Chapter 12
Iris
Returning to the cold cell was like having your warm rug of comfort being pulled out under your feet, and then left alone to deal with the cold that comes.
That was my situation after the guard dragged me out from the comfortable room I'd gotten used to and brought me back to this Godforsaken hell hole.
I was so sad that the tears remained in my tear ducts, refusing to roll down my cheeks.
Loneliness reared its ugly head again, this time it was more real and prominent. I just wished that the Alpha prince hadn't ordered me to be taken care of, I might have been in a better place with my parents.
The hinges of the iron bars clanked and I stared at its direction. My lips stretched into a wide smile as Hazel's figure advanced towards me in a hurry.
"Hazel, you are here," I said warmly and rose to hug her.
She patted my shoulder and lowered herself onto the ground. "If Prince Gradel finds me here, he'll have my head, but I couldn't stay back knowing that you haven't eaten anything. So I brought this for you,"
She raised the skirt of her dress and some items fell to the ground. I bent down, picked them up and a gasp fell out from my lips.
"How were you able to bring this over? He'll really have your head-" I whispered sternly and she palmed my lips, stopping me from speaking further.
She placed a finger on her lips and darted her gaze towards the door. "Shush! Iris, do you want to eat or not?"
"I'm sorry," I muttered when she removed her hand. "I'm just worried about you. You know Prince Gradel doesn't want anyone to visit me."
"Well, I was able to gain entrance under the guise of your weakness, after reminding them that the prince ordered that you should be taken care of," She explained.
I nodded as I descended on the bread and jam she brought for me. It was so fluffy and delicious that I gobbled it in a jiffy, then I reached for the chicken that was wrapped in leaves and bit a huge chunk of it, masticating it quickly even though I'd have preferred savoring the taste.
Some bits of the chicken took the wrong path in my throat, initiating a violent cough. My eyes turned red and I dropped the chicken while she handed me a bottle of water and rubbed my back gently.
"Sorry about that, Iris. Are you done?" She asked, and spared a glance at the door and then her hand froze on my back.
My eyes trailed towards the source of her shock and I shrank backwards.
Prince Gradel was in the cell, his hands folded behind him and his expression, a solid mask of anger and another feeling I couldn't describe.
"What. Is. Going. On. Here?" He thundered, approaching us with his usual predatory steps.
My throat suddenly became clogged and my mouth remained open. I darted a gaze at Hazel and found her trembling, even her teeth were clattering like a baby left in the cold.
If we weren't in a near-death situation, I'd have burst into laughter.
"Did your mouths suddenly go on a vacation?" His loud voice reverberated in the cell and immediately the guards stormed in, waiting for the prince's orders.
Hazel crawled backward till she got to me. We linked our arms together while I patted her shoulder as a way to assure her that everything would be alright.
"She brought me breakfast because I haven't eaten anything after I fainted," I explained, inclining my head. "I'm sorry," I added.
"Leave, everyone," He said with a calm tone that left no room for disobedience.
He didn't have to say it twice as Hazel and the guards scampered away. I wasn't scared of dying I was hoping that he would tell me that he had lost his patience so I had to be executed.
"Good morning, Prince Gradel. What brings you here?" I asked quietly, poking at one of the numerous holes in my dress.
He didn't respond, instead, he paced around with his lips pursed so I let him be while contemplating finishing the remaining chicken or awaiting his verdict.
"All these while," He began as soon as I picked up the chicken. "I've fed myself with the imagination of having your head on a platter, but that dream has been squashed because it won't be happening anymore." His face fell as if he was grossly disappointed and that meant one thing.
I got to my feet as a small smile played on my lips and my body became giddy with anticipation. "Are you trying to say that the execution won't go through? Has the ring been found?" My smile broadened.
His lips twitched and he pinched his forehead with a shake of his head.
"I wish," He snorted.
"What do you mean?" My voice quivered as the rays of hope that shimmered before my eyes vanished and I began to connect the puzzle.
"I don't even know why I'm here," He continued pacing around, his expressionless mask slipping away.
It was strange to see him this way, very concerned, if I dare think because he never cared for me. He wanted to have my head.
"My eyes are getting dizzy with your endless movements, sir. Do you want me to collapse again before you tell me what my present fate is?"
"I'm not obligated to tell you this, but my father has passed an order that you should be sentenced to death tomorrow. According to him, you are a criminal and everyone should be notified of your crimes." He informed and my knees weakened.
I staggered backward and leaned on the wall for support, my breathing hitched. For a moment I couldn't speak. My chest constricted and a stabbing pain tore through it.
This wasn't part of the plans. I didn't expect my silly actions to blow up in my face, so I asked the question that had been bothering me since he stepped in.
"If you hated me as much as I know you do, why are you telling me all of this? Why do you care when I know you don't?" I asked curtly