The news of the murdered maid spread inside the Palace like wildfire.
An hour after Jayden and Mina told the King about what they had discovered, Lord Ferry came to the Royal Palace to see and examine the body. A small vial of poison and a scrap of parchment on which ‘put two drops in the young prince’s tea’ was written had been found in her pocket. Under the mattress of her bed, the maid kept a small satchel full of gold and three letters.
After some insistence, Lord Ferry showed Jayden the contents of the letters.
‘Find the one responsible for Alvey’s death and kill him.’
‘Alvey had a child. Find out more!’
‘Orest is dead. Alvey’s child is our last hope!’
Whoever sent the letters to the maid signed them with the initial R.
Lord Ferry and Jayden spoke with King Baswein and Prince Liam, but the names of Orest and Alvey didn’t ring a bell to any of them. Except for Mina, for she was sure she had heard those names before. But where?
Memories of hot summer days spent in her room studying with her teacher came to Mina’s mind. The teacher was an old man and was very insistent on Mina learning the names of the family members of the most influential families from Nodor. But he also made Mina learn about the other four kingdoms on the Uslaya Continent. There was the Kingdom of Litus, the one that attacked Nodor and was home to the most feared Necromancer on the continent. Then there was Yeton, where gypsies lived. Hepys was the land of mercenaries and assassins and the most feared kingdom on the continent. And the smallest kingdom on Uslaya was Sitia. Mostly Elves and shapeshifters lived there.
What if Orest and Alvey were members of an elite family? But from which kingdom?
Since the person responsible for Nolan’s poisoning had been found, the gates of the Royal Palace had been opened. There was still the question of who killed the maid or who put her to poison the little prince. Two of the maids working in the kitchen claimed that in the last two weeks, Klarisa, the dead maid, had been insisting on taking out the garbage around the same hour. Lord Ferry was sure she was meeting with someone there. Perhaps a lover from the state in which Klarisa had been found.
An investigation had been opened to find out more about Klarisa, the three letters, her lover, and who ordered her to kill Nolan.
It was almost dawn when Lord Ferry left the King’s Study.
The King, Prince Liam, and Rosalyn were sitting around the desk while Mina and Jayden were on the sofa. Hugo sat across from the sofa in one of the armchairs, studying a copy of Lord Ferry's report about Klarisa’s murder. Duke Tedric had excused himself earlier and retired to his room.
A small tray with cookies and tea was on the coffee table. Jayden put Mina’s empty cup on the tray and arranged her shawl around her shoulders before taking her hand into his and interlacing their fingers. His big palm engulfed her little one gently, yet his grip was strong. A tress of hair escaped from behind Mina’s ear, and Jayden put it back in its place, his lips curling up, joy twinkling in his blue eyes.
Mina’s heart skipped a beat.
Had Jayden always been so handsome?
Jayden dipped his head and was about to kiss Mina when Hugo cleared his throat. Jayden clenched his jaw and turned his attention to Hugo. Then he blinked as if remembering where he was.
Mina tried not to blush, but she was sure she had failed. Kisses between couples were normal. Of course, not in front of the entire family, but it made Mina happy to know Jayden enjoyed tasting her lips so much that he forgot about everything. Even the King.
Rosalyn’s face was expressionless, but her eyes reflected so much hate it scared Mina. If not for Jayden’s strong hold on her hand, she would have probably fled from the Study Room. She would have put as much distance as possible between herself and the Royal Palace. And maybe even run away from Athea altogether, for who knows what evil and twisted ideas were rushing through Rosalyn’s mind at that moment. Mina was sure Rosalyn wouldn't forget so easily all the things Jayden told her.
Ever since Mina heard the discussion between Jayden and Rosalyn, she kept thinking about the things Rosalyn said.
What did Rosalyn do for Jayden? Would he leave Mina when he finds out? Rosalyn was confident Jayden would return to her when she told him the truth. Mina would be heartbroken if that were to happen. She had started to care for Jayden. He was fun and smart and understood her as no other person did.
If Jayden were to leave, Mina would die… of grief.
Mina stilled. Her eyes fell on Jayden’s hand, fear gripping her heart so hard she felt as if she could not breathe. She needed to get out of the Study, away from Jayden, to a quiet place where she could think.
