Chronicles: Silent Breath

Chapter 8

We entered the queen's room, my eyes widening as I took in the sight of her lying in bed, her dark hair spread out on the pillow and a pale expression on her face. I felt my chest constrict at the sight of her illness. I walked over to her bed and sat on the edge, placing my hand over hers. Her skin felt clammy, and her hand trembled slightly under mine.

"My dearests," she whispered weakly, "I'm sorry you had to see me like this."

"We've been worried about you," I said, my voice filled with concern. "Why didn't you tell us you were not well?"

"I didn't want to worry you," she replied. "You both have so much to learn, and I didn't want to distract you from your studies."

"Listen, things may get harder in the next few months," the king said, touching his forehead in a gesture of worry. "We were trying to spare you since this is all new to you, but the kingdom needs you. Some courts are pressing us; they want to fortify alliances, and the only way to do that is through marriage."

"I know you don't want that, just as I didn't at the time," the queen said, smiling weakly at me. "But it's for the kingdom, to guarantee peace for future generations. And maybe, just maybe, you could be as lucky as I was and find love."

I glanced at Helies, who maintained a neutral expression. This probably wouldn't shock him; he would probably shock the kingdom with the multiple mistresses he would have. I was not prepared for this—marrying a stranger, a person I didn't trust or know. So that's the price for being a princess? I'm not sure I want it. Living with a stranger while watching this idiotic 'brother' put on shows with his ladies. I... I... Why was I making this about him? I would be unhappy so the people could have peace. It's not as if I have a choice now...

"Dear, what's the matter?" the queen asked, her other hand touching mine.

"I understand, it's for the people. Let me know what I can do to help," I said, trying not to look sad. Helies didn't say a word, he was just standing there near the bed.

"We have started to consider some candidates for you both," the king explained. "We will invite them for tea so you can meet them and hopefully make it better."

I nodded, trying to find solace in the idea that I would at least get to know my future spouse before the wedding and prepare myself.

"Now, let's allow the queen to rest," the king said, gesturing to the door. We left and walked back to our rooms in silence, which was creeping me out. I stopped in front of my door and looked at Helies.

"Why didn't you say anything?" I asked.

He stopped and without turn to face me. "I didn't have anything to say."

"You could at least show your happiness. Sooner you will have all the mistresses you want in the world," I shot back, my voice tinged with bitterness.

Helies grabbed my arm, opening my room door and pushing me inside. He closed the door behind us, then pinned me against it. His hand shot up to cover my mouth, muffling my surprised yelp. His face was inches from mine, his chest heaving as he stared at me furiously.

"Would it make you feel better if I did?" he snarled, his emerald eyes blazing with anger.

"I don't understand. You are so difficult to read," I said, staring back at him in defiance.

"What the hell you don't understand?" he snarled, his voice echoing in the room.

"Your expression, like the only emotion you have is annoyance, if that even counts as an emotion," I whispered.

"Are you worried about my feelings?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Why should that bother me?" I retorted, trying to keep my voice from trembling.

"Because you're my... sister!" He shouted at me, releasing me.

I stared at him, shocked, my heart pounding in my chest. "Why would that bother you?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

He paced around the room, his hands on his head as if trying to calm down. His eyes locked onto mine, and I saw the tension in his body. He came towards me, his eyes burning with fire had never seen before. Then he did something that surprised me even more than all the other things; he kissed me. His lips were warm and inviting, his hands cupping my face. He kissed me as if he had been waiting his whole life for this moment.

The world stopped as we kissed. Nothing else existed but us, lost in a world of desire. Then his lips released mine, and reality came crashing back down.

"What the fuck, Helies?" I asked, my voice breathless.

He didn't answer me. He pushed me away from him, opening the door. "Goodnight, sister."