outside, he released her arm. The instant lack of his warmth along with the chill of the night had her shivering. She welcomed it, allowing it to calm the remnants of panic still clinging to her chest.
“I must return, but Gibson will escort you back to your room.” She was momentarily confused until she saw him motion for Trey. Some friend she was. She’d completely forgotten his surname.
She held up her hands, “No, that’s all right, your highness. I know my way back. I’m sure Trey has more important matters to attend to for you.” The guard in question rolled his eyes at her.
“There is nothing more important than ensuring your safety, Veralie. And please, call me Eithan.” He smiled, taking her hand and brushing a featherlight kiss to her knuckles.
She knew by the way Trey’s eyes lit up, she had to be ten shades of red. Again. But she managed to return his smile with a shaky one of her own. “On one condition.”
His lips quirked to the side, and he squeezed her fingers lightly before dropping her hand. “Name it.”
“I will call you Eithan,” she said, and his eyes flared, “if you go back to calling me Vera.”
“But your birth name is beautiful.”
“I prefer Vera, your highness.” She batted her eyelashes, and he stepped back, laughing.
“Very well.” Inclining his head toward Trey, he said, “You answer to her the same as you would me, Gibson. Her life over yours.”
Trey saluted with a fist over his chest and bowed, but Eithan only had eyes for her before he and Maybe-Coleman slipped back into the palace.
∞∞∞
“So…Veralie huh?”
She glared daggers at those laughing brown eyes. “Don’t even start.”
The clear night air was working wonders to settle the whirlwind within her mind. She knew there was no chance of finding sleep tonight, but walking across the grounds, she at least felt a little less suffocated.
It only took a second for Trey’s long strides to catch up to her, and sensing him on her left, she asked, “Since you’ve been ordered to serve and protect me and all that nonsense, are you also allowed to speak openly with me?”
He tilted his head back to look up at the sky, contemplating her question. “I’d think so.”
“And?”
He huffed a quick breath out through his nose. “And Prince Eithan said that you’re some long-lost highborn noble and instructed us to protect you as dutifully as we would protect him.” He nudged her shoulder with his, “I won’t lie, I find it real fucking weird.”
She fought back an answering grin. “You’re not alone. I find it real fucking weird too.”
She wasn’t sure if she felt relief or sadness that Trey still didn’t know where she came from. She supposed if she went through with the whole marry-me-and-unite-our-lands idea, he’d figure it out sooner than later.
“Whether you’re a boring ass armory ward or a fancy noble lady, I got your back.” His laugh burst out as he dodged the elbow she shot his way.
“It’s not boring! You’ll thank me if you ever have to draw your blade, you twerp.”
He stepped closer and before she knew it, they were crossing the training grounds. She couldn’t help but wonder how much longer she’d live here if the emperor was set on his plan. It was a crazy thing to even think about. It just seemed too surreal. Like it was all some grand joke they were pulling to punish her for all her recent transgressions. She was an orphaned ward, as invisible as she was replaceable. She was no princess.
Vera looked around, already planning on coercing Elric to train with her in the morning. Regardless of how sore she might still be, it would help ease the frustration and pressure she felt around her soul. She was running through her possible persuasive arguments when she saw it.
Movement.
It was the same subtle movement she saw in Midpath. Just a slight flutter of the shadows. She drew up, darting her gaze around and quickly realizing Trey hadn’t seen it.