Her Secret

Chapter 8

     They had arrived at the Dragomir palace just a few hours ago. Cassiopeia’s violet eyes marvelled the exquisite building, luxurious gardens and all. She wondered what it would be like to live there. Jinx stood next to her on his hind legs, paws clutching her skirts.

“I don’t like it here.” Jinx mumbled, teary-eyed, “Everyone is staring at me. Can we please go home?”

Jinx already considered the Neverus Manor as his home, surprising Cassiopeia greatly.

“Please, Cassi, please. Can we please go home...” He repeated wistfully.

     Cassiopeia hated seeing Jinx like this. He would always get extremely nervous when going to new places. It was his only flaw, next to arrogance and vanity of course. He hated meeting new people who he didn’t know how to talk to; seeing new things. Jinx had gotten very close to her father; too close, one might say. Cassiopeia had bonded with her father through looking after Jinx and her father’s familliar, Toki. Toki was a proud hawk of a silvery grey colour. He was the only one who had comforted Cassiopeia when she was upset or sad in her younger days. Toki loved anything to do with hunting. That was another thing that Jinx, Toki and Cassiopeia’s father had in common. They loved the thrill of the chase; the exhilaration and excitement that they felt. Jinx and Toki got on rather well; except for the occasional quarrels they had over the silliest things. They would always go back to being friends afterwards. It was good for them as they let off a lot of steam and extra energy through their endless banters. Cassiopeia knew that Jinx must miss them both a lot. She did too.

“I’m sorry, Jyy.” Cassiopeia picked Jinx up gracefully, cradling him in her arms,”I just can’t do that too Rhys.”

“Why?” Jinx looked as if he was about to cry; his eyes glistening with tears.

“Because I love him,” Cassiopeia smiled softly, “and I am willing to try and overcome any challenges that could stop us from being together.”

“That’s what I love to hear.” Rhys’s husky voice said and she could hear a smile in his voice.

“Rhys....” She beamed as a ray of sunshine fell on her, igniting her best features; full, rosy lips, high cheekbones, a cute nose that had crinkles whenever she smiled and most of all, her huge violet doe eyes that looked adorable when she made her irresistible puppy-dog face.

“That’s Prince Rhys to you, wench!” His voice suddenly turned harsh, eyes looking away from hers.

“What?” She asked; the sadness in her eyes clear.

“I said that you must show a prince, such as myself, the respect he deserves.” Rhys said through gritted teeth; a stoic expression plastered on his handsome face.

“Well if I must........” She smiled a fake smile, hiding her anger and confusion, as well as sadness.

Rhys’s face was covered in glee.

“I can’t believe that I trusted and loved you, your highness, and now I very much realise, after travelling hundreds of miles away from my family to be with my jerk-of-a-mate!” Cassiopeia shouted; the fire in her eyes scorching him with its multicoloured flames.

Her statement had caught the attention of all the people in the palace yards, especially when she said the word ‘mate’.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, girl. Don’t tell lies!” Rhys yelled; seeming unfazed by her anger.

He grabbed her wrist, dragging her with him; his steel grip making it seemingly impossible to get free.

Cassiopeia slapped Rhys across the face, so hard his face turned an angry red.