For What is Bought in Blood

A Useless Defense

Terran

My bones are lighter than air and my lips are numb by the time we make our grand appearance. Well, the halls are quiet, but the shy smile on the Princess's face makes it feel like a victory lap.

We may not be able to strut the halls announcing ourselves, but being seen with her is enough. The watery edges of the early morning sun seem brighter than before, their grasp slightly brushing atop the slippers on her feet as she sweeps down ornate hallways. The cobalt blue gown I chose whispers along the floor with the subtle swishing of her hips with every step. Long, draping sleeves almost graze the floor as she claps her hands delicately in front of her, silver hems gleaming in the light. The dress clings to her form and I admire it from my position two steps behind her.

Two steps behind and slightly to the left so I may see in front of her and protect her non-dominant side. She swings wide around corners to satisfy my need to assess the hall before she steps into it, only pausing briefly before continuing onward. We do not speak on the short journey to the garden. I am an escort, a personal guard, a silent effigy until she needs me.

I am much too focused on perfect hips and anyone of proximity that I almost brush into Alula as she stops before the garden doors. Two guards stand posted and I nod at them to allow entry. Ferrer and Serrano, two of the youngest recruits in the Queen's Guard, open the doors wide for us to pass through. The Princess thanks them both and floats through, headed for the alcove containing a small table and a man dressed in dark clothing.

"Report to Her Majesty. Dismissed." I lock eyes with each man, both looking at each other in confusion.

Serrano speaks up on behalf of their confusion. "We were meant to stay here, sir." Ferrer nods in my peripheral but I am focused on the rapidly closing distance between the Princess and her betrothed. Jealously builds within me and I fight like hell to douse it.

"Tell Her Majesty that Terran gave the order." I push onward into the garden, not bothering to look behind me to see if they followed my order. When the heavy wooden doors seal shut together I place more weight into my footsteps.

Alula has almost reached the man she is soon to marry, and he looks at her distantly with blatant uninterest in his body language. He does not walk to greet her, does not bother with a polite smile. A Princess walks towards him and he does not bow now as he did so eagerly for her mother.

It is another note added to my unconscious list as to why this cannot unfold.

***

Alula

Shoulders back and head high, I greet my future at the iron table well worn with the elements. In the span of one night this man guarded my life and caused me inconsolable doubt. He stands near bushes naked from the cold and gravel freshly turned from yesterday's ball. An event that did not continue after his proposal, after he doomed us both to a marriage that we both fought against.

Had these idiotic conventions continue, I might have fallen in love with a different man. I may have had a second dance with Lord Neisman, may have learned what it is to feel apart of the sea, to be graced with salted winds and vast sunrises. I could have loved someone from a mining state who would adorn me with jewels of every color as we watched the snow drift over the mountains. I could have been loved.

I feel nothing but conflicted as I note that my steps are the only ones heard on the gravel, Terran lingering behind. I wonder if he can stand to even witness this, the utter lack of disinterest Reagan and I feel towards one another. I hope I can stomach it, the desire for Terran to sit across from me instead of Reagan.