Keep Your Enemies Closer

A Trail of Lies and Betrayal

'Outer beauty attracts but inner beauty captivates' - Kate Angell

Reyna had spent the afternoon in the Library with Julie and Mimoza over cups of hot coffee and cinnamon buns. They had been talking about everything and nothing really. Where they'd been born, what their hopes and dreams were. Julie had always wanted to travel to the Kingdom beside Brunagh, Ashur. It was rumoured to be full of spices, exotic animals that had never been seen. Reyna had found herself quite intrigued by the idea. If she fulfilled - when she fulfilled her end of the bargain, she'd need somewhere to flee and Ashur may end up being the perfect place to lie low. She contemplated a new life as she sipped at the coffee almost burning on her tongue - a life away from this betrayal and lies that she left in her wake everywhere she went, getting closer to her as she neared distant shadows that would engulf her whole. Reyna shuddered, almost dropping the coffee.

"Reyna? You okay there?" Mimoza asked, faintly amused. 

Reyna pasted on a sheepish smile. "Lost myself for a second then."

"Thinking about the Prince?" She teased as Julie bit into her cinnamon bun, cheeks pink and flushed. "No actually." Reyna replied, swirling a teaspoon around idly. "I was thinking of what to do if I was sent home." She lied, the lie falling off her tongue easily without a second thought. Mimoza nodded, gulping down some coffee. The Library was empty save for them, no noise but the sips of the tea and the mindless chatter. It was peaceful, a refuge from the sweltering sun outside in the midst of summer. Midsummer was coming up soon and Reyna was sure it would be the theme for the halfway ball of the Prince's Hand. 

She had spent the morning training with Fabian and she winced as she set down the empty coffee cup  on the table. He had worked her harder than he had yesterday and her muscles were sore and achy, body screaming silently in agony under layers of skin and tissue. There hadn't been another moment like there had been the other day and Reyna couldn't decide what to think about it. Maybe Fabian was better ignoring it. It wasn't anything, not really. It had just seemed for a split second, that they were friends. Which was a crazy idea in itself because they didn't even like each other and nor would they ever. Even - even if she enjoyed their harmless back and forth banter and teasing. It was just that - she felt unfiltered with him in a way she couldn't with anyone else, not even she had been with Nova or her family. She had to act the polite Princess to be or devoted friend to Everly or perfect sister. But with Fabian, she just didn't care what he thought of her and that was exhilarating to just not have to act for an hour like someone she wasn't, not really. Reyna would guess he had the same outlook on it as she did. 

"I see the way he looks at you." Julie chipped in with a sweet smile. "There's nothing to worry about." The blonde smiled down at her cinnamon bun, laughing at something Reyna couldn't see. She had been like that all afternoon, just all giggling and smiling. Mimoza eyed up Julie. "Okay, you're getting weird now." Mimoza leaned forwards. "Spill."

Julie shook her head hesitantly, the light dying for her bright eyes. "There's no one in here." Reyna reassured. "We can keep a secret. Come on." 

After a few moments, Julie conceded, leaning forwards and lowering her voice to a whisper. "Do you know the man I was dancing with the other night?" Reyna recalled it, that dark haired noble who had captured her sunny friend's attention instantly. Mimoza must have too because her face darkened in anticipation. Reyna could take a pretty good guess of what Mimoza was thinking. "Yes." Reyna whispered.

"Well..." Julie paused. "We might have kissed in the gardens. And been going on dates at night once everyone is bed. Sneaking out through the window in a dark gown and the wind in my face..." she smiled. "His name's Ezra. I...I like him. He's been very gracious, kind and charming. I doubt I'm going to win Donovan anyway. He doesn't seem much interested in me or I in him." She shrugged. "I'm considering dropping out actually."