Sacrifice

Chapter 18 - The Reunion

Kalli rubbed her eyes and then took another look at the screenshot of the star she was studying. Using the utility tool on the right side of the screen, she adjusted one of the measures to match its colour to the colour of the outer edge of the star. Finally satisfied, she looked up from her pad to enter the data on the screen on the wall then froze.

The Crown Prince stood at the door of the small research room. A second passed while they just stared at each other. Then Kalli jumped to her feet and swept into a curtsy, holding it in the dip with her head bowed meekly towards the floor.

She had been discovered.

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Bhirdan had not meant to take Kalli by surprise, but after looking in all of the amphitheatres for her and coming up empty, he was shocked to see her shut away in a room the size of a broom closet.

Then he had seen the colourful bruise on the side of her face and remembered why he had let her be for so long. As she held her deep curtsy, he realized that the memory of their last encounter had not faded for her as it had for him.

He stepped forward slowly so as not to alarm her. "Lady al Aratina, please stand, there is no need to stand on ceremony."

Kalli stood but kept her head bowed and her eyes downcast. "My Lord Prince, to what do I owe the honour of this visit?"

The Prince felt his heart sink. She was as cowed now as she had been when her father had knocked her to the floor. Stepping forward, he gently slid two fingers under her chin and tilted her face up. He wanted her to look at him, and he wanted to be able to see the bruise and the fear on her face.

"I needed to make sure that you had suffered no further at your father's hand," he told her softly. "Please call me Bhirdan, not by my title."

His fingers were still beneath her chin, so she couldn't look away as she answered him. "Sir, you owe me nothing, least of all protection."

Bhirdan felt sorrow collect in his chest at her refusal to address him by name. No one save his parents had ever been given that luxury. He took his fingers from her chin and stepped back.

"I disagree," he answered her, casting around for a reason why he should care so much for her well-being. "I'm responsible for the safety of all my subjects."

Kalli's face was courtier blank. "Of course."

Bhirdan surveyed the small room and its clutter.

"So you were serious. You, a noblewoman, wish to be a scientist."

When she didn't answer he glanced back and saw silent tears coursing down her cheeks.

"Kalli, what's wrong?"

She didn't look up at him. "Please my Lord, please don't tell my father you found me here. I swear I'll not return. I'll marry for his benefit as is proper."

"Your father doesn't know you're here?"

Kalli shook her head, tears still falling.

"What would happen if he found out?"

She didn't answer him at first. When she did her voice was so quiet he scarcely heard.

"If my father ever found out what you saw him do to me would seem like a mere pat."

And yet she was here.

"You must love your science to risk so much."

Kalli nodded.

"He'll not find out from me," Bhirdan promised. "And I'll make sure that if he does that you're protected."

Bhirdan eyed the screens around them.