The King of Ruin

Bianca's Plan 1

30 Rigel of the year 13004

A gala. Val is hosting a gala. Why in Kaladrielion would he think I'd want this? Oh, wait. He doesn't care what I think. To him, I'm just a shiny object. Well once a month. My eyes glow with the full moon.

"And he wants me to do what?"

"Dance," Bianca passes me a cut-up apple. "You can still dance, right? You haven't forgotten,"

"Yes, I can still dance, what difference will it make? Val commands I be on my best behaviour."

"He is such a busybody. He acts like he runs the place. Yet he is only the prince."

Only the prince. Ha. Try telling that to Val. He's more likely to laugh in your face before admitting he's only a prince. Sure he's the heir, but Agni still has a few more centuries in him. We are fae after all. Immortality and all that.

Ugh. A whole eternity with Val. Gag me now.

I frown.

"Are you listening?"

"No,"

She huffs.

"The next solstice meeting is being held in Caledonia." Bianca points to the south court. Great one kingdom away from Father. That's all I need.

"We're still meeting your contact by the fountain on the first night,"

"Yes. I'll swing by your room on my way--" I slap my hand over Bianca's mouth.

She glares and goes to remove my hand. I make a motion for her to listen. She stops and listens. Two pairs of feet make noise as they walk towards the doors of my rooms. Bianca and I intently watch the doors. We practically hold our breath as the people pass by.

"That was too close," I remove my hand. "You should leave,"

Bianca nods.

She cleans up her plans and shoves them under her shirt. We walk to the doors. She gives me a look, to tell me to be ready for the next meeting. I open the doors and let her out. Silently as possible she leaves.
_____

Hours Later

"Last night as I left your rooms I heard Sol talking to Ward. Sol may have suspicions." Bianca hands me a cup of wine and sets a tray of food on my table.

"Of us or in general?" I pick up my fork and begin eating the eggs. "Sol has never trusted people."

"He trusts select few."

Yes but not me. We'll need to be careful. Even more so now. If Sol was lurking near my rooms he must think we're up to something. Lest he thinks were involved with each other. I wouldn't put it past him. He's never had to think for himself. At least not have opinions of his own.

Back in Aletheia, my favour dressmaker had a wife. Both females were wondrous. I wonder if I could convince them to send me dresses wherever I end up. The dressmakers here could learn a thing or two.

"Hurry up Val want to talk with you in the dining room."

"I hope he doesn't expect me to eat with him,"

"It's about the gala,"

"Oh."

"Hmm."

Quickly I finish my first meal of the day. Bianca leaves the tray to a pillar outside my rooms. The kitchen-maid will collect it on her rounds.

I let Bianca lead me to the dining room. It's a relatively short walk from my rooms. I'm thankful for the chance to not be stuck in four walls all the time. A change of scenery is welcome. Since arriving in Amberanian I've been stuck in my rooms, only leaving if I have to dine with Val, Agni and Blythe.

Val waits for us inside the dining room. He stares out the large bay window. Bianca stands by the door as I approach Val. I stop a few feet from him. Val doesn't turn to look at me as he tells me how he expects me to act.

I leave my face blank and ignore his demands. How does he expect me to act? I'm a princess not a whore. I'll act respectable and proper.
_____

5 Elara of the year 13004

Bianca's fist bangs on my door. "Hurry up!"

Bianca stumbles as I yank the door open. She sends a nasty glare my way. I return it with a smile. "Let's go."

Bianca hikes up her light red dress and briskly walks away, expecting me to follow. I take swift strides to catch up. It's not hard. Bianca is short. She's the same height as Hertha. And she's short. I haven't met anyone shorter than them.

I leave my blood-red dress as-is. I adjust the plunging v neck to sit more comfortably. I have little doubt Val picked it out. I remember as kids he'd fantasize about females in v neck dresses. He'd say they should wear red.

Now here I am wearing red.

The walk to the ballroom doesn't take long. Especially since Bianca was practically running.

Inside the walls have been lined with tables filled to the brim with food. Meats, fruit, fish, wine, salads and more. The room smells as fragrant as the foods and people filling it. Perfume from the oils females are wearing. A faint musk from the males. Nothing overpowers or overwhelms the other smells.

Val grabs me the moment he sees me. To dance.
_____

"I'm afraid I've worn myself out, I will see you tomorrow." I excuse myself and begin wrenching my arm out of Val's. His hand grabs my arm. Firmly.

"I'll escort you to your rooms,"

Damn.

I was hoping to avoid this by getting Bianca to do it. We make eye contact as I'm led out of the ballroom. I can tell she's not comfortable with leaving me with Val. I'm not either, but what can we do?

He's the prince. I'm his betrothed and Bianca is a captain in the royal guard. As much power we have he still trumps us.

I lose myself in my thoughts as we walk. It's easier said than done. My mind does wander to tonight's meeting. I remember seeing a layout of Caledonia's castle. Hopefully, Bianca is going to show me the route we'll take the night we leave. It's likely she won't.

I'm jolted back to reality when Val pushes me up against a wall. He pushes himself up against me. He's so close I can smell the wine wafting off his skin. Ugh. Gross.

Val leans down and tries to kiss me. With whatever amount of strength I have I push my hands against his chest. Val takes a few steps back. A ring of bright red erupts from Val's iris. The rest of his eyes become darker. Crap.

Val grips my arms with a greater force. It's so much force it hurts. The mark where Bianca and I made a pact flares with warmth. What? What do I focus on? Evading Val? Or the mark?

"Val!" Oh, my spirits... Bianca. "King Agni needs help walking to his rooms,"

Val growls. "Can't you do it?"

"Queen Blythe want you to,"

This seems to be enough reason to get Val off of me. He glares at Bianca. As he walks by her he mutters something. It's low enough I can't hear. I'll ask her later.