Chapter 19
“Of course, it’ll take some convincing of the King but I’d like to take the two of you back with me for only a short while and bring you back to your homeland. That’s if the two of you are up to it.”
Her bright smile was so genuine yet it made my stomach drop to the floor with anxiety.
Go back to Zanatra?
My eyes were wide and I went to open my mouth but Cassius quickly cut me off.
“That would be amazing! But why would we have to convince the king of anything?” His voice couldn’t hide his pure excitement and for a moment I felt happy for him. But the thought of the blood that was shed on those lands many years ago still stuck to me.
“Because no commoner has ever left his territory before, they’ve entered, but never exited.” I knew by the scowl on Cassius’ face who the voice belonged to.
I spun around in my chair to find Rhyland standing with his hands positioned behind his back.
Deep violet eyes met mine, but something seemed... colder about them today.
“Yes but they are not objects he can keep locked away for his personal use, and I think you know that as well.” Queen Fara looked towards Rhyland knowingly, causing me to furrow my eyebrows at the two.
“You’re right, but it still stands that he wouldn’t allow it. I know my father all too well-,”
“What if someone close to him tagged along.. you, perhaps? Of course his all honorable son would be able to change his mind.”
Cassius stood abruptly, creating a screeching noise with his chair against the stone.
“I will not-,”
“Cassius darling, Elijah needed to speak to you about something important in his room. I think both you and Raven would do good to go and see what it was while I sort out the details to this trip, shall we?”
Queen Fara seemed to want to speak with Rhyland alone and I wasn’t one to step in the way, apart of me wanted this for Cassius. But the other part of me hoped he would decline her offer so the journey would be cancelled.
Rhyland’s POV
I watched as the two stepped away, not missing the side eye I was receiving from Cassius.
I still don’t understand what I did to that kid.
Once we were finally alone, I took a seat infront of Queen Fara and crossed my arms over my chest.
“Why would you ask for my help when you could easily go to my father yourself. Your an honorable woman, he just might-,”
“He’d say no without hesitation, you said so yourself.”
Her face dropped the smile it held earlier and she leaned forward slightly just so her voice wasn’t heard by any person around us.
“ I seen the way you panicked when Raven was about to kill that little braty girlfriend of yours. The thing that caught my attention was that you didn’t seem to panic over Jasmine... but Raven.”
I rolled my eyes and slumped back into my chair.
“She wasn’t my girlfriend.”
“Ugh, men I swear. Is that all you got from that?”
She scoffed and took a sip of her bubbling champagne that sat infront of her. I watched her body language to see if this was some sick joke to get me away from the kingdom and bring me upon my downfall but I recieved nothing but precision.
Maybe I’m too paranoid.
“The thing is, I seen the look in your eyes. You had no other task in mind other than protecting Raven. What better way to get what we both want? I want them back on their homeland and you get more time with Raven.”
After a moment without me answering she took it upon herself and continued.
“Besides, think about how miserable you’d be without her running around causing mayhem.”
My eyes fell at that, she was right. I didn’t like the thought of Raven going somewhere without me close by. Cassius can protect her, but not like I could.
The thought of her being in the hands of anyone else, especially Elijah, irked me more than I thought it would.
“Oh, I see I’ve make those little wheels in that head of yours turn.” She smiled over at me and I just grimaced.
“For how long?”
“Only a few weeks.”
This is going to take a good while to convince father, but I could try.
I sent her a nod and stood up, but her voice stopped me from walking away.
“Thank you.”
I didn’t replay, just turned around and walked inside the castle.
How the hell am I suppose to convince my father into something like this?
I pushed my way through the double door towards the throne room where I knew he’d still be seeing as he could hardly walk.
Maybe now would be the perfect time to ask him such a thing.
Pushing my way past the guards and into the room, I seen my father slouched over with his face in his hands.
“Father.”
I spoke up and his head lifted slightly, his eyes brightened as he threw his hand up.
“Hey! There’s my son! What’s wrong my boy?” He smiled down at me and I crinkled my nose at his words. He hadn’t spoken to me in such a way since I was little.
“Queen Fara is wanting to take the Blueblood and her brother to their homeland-,”
“WHAT!?”