Jayden squeezed Mina’s hand, and she found herself relaxing. The fear dissipated. She lifted her head and stared at Hugo. Sadness and joy were written on his face, and when he slightly nodded, Mina smiled. But it wasn’t a happy smile, but a sad one. And it vanished before anyone else except Hugo could see it.
Prince Liam observed Mina in silence, guilt written in his eyes. Since the previous day, Mina had been avoiding Prince Liam like the plague, not knowing what to say to him. She knew Prince Liam was sorry for what happened in the Throne Room, and in her heart, she forgave him. But she needed time to forget the look of disgust in his eyes when he thought the worst of her.
“Time to take Mina home. I’ve had enough of this palace to last me a lifetime!” Jayden said and was about to stand when the King put a hand in the air, stopping him.
“Commander Jayden,” King Baswein shifted in his chair, “I know many hurtful things were said yesterday, and for that, I am sorry.” Jayden snorted, not convinced the King was telling the truth. “Commander Skard, from the Infantry Division, sent me a report. He and the other Commanders will reach Athea in two days. Yeltane Festival is in six days, and a masquerade ball is always hosted on the night of the festival. Nodor won the war with Litus thanks to you, and I want to show you my gratitude—” King Baswein kept talking, and Jayden’s eyes shot up, an expression of disbelief on his face, “—during this year’s ball we will celebrate not only your victory but also your wedding.”
Jayden flicked his gaze from the King to the Prince and Rosalyn. “I have met many people in my life. It is not a secret that I was born and grew up in a brothel. My mother was the one who kept the entire place clean, and due to her poor health, I had helped her numerous times. During those times, I met many people—rich, poor, young, old. Some liked to lie, while others only told the truth. But until yesterday, I had never met a family of hypocrites!” The King wanted to say something, but Jayden kept on, “While everyone is ready to brush everything under the rug, all the things said about Mina, I won’t do the same because each time I close my eyes, I see the hurt in Mina’s eyes. Her heart shattered when friends or family members called her all those names just because Count Dickless—” Hugo smirked while the King furrowed his brows “—likes to gossip like an old maid. And he is not the only one!" He threw Rosalyn a gaze full of hate. "And even if Mina hadn’t been a virgin, that would have been my problem, and no one else had a right to say anything about it! While most men feel emasculated if their wives have previous experiences, I don’t think the same. But now that everyone has seen the blood stain on the sheet and the ‘so important’ Yenge tradition has been fulfilled, you want to celebrate my wedding during Yeltane Festival! Not only will Mina and I not be attending the ball, but I hope I don’t have to deal with any of you ever again!”
Rosalyn arranged her dress. “The only hypocrite in this room is you, Jayden!” Prince Liam whipped his head in her direction, but she didn’t seem to notice. “King Baswein is doing all he can to show he is sorry for how Mina has been treated. Not that she is not used to hearing all kinds of things said about her. I am sure she forgot all about it. All the prominent people in Athea will be present at the ball, wanting to meet you in person and learn about your life. They will want to meet Mina as well. And since this is Mina's first time being invited to a ball, I am sure she can hardly wait for the opening dance. After all, this year, the first dance belongs to Mina and you. I hope she doesn’t embarrass you since she has never danced before.”
Jayden stood, tugging Mina after him. “I already said Mina and I would not be present at the ball!”
Rosalyn smiled. “Can’t say I don’t understand. If I were you, I wouldn’t want to let everyone know I got married to a half-gypsy out of pity, either!”
“Rosalyn!” Prince Liam said in a harsh tone. “I have had enough of you talking like that about Mina! Always mocking her because of her skin color! Or everything that has to do with Mina! She is not only your cousin but also my dear friend!”
Jayden snorted before looking straight into Rosalyn’s eyes. “Let me make one thing clear, Princess Rosalyn. For me, Mina is the most beautiful woman in the entire world. I did not marry her out of pity; it was the other way around. She took pity on my soul and accepted to be my wife! You say Mina doesn’t know how to dance? Have you ever seen a woman belly-dance with a sword? I have to say it is a sight to behold! But that is only for my eyes because a gypsy woman only dances for her husband!”
“Not to talk about her voice!” Hugo added, and Jayden knitted his brows. “Even the birds stop to listen when Mina sings! I have to say, Commander, you might be a bastard, but you are one lucky bastard! Mina is worth more than all the gold and gems the Mercenary King has!”
Jayden smiled. “Trust me, I know. Now, I have already lost a lot of time.”
