Chapter 11 CHAPTER ELEVEN
ROSALINDA
"You pleaded for me," Valerius said, his voice a low gravelly rumble that seemed to ripple through the sudden quiet hall. He had stopped a few paces ahead, turning to face me. "Thank you,"
"I didn't plead for you, Valerius," I retorted, lifting my chin high. "I did it for your people. Don't mistake my humanity for foolishness,"
"I never did," he replied, his expression unreadable. "I just found it weird, that's all,"
"I'm not heartless like you are, nor like your late, lamented father,"
The words were harsh and cruel, but we both knew that was the truth. Valerius being here would cause chaos and arguments between the seven kingdoms but....what could I do? The deed had already been done and this time, I was the one behind it.
He chuckled softly, snapping me from my thoughts, it was a sound that did nothing to soothe the tension only heightened it. Then to my utter surprise, he began to fidget with his fingers, rubbing his thumbs together, a strange nervous gesture I had never in all my life witnessed from the notoriously unflappable Prince. His shoulders, usually broad and commanding even when injured, seemed to slump almost imperceptibly.
I arched a brow, clearly amusement at the scene that was unfolding in front of me. "Are you...nervous?"
He shrugged, then straightened up, that flicker of vulnerability vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Well, there's a first time for everything, right, Princess? However...don't get used to it,"
"I wasn't planning to," I retorted.
"Good."
"Goodnight, Valerius." I said in a crisp tone, dismissing him. I'd had enough of his theatrics for one night.
"Goodnight, Princess Rosalinda." He said as he gave a slight, formal bow, then turned and walked away. His heavy boots clanking softly on the stone floor as he disappeared around the bend in the corridor.
Good Riddance
I hadn't even taken up to three steps, my mind still reeling from the chaos that happened in the throne room earlier before Zade bumped into me.
"Zade!" I gasped, taking a step back in shock. Despite how loud my voice was he didn't look, rather he was staring at something above my head, I followed his line of sight to see his gaze trailing Valerius, I looked back at him to see a deep frown etched on his lips.
"Hey," I said softly, reaching out to touch his arm, hoping his eyes would snap down at me. Luckily for me, it did. The moment they met mine, the hard lines around his mouth softened and the anger in his gaze melted into something warm.
"Hey," he murmured.
I reached out and stroked his cheek, feeling the softness of his skin beneath my fingertips. "He won't be trouble," I said, trying to reassure him.
I had hoped I was right, but a part of me, the part that had seen the cold glint in Valerius's eyes wasn't so sure.
Perhaps it's because of what had happened between our kingdom ten years ago. Maybe that's why I'm so scared and maybe Valerius isn't as bad as I think he was.
"Don't you hate him?"
I should hate him so much, but why couldn't I?
"I really should," I admitted, staring into his eyes. "But I just can't."
He leaned into my hand, a gesture that made my cheeks flush. "I trust in you and your judgment, Rosalinda, always. But for this one, I just hope you're right."
So do I.
"Come on, let me escort you back to your chambers. It's been a long day."
I smiled as he intertwined our fingers. "Okay."
The day had really been an emotional rollercoaster, from Zade's sudden kiss, me bringing up Grayson and now the terrifying arrival of Valerius.
We walked side by side, hands intertwined. When we reached my door, he stopped, his gaze sweeping over Cole who stood a few feet away from us. Just as Zade opened his mouth to speak, Cyrus appeared from the corridor. Immediately, I looked away, focusing my attention on anything else but him.
"Sire, I-" he began but was cut short when Zade interrupted him.
"Can it wait?" He said, his voice laced with impatience.
I looked back at Cyrus who seemed a bit confused then nodded and walked away. "You too Cole." I heard Zade say. Cole looked back and forth between us then bowed and left.
"Why are you-" I was cut short when he pressed his lips against mine, I kissed him back instantly, a starved gasp escaping my throat. His lips were soft but demanding, my fingers found their way into this thick curly blonde hair pulling him closer, deepening the kiss.
His strong arms wrap around my waist, pressing me tightly against his hard, muscled body until not an inch of space remained between us. The world outside the confines of my chambers door melted away, leaving only the warmth of his mouth on mine, the intoxicating scent of him, the frantic beat of my own heart against my ribs. I felt a ache bloom in my belly, a craving for more than just a kiss.
He pulled away slowly, his eyes still heavy-lidded as he looked down at me. His breathing was as ragged as mine. "We were interrupted before," he chuckled.
My blush intensified, spreading down my neck. I cleared my throat, avoiding his eyes. I hoped to all the gods he wouldn't press the issue of what I said earlier - mentioning Grayson. I couldn't bear to explain the complicated, messy history between Grayson and I, not now, not ever. If he connected those dots to Cyrus, everything would come crashing down. It would ruin everything, not just for us, but for our kingdoms. The secret felt suffocating, it lay coiled in my gut like a venomous snake.
He leaned in again, taking me by surprise and gently pecked my forehead, a tender almost chaste gesture that was a stark contrast to the fire we'd just shared. "Goodnight Rosalinda."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me leaning against my chamber door breathless and flustered. I watched as he disappeared down the hall, then I slipped inside, closing the door behind me with a soft click.
Oh God- I was falling for him faster than I thought.
It should be a good thing, but why did I feel so guilty?