Chapter Text
“Look at me, Princess.”
King Enji of Boreas sits across from me with a menacing aura that has settled nations without lifting a single sword. The countries around him herald his nature as benevolent and warm like the fiery power he possesses just as they curse me to be malevolent and cold like the icy magic trickling through my veins.
Ironically, neither proposition rings with much truth from my observations.
“You have given me a week to court you and convince you of a marriage alliance with Notus.” I begin, setting down my teacup. “What if I were to tell you I’ll give you a week to sell the grandeur of Boreas to me?”
“I’d say you’re a fool.” Enji captures me in a heated gaze. “Why propose a marriage with me if you weren’t already placated with the kingdom you seek to become a part of?”
“Frankly, Your Highness, information about neighboring kingdoms offer little to satisfy me. Your scholars have surely told you of my country’s most recent war with Erebus, surely?”
“Yes. And how your family is the direct cause.” He growls out.
“Of course, you’d know that.” I nod, lacing my fingers together on the table. “But what your scholars can’t tell you is that right now the kingdom of Notus thrives with recovery efforts despite the despicable actions caused by my parents – they can’t tell you that our farms flourish with people banded together for good, or that the only reason my parents have sent me to marry you is because they intend to banish me with the hope it’ll cripple our land.”
“Lady Lachlan has told me about their motives, as you’ve asked.” Enji nods to the woman sitting under a Pagoda tree in the distance. “But that does little to convince me of seeing you as a suitable candidate given your reputation.”
“Ah, and that is another reason I do not trust common knowledge regarding the information related to your kingdom.” I sigh, forcing my facial expressions into submission.
He catches the irritation that flutters across my face before I can stop it, however.
“Is that so? A princess who is said to be cold and cruel. It would fit the preceding mold of your parents, who started a war for their own gain, don’t you think?” Enji leans closer over the table. “How can I trust that your offer isn’t just an attempt to elicit my sympathy and take my life? Is that why you won’t call off your guard dog? When you kill me, you’ll need a witness of your innocence, right?”
I’ve all but forgotten Toshinori’s presence behind me. Ever since I can remember he’s been charged with keeping me safe. He is my perfect protector, a shadow trailing after me wherever I go who has proven himself a symbol of peace and prosperity.
Across from me, the king of Boreas intends to intimidate, but only succeeds in making my blood buzz with a challenge. His cold blue eyes burn with passion that I find myself yearning to fuel.
“Were those rumors to be believed, that must mean you are a king benevolent and kind to all. A king slow to anger and quick to patience. Yet, here you sit, subtly accusing me of plotting your assassination as we sit for a cup of tea.” I chuckle, waving Toshinori off. “Leave us, Toshinori.”
He stiffens behind you.
“My princess–”
“That’s an order.” I ground out. “Give Lady Lachlan some company if you desire, or stand at the perimeter. But leave us.”
It takes a moment or two, but with a set jaw and a curt bow, he takes his leave.
“Does that offer you more comfort?” I raise a brow.
“Walk with me and I’ll decide.” Enji demands, rising abruptly.
I ignore the way Toshinori snaps his head in my direction when we walk by him and onto a trail into the nearby garden outside the courtyard. When he takes a step in my direction, I halt him with my hand.
“You’ll have to forgive Toshinori; he has protected me since I was a babe.” I observe the dying rose bushes and revive them with a wave of my hand.
Silence answers me as Enji walks straight ahead, leading me into a gazebo where he takes a seat and offers me the spot beside him. His warmth seeps into my skin as he crosses his ankles and pulls me against his side by the shoulders.
“You are fearless, I’ll give you that, Princess.” He holds me captive in his gaze – his demeanor relaxes for a breath – before his features crinkle with disdain. “But many princesses before have tried courting me and all have failed. Let’s say your story is true and your parents really are seeking to banish you to my kingdom, what’s the benefit of a marriage? Why shouldn’t I just send you back to Notus?”
A sharp breath skates past my nostrils as I let my hair hide an amused smile. Why shouldn’t you send me back? Well, I’d surely die. Of course, that means little to you.
Memories swirl in my mind like smoke as death reminds me of Grandpa. Of Grandpa squeezing my hand on his own deathbed – You will be a wise ruler one day and they will hate you for it, but if you remember nothing else, remember this: trust yourself. You are smarter than you think, my heart.
“You are free to do as you wish, for you are a king.” I shrug, shocked when his fingers link in mine. My heart drops to my toes while pink paints my cheeks. “But if you send me away you lose insider information on a neighboring kingdom that you’ve already discerned has rulers capable of foul play. I don’t care if you believe me or not, but sending me back to Notus will be my death sentence. With me by your side, regardless of if you trust me, I have information you will not find elsewhere at your disposal.”
An autumn breeze combs my hair and threatens to topple my crown, but I’m much too distracted with drawing fanciful shapes into the calloused skin of Enji’s palm.
I shiver and his hand comes under my chin. The rough, frigid edges of his glare dissolve into soft sunshine. Sunshine that sparkles and sprouts in my stomach until it encroaches around my lungs, making it impossible to breathe while in his radius.
“You are nothing like the rumors claim, Princess Arya.” He leans down.
“Neither are you, Your Highness.”
His lips brush against mine with enough pressure to please despite the brevity. My eyes close to help me reorient as he spins my world on its axis. When he withdraws, my mouth follows him with parted lips.
I swallow, blink, and straighten my back as he peers down at me.
“It is settled. I will take you as my bride.”
“You will?” I gasp.
“I will.”