The King's Court

XXVI

We decided to take a rest at Eris' district, much to my dread. Naalala ko na naman ang mukha ni Eris. He and I did not have any particular interaction aside from the district lords meeting but something about him makes me annoyed. I can feel he's an arrogant bastard but based from the things the Nikolas said about him, Eris is honorable. Arrogant but honorable. 

The moment we arrived at Eris' manor, he greeted us with one of his dashing smiles. Napilitan lang din akong ngumiti. 

He stopped in front of us and placed his hand in front of his chest before he dramatically bowed in Nikolas' direction. I felt Mark shifting uncomfortably next to me. He's still not used to the customs here, I figured. 

Eris looked up and stood straight before flashing us a grin. One who doesn't know Eris well would think this man is approachable. It's the opposite. This man is as cunning as a fox. Sa pagkakaalam ko, wala namang problema si Nikolas sa kanya. I sincerely hope it would stay like that. Without the council, Nikolas now only has the district lords with Eris as the most crucial of it. 

"Greetings, Your Majesty," said Eris before his gaze turned to Leon and I could have sworn it went cold. "Your Highness," Eris added.

I heard Leon scoff. There is definitely something between these two. Bakit ang init ng dugo nila sa isa't-isa? They may not show it but the people around them can almost choke on the tension. I reminded myself to ask Nikolas about it. Kung si Leon ang tatanungin ko, hidi ako makakakuha ng seryosong sagot. 

Napunta ang paningin ni Eris sa akin at mas lalong lumapad ang ngiti niya. He walked closer to me and before I could even process everything, he took my hand and kissed the back of it, all while holding my gaze. 

Cunning bastard. 

Nanlalaki ang mga matang nakatingin ako sa kanya. Mark shifted more next to me. 

"The infamous Evelyn Diaze. Spy of Solaris. The woman who managed to get the walls of His Majesty down only to betray him," he said. His voice was very fluid and it felt like it was skittering along my bones, wrapping me with its venom. I did not hide the annoyance on my face and his grin went wider in full satisfaction as he had fully trapped me. 

"I would say it's nice to see you again, Eris. But I would be lying. I'm a changed woman now. I don't lie anymore."

I heard Leon let out a snort and it took every ounce of my self-control not to chuckle. The look on Eris' face was priceless. 

His charming grin turned even more feral before he said, "A lot of questions have been raised about your decision to have this woman in your Court, Your Majesty. I am sure you have your reasons and I have no business in prying them. But I don't know if this was a wise choice." He looked at Nikolas and the latter maintained a neutral expression.

Then Nikolas said, "Evelyn could help me with our current business with Solaris." Nikolas looked around and then added as if to change the subject, "We came here to rest and feed the horses." 

Napakurap si Eris at saka napatingin sa mga kabayo sa paligid at sa mga kawal na kasama namin na para bang saka lang nito napansin ang presensiya ng mga ito. 

"I see you're not here to visit me. It's either you're off to the southernmost district or you're going way south." Eris eyed the things we had on one horse and a grin appeared on his face again. "But I am guessing you're going further down South. Interesting." 

"Eris," called Nikolas dahilan para mapatingin ulit si Eris sa kanya. "Are we welcome in your abode?" 

"Of course!" Eris gestured his hand to his very grand manor and smiled. "You know you are always welcome here, anytime, Your Majesty. As well as your courtiers too." He eyed each and every one of us before he started walking to the entrance.