He seethed and I turned my head slightly to try and miss the most of the shout.
“Calm down, I have a proposal.” I smirked and he leaned forward with a raised eyebrow.
“Well, go on boy I’m listened.” He gestured I continue with his hand and so I did.
“I could go along with them, get the ins and out of the land and bring what I found back to you. Besides, I’ve heard the land is one many fawn over and expanding your territory would be in your best interest.”
I admit, I even cringed at my own words.
This man was so power hungry I knew that my proposal would capture his attention, which it did. His eyes seemed to light up in pride as he looked down at me.
“This is why you’ll one day rule this kingdom. You’re just as smart as your old man.” He grinned and I just nodded towards him, his actions were because the alcohol, not because he actually meant it.
“For how long?”
“A few weeks, maximum.” I stated and he leaned back, stroking his beard.
“You’ll be back for the royal ball, correct? Many people will be expecting you there.”
I mentally rolled my eyes.
“Of course I’ll be there.”
His smile reached his eyes and he let out a laugh that bellowed from his belly.
His laughter filled the room as I turned to leave the room, when I reached the double doors, I found myself slightly smiling.
Well, that was a lot easier than I thought it would be.
I walked down the hallway and towards my chamber, as I turned down it I caught a surprise I wasn’t expecting in the slightest.
The beautiful black haired girl stood pacing infront of my door, looking as if she were hesitating to knock.
“Hey how’s it.. no that sounds stupid.” She mumbled to herself and I smirked, propping myself up against the wall beside me to watch her.
Her small hand reached out to tap on my door again before she pulled it back once more.
“Why am I so nervous, just knock on the door Raven. My gods!” She whisper shouted to herself and a small chuckle left me.
Her eyes darted into my direction and widened before they narrowed into slits.
“How long have you been there?” She asked and I just shrugged.
“Long enough to tell you that nothing is ever scary enough not to knock on my door if you need to.” I reply and her eyes change slightly with an emotion I can’t quite pin yet because I’ve never seen it on her.
“Oh.. uh, well thank you.” Her tiny voice spoke up and I looked down at her.
“What is it that you needed?”
“Oh! Right, uh about the trip thing, your father said no.. didn’t he?” She asked, her fingers twiddling together in anticipation.
“No he was quite on board with it actually.” I smiled down at her but the look on her face made my smile drop completely. Her eyes slightly fell as if she wasn’t happy with what I had just said.
Why wouldn’t she be happy?
“Is that not what you wanted to hear?” At the sound of my voice, her eyes jumped back up to mine and she smiled a tight smile before shaking her head.
“No that’s exiting news! I- uh I’m just surprised is all.”
I could see that what she was saying was a complete lie but I didn’t push it. Instead, I stepped forward and noticed her breathing pick up just by my small step.
Was she scared of me?
“If there’s something bothering you, you can tell me. Besides, I’m far from being biased so I’m clearly the obvious choice.”
Her real smile appeared on her lips and I felt myself feel accomplished just from making her smile today.
What the hell is wrong with me?
I shook off the feeling to enjoy the moment.
“I haven’t been to my homeland since I was young, very young.”
She admitted and my brows furrowed together at this.
“Wouldn’t that make you even more excited to go visit it then?” I asked and she began twiddling her fingers again as her head dipped down towards the floor.
“What if it’s not what I expect it to be?” She mumbled and I moved before even noticing my actions, my finger slipping under her chin to lift her eyes back to mine. Gods I hated when her gaze left mine for even the slightest bit.
“If it’s even holds a fraction of beauty that you hold, it would be breathtaking to anyone that sets foot onto it.”
My eyes widened at my words but I couldn’t bring myself to take them back because... well.. I meant them.
Her lips slowly upturned into a cheeky smile and I withdrew my finger from her chin.
“Who knew the prince could be so charming.” She muttered and I smirked down at her.
“Don’t tell anyone, I have a reputation to keep.” I threw her a wink and her cheeks blushed bright red as she nodded. Before I could say another word she scurried past me and down the hall.
That girl..
That girl was getting to me and I’m not sure I want that feeling to stop.
Even if it went against everything my father ever preached to me.
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