𝙱𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚁𝚘𝚢𝚊𝚕 𝚅𝚎𝚒𝚕

CHAPTER 22

Finally, your parents finish their goodbyes, and they turn to leave. You're about to follow, but before you can move, Eris steps forward. He reaches out, grabbing your hand, stopping you in your tracks.

You freeze, looking down at his hand on yours. You can feel the heat of his skin through your glove, the firm yet gentle grip of his fingers around your wrist. You glance up at him, meeting his intense gaze.

"Don't make me miss you too much," he tells you, his voice soft but with an edge of warning. His eyes are serious, the usual teasing gone. It's as if he's trying to tell you something that he doesn't want your parents to hear.

You blink at him, a mixture of emotions swirling through you. You want to be sassy, to tell him that you won't miss him at all, but you can't find the words. Instead, you find yourself responding honestly.

"I'll see you at the altar." you reply, your voice barely above a whisper.

His mouth quirks up into a slight smile, a faint hint of his normal cocky attitude returning. He lifts your hand, bringing it up to his lips. You feel the press of his lips, soft and warm on your knuckles, sending a shiver down your spine.

He holds your hand there for just a moment, his breath warm against your skin. He looks up at you, his eyes burning into yours as he speaks. "Don't forget whose bed you'll be in next week."

You feel a heat rush through you, your breathing speeding up at his words. You're suddenly all too aware of the significance of his claim. In a little more than a week, you'll be his wife, and you'll be spending every night in his bed.

You finally pull your eyes away from Eris, blinking rapidly to try and shake the lustful thoughts that are filling your mind. You nod at him, your voice a little shaky as you speak. "Goodbye, Eris."

Your parents step into the carriage, and you follow, sitting down heavily on the velvet seats. You watch out the window as the castle of Arkann gradually disappears behind you, your stomach flipping with nervousness and excitement.

You lean back in your seat, letting out a heavy breath as the carriage begins to move. Your parents are talking quietly, but you're not paying attention to their conversation. Your mind is filled with visions of Eris, his cocky smirk and his intense gaze. You can't believe that you're about to marry that arrogant bastard...but you can't help how much you love him even more.

The journey back to Solaria seems to stretch on forever. You try to distract yourself by looking out the window, but your thoughts keep returning to Eris. You replay your conversation with him over and over in your mind, the memory of his lips on your skin sending sparks through you every time you think of it.

After what feels like an eternity, your carriage finally comes to a stop. You look out the window, seeing that you've arrived back at the Solarian palace. The air feels different here, lighter and fresher than the air in Arkann. You take a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief as you're finally home.

As the carriage doors open, you're greeted by the sight of Sir Hendry, the head of the palace guard. He steps forward, his expression serious as he bows his head in greeting.

"Welcome back, Your Majesties." he turns to you "Welcome back Your Highness."

You smile at him, stepping out of the carriage. "Thank you, Sir Hendry." you reply, stretching your legs after the long ride. Your parents step out after you, followed by the maids in a different carriage who have been traveling with you.

Sir Hendry stands to the side, watching as your parents are greeted by the other members of court. You notice a couple of the court ladies eyeing you and whispering to each other, no doubt gossiping about your impending marriage to the Prince of Arkann.

As you're standing there, awkwardly listening to the court ladies gossiping, you hear a familiar voice coming from behind you. "Princess!"

You turn to see Lady Beatrice, your best friend and lady in waiting, hurrying towards you. She grins, her face lighting up as she sees you.

Lady Beatrice snorts, rolling her eyes. "I don't doubt that," she replies, a smirk on her face. "I bet he was practically drooling all over you." She smiles wide as you both enter the palace. "Now.. once we get in your chambers, you will tell me every detail of that snag."

"You're back!" she exclaims as she reaches you, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She throws her arms around you, pulling you in for a tight hug. "I've missed you!"

You return her hug, laughing. "I've missed you too," you tell her, stepping back to look at her. She looks the same as ever, her soft blonde hair falling in waves down her back, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

"So, how was Arkann?" she asks, taking your arm and leading you away from the gossiping ladies. "Did you snag the prince again?"

You roll your eyes at her teasing, nudging her playfully with your elbow. "It was fine," you mutter, avoiding her question. "Eris was his usual self, as arrogant as ever but madly in love with me."

Lady Beatrice snorts, rolling her eyes. "I don't doubt that," she replies, a smirk on her face. "I bet he was practically drooling all over you." as you both enter the palace "Now.. once we get in your chambers, you will tell me every detail of that snag."

You chuckle at her enthusiasm, shaking your head. "You're such a gossip," you tease, but you can't deny that you're also eager to share all the details with her. "But yes, I will tell you everything."