One Eternal Ember

Chapter 19

  There's something so satisfying about watching someone walk away. To know you brought them anger by just being there. I nearly quirk a cocky grin at the way Zenna stalks around at the table, stabbing her toothpick into a variety of fruits. I've never been a petty person, but the way she makes it obvious she's pouting makes me want to be.

"She didn't mean that." Prince Malakai rasps from beside me.

I shrug one shoulder, turning to him. "I'm not worried about it. Our dance is over isn't it?" I give him a tight lipped smile, and his gaze burrows into my soul.

"No. I'm far from done with you Beastie."

A grin almost appears on my face at the pet name. Almost. Until I remember this is the Prince of the Capital, the people who burn down cities. The people who let women and children run homeless and starving in their streets. Ash forms on my tongue, and I swallow it back down. Why am I entertaining the company of this Prince? A cold calm spreads through me, leaving only ice and cold calculation.

  "While that may be so, I really must get a breath of air. Excuse me." I reply calmly, detaching myself from his grasp, and walking across the floor, down the stairs and into the Courtyard.

The cool summer breeze laps at my skin, the smell of salt water, and blossoms hitting my nostrils like a lovers kiss. I continue walking until I enter a gazebo with white roses surrounding the outside, a fountain in front of the steps, and vines looping through the slight openings of the small building. Memories wash over me from home, with Castiano. I close my eyes and listen to the rhythm of the breeze, the water lapping at the marble of the fountain, and inhale the sea salt smell of the Sea. A prick appears between my shoulder blades, and I tilt my head to the midnight sky.

"Do you plan to spy on me every chance you get?"

The soothing smell of midnight blossom, and crackling embers washes over me. I nearly open my eyes at the scent I don't recognize, but a quiet chuckle sounds from behind me.

"And if I were to say yes? What then?" He replies, his deep voice washing over me like the smoothest coco butter.

I smile a lopsided smile, and continue to let the moonlight wash over my skin. A breeze whispers in my ear, and the sensation of it reminds me of a cat rubbing its hide along your shins. I open my eyes and slowly turn behind me to the snowy Prince. He leans forward, resting his forearms on the railing. His jacket somehow disappeared, leaving him in his black long sleeve silk undershirt. The cuffs are rolled up to his elbows, and his ankles are crossed. He portrays the perfect picture of calamity. A few moments of silence spread between us, before I finally decide to speak.

"You didn't want to dance with Zenna?" I subtly question him, as I slowly walk over to where he stands, and lean on the railing to his left. He inhales the rich midnight air, and finally looks to me. His gaze calm, and open.

"No." He looks out at the Sea once more, closing his eyes. "She wants something she can't have."

I study the side of his face, before looking at the ink sky, and begin to miss the stars. "You?"

His full lips quirk to the side, his lashes fluttering before he responds; "Yes, me."

"Is it such a terrible thing?" He opens his eyes, and turns his head to look at me. "To be wanted, I mean. She seems to really care about you." I continue to watch the moon, and listen to the rustle of the roses, the crickets chirp in the bushes.

"No, I suppose it's not." His eyes continue to study me for a few more heartbeats before he continues. "Zenna and I have a long history. While we were raised together, and attended the same educational classes, I have never wanted anything more with her." His eyes fall to the Sea as he continues. "She has never failed me, or disappointed me. Though I praise her for her hard work and jobs well done, she misunderstands my intentions."

"If she misunderstands, why not just be truthful with her?"

He husks a laugh. "Zenna isn't that easy. She is used to getting everything she wants. While I do care deeply for her, she doesn't take No for an answer."

Anger begins to form between my shoulder blades at his words. I turn to look at him, to find him watching me. "Has she ever-" He interrupts me immediately. "No." I begin to relax as he straightens and holds his hand out. "Come."

I look over at him, and hesitantly place my hand in his. Shock ripples up my arm, and my body heats. His eyes widen slightly with shock as he looks at me. He then turns and tightens his grip. He leads me down from the gazebo, through the courtyard, and to the edge of a grassy cliff. I watch him nervously as he releases my hand and sits with his legs over the edge. He then turns and looks at me, mischief in his eyes.

"I won't push you, Little Beast."

I snort and move to his side, kicking my legs over the edge. Somehow I can't find it in myself to hate this Prince of Snow. While he is a Royal of the Capital of Thessia, he never asked to be born in a horrible country. It would be unfair to fault him for such things. Until proven otherwise I can't continue to hold a grudge against him. He inhales the cool breeze and closes his eyes, tilting his head to the stars. I look up to the pitch sky, full of millions of dazzling, stars and cant help but wonder; who's more beautiful? This Prince, or the diamonds in the sky.