The Night King's Wife

Chapter One: Alerin the Night Prince

Long ago there was a kingdom that came alive at night. Its towers cut through the sky like silver blades. It floated like a menacing raven.
Yet the place was harmless.
If you knew the Nightstarel that is.
Otherwise, you viewed the place as absolute death.
Tonight the kingdom of Nareth was alive with celebration.
Star maidens danced about in the village while up in the castle, the nobles toasted to their queen's son.
For the following night, I would take the throne.
I sat slouched in my midnight chair by my mother. Not feeling the party. I couldn't understand what everyone was so excited about, it wasn't like this coronation party was any different from Mother's.
My mother, Queen Xalea, frowned at me in disappointment. "Sit up, Alerin, and wipe that gruesome scowl off your face."
The day queen's daughter gave me a look of pure amusement. "It's alright Your Highness, we all know parties aren't your cup of tea." she smiled.
Her straight hair was the deepest gold I had ever seen. All the night nobles knew of her. Princess Kalia loved to get under my skin. My mother had been trying to get us to get along ever since we were kids. Nothing worked.
"Did anyone ask you, sunshine?" I gritted out, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Kalia pretended to be shocked at my response. She turned to my mother. "He has quite the temper today. Maybe he should retire." The room heated with her angered magic as she gathered the tiny bits of light from the candles.
Her mother, Jania, rested a hand on her shoulder. "That's enough, Kalia," she whispered, so as not to draw attention.
That did it. I couldn't stand her anymore. I stood from my chair, not even flinching when it scrapped across the floor.
Mother grabbed my arm. "Sit down," she ordered.
I wrenched my arm free and went upstairs to my room.
My bedroom is black, just like my soul.
I sat down on the edge of my bed and ran my long fingers down my face. A sigh escaped my lips. "I hate her." I mumbled into my hands.
Someone knocked.
I ignored it.
Then the door opened, and Kalia appeared.
Does she have a death wish?
"What do you want?" I asked.
Kalia came in and sat down beside me. She was too close. Way Too close.
"Could you give me some space?" I asked.
She silently stood up to leave but I stopped her, pulling her back down by the arm.
"I said give me space not leave the room, idiot."
I mumbled.
A giggle escaped her, and I didn't even bother asking what was so damn amusing.
It turned into a laugh. "Stop it." I tried to hide my smile.
She grinned up at me. "Why. Afraid I'll see your soft side?" She teased.
"You don't want to know. What you do to me." I avoided her gaze.
"I do, Alerin. I do." She turned my head to face her.
"Don't touch me." I pushed her hand off.
She made a sad face. "Why not?"
I let the smile win. "Because it's distracting. I hate it."
Kalia grinned, "Liar, liar, liar." She sang.
Touching me again, this time she touched my lips with her finger. I bit it lightly and she let me.
"Why do you do this to me, Kal?" I said against her ear. She moaned when my lips brushed her skin.
"Do what?" She said innocently.
I kissed her, unable to ignore the urge any longer.
I frowned. "You know exactly what."
Kalia grinned. "Say it."
"No." I pushed her so she was lying down on my bed and lay my head on her chest.
"Say it. My devil prince."
"I'm addicted to you." I spat out. Pretending the words disgusted me.
She stroked my dark curly hair. "I'm just as addicted, Alerin."
I could stay like this forever.
Another knock sounded and I sat up.
"Yes?" I said to the door. At least whoever it was valued their life enough not to open it.
It was my mother. "Kalia was supposed to bring you back down with her. I hope you two haven't gotten into one of your fights." Xalea's voice echoed.
God, can she leave me alone?
Once I was sure my mother left I turned to Kalia. "Betrayer." I teased, holding her hand.
It felt good to get her back.
She sighed, I could sense the sadness in her voice. "I wish I didn't have to pretend I hate you."
Stupid, wrong time to say that.
I tilted my head in curiosity. "Just stop then."
I matched her sad tone.
If you're hurt I'm hurt.
She slept with me in my room that night, her arm wrapped around my waist. Kalia's breath like a cute little breeze on my face.