Burned by water

Chapter 15

I found myself once more barefooted, tiptoeing around the room right before the grand ball. This time, instead of mocking around in a ridiculous dance, I let myself dance the traditional Water folk dance. Even without music, it led me across the room and engulfed me in the warm feeling of home.

''Prince charming is late.'' I teased Lucian who was standing guard in the room.

He ignored me as always and I sighed as I looked at the clock. Fifteen minutes late. Forty-five minutes I'd been waiting for our majestic arrival. 

''I'll be right back,'' I told Lucian although he didn't bat an eyelash and got out of that dark room. I could hear the distant chitchat of the invited people in the room right next to this one and went the opposite way. I looked around trying to find a guard or anyone to tell me where the Prince was until I heard hushed voices. I crept up to the corner and looked down the hall. Two men were speaking and I concentrated on hearing them.

''-soldiers are already posted near little Korsh. I've sent more men South in case they'd need backup. We are ready, son, to go back to war and this time, conquer Brimestawn. Tonight is the night we end this charade.''

''I've barely danced with half the Ladies,'' Elijah said.

''At this point, our country will understand that we had more urgent things to do than play matchmakers.'' The king grunted. ''I spoke with Darcy the other day and it's clear now that she's the right choice. She doesn't step over you, follows orders like a good soldier, and her being in love with you can certainly not hurt. We'll be able to make all the right decisions without interference.''

I heard one of them sigh, ''Alright if you truly think it's the best way. What about our deal with the water folks?''

A low chuckle made my blood freeze, ''They'll soon understand there's no dealing with us once they get their daughter's head on a silver platter.''

''How exactly are we going to kill her? The people have seen her, they know who she is. Most thought this meant peace between our two countries.''

''What are you trying to say?''

''Isn't there going to be an uprising if we announce it too publicly?''

There was a pause before the King talked again, ''What do you suggest?''

''Give me a few days and we can fake she got sick after tonight.''

''Then we'll fake she got sick, our country's temperature can do a lot of damage for commoners like her. Only her family will truly know what happened.'' The King paused before adding, ''In two days, we'll declare it to our country.''

''Then it is set.'' Elijah approved and I almost ran back to the room, heart beating out of my chest, legs shaking. 

I put on my high heels in a daze, head swimming with what to do next. One thing was sure, tonight was the end for me. I had to leave tonight. 

Fake being drunk? I couldn't risk it a second time, the Prince might as well walk me to my room and assassinate me on the spot. I could maybe sneak out.

Simply thinking about it made my heart squeeze. I had been able to convince myself to stay away from him and think of him as the enemy but something deep inside still felt devastated with the truth. My subconscious was still hung up on some events of the past weeks. But it wasn't just trust this time, it was something deeper I had been repressing, and just thinking about it made my stomach churn.

The door opened and I jumped, heart racing once more. Fear strangled me as he walked into the room, eyes on me. His face was placid as if he hadn't just decided my fate, his jaw clenching at the sight of me. I felt dizzy.