The King rose from his chair. “Commander Jayden, I understand why you are upset, but please think about the ball. Invitations have already been sent. It will be the only ball hosted before you move to Ora Dorei.”
Hugo cocked his head. “You are moving to Ora Dorei?”
“Yes. Right after the Litha festival,” replied Jayden.
Rosalyn turned pale, and her hands shook. “But… but… You can’t move!”
Prince Liam looked at his wife, but she was staring at Jayden. Some tears pooled in her eyes, and Prince Liam’s gaze darkened. “Go to our room!”
“But!” Rosalyn protested.
“Now!” the Prince ordered her.
“But you can’t let Jayden take Mina away from Athea! I might be harsh with her, but it is only because I love her!” Rosalyn said.
“I won’t repeat myself!” the Prince said. “And where *Commander* Jayden and Mina decide to live is not your problem!”
Rosalyn left the Study Room, her back straight, her husband's eyes on her until she closed the door behind her.
Sometime later, Jayden and Mina left the Royal Palace behind. The moment they were in a carriage, Jayden leaned back on the couch, closed his eyes, and groaned.
“Gods! The Royal Palace and everyone living there are a fucking nightmare! It felt as if a year had passed, not a day!” Jayden complained. "Mina?"
"Yes?"
"You understand why we can't go to the ball?"
Mina squeezed his hand. "You will be on Isyleon Island."
"Chained!" Jayden groaned.
Mina laughed while fiddling with her shawl. They were quiet for a few minutes.
“Rosalyn knows your plans of moving away from Athea. I am sure she will try to stop you,” said Mina.
Jayden opened his eyes, closed the curtains, kissed Mina’s neck, and cupped her left breast.
“Jayden!” Mina gasped. “This is not the time to do these sorts of things! Or the place! And Rosalyn!”
“She can go eat dirt for all I care! And you are wrong! This is the perfect place to kiss and touch you! Or you forgot about yesterday?" Mina blushed furiously, and Jayden chuckled before pressing his mouth to her skin. His lips made their way from her neck to her jaw, cheek, and finally to her lips. His kisses were gentle, but Mina felt as if she was burning. She wanted more. All of him. He pulled away after a while and looked into her eyes. “You need to learn how to defend yourself.”
Mina put her palm on his chest, his strong heart beating at the same rhythm as hers. “I am not a damsel in distress, you know.” When Jayden didn't seem to be convinced, Mina looked up into his eyes. “What? Did you really think I would enter the sewers without knowing how to throw a punch or use a dagger? I might have gotten into a fight or two. A kick to the groin always did the trick.”
Jayden laughed. “And here I was, thinking I was a knight in shining armor, only to find out my wife is a tomboy!”
“Well, Prince Charming, not all women want a knight. Some want to be the knight,” Mina teased.
Jayden chuckled. “Prince Charming?”
Mina ran her fingers over his cheek. “You are handsome enough.”
“Handsome enough?” he asked and tickled her.
“Jayden, no! Please! I hate to be tickled!”
He stopped. “Mina. I—” His eyes turned golden. “Do you remember when you asked me if I was happy with you?”
“Yes,” Mina breathed.
“You make me so happy, Mina. So very, very happy.”
Mina’s heart filled with joy. She smiled, and he gazed at her with so much tenderness she forgot to breathe. “You make me happy, too!”
“You are mine, little mate. Now and forever!” Jayden said before kissing her.
When the carriage stopped in front of their house, two long-forgotten memories came rushing into Mina’s memory. One of her father teaching her how to use a dagger and the second of her mother reading the future in tea leaves. And Mina frowned.
“What is it?” Jayden asked as he helped Mina get out of the carriage.
“Nothing. Just some lessons my parents taught me.”
Jayden paid the coachman. “About?” he asked as he opened the front door.
Belle and Violet were helping a young woman arrange flowers on the table in the middle of the foyer. The woman turned around to see who had entered the house, and Mina wondered who she was.
The woman had long, ash blonde hair, a heart-shaped face, and beautiful big, round grey eyes. There was sadness in her eyes but also determination. A simple lilac dress hugged her body, and her stomach had a small bump, indicating she was pregnant.
As soon as the little girls saw Mina, they squealed with happiness and jumped to hug her.
“Who the darkness are you?” Jayden growled.
“Karra!” replied the woman.