Obsidian's Reign ¹

∷ Chapter 21 ∷

SEVERAL DAYS PASSED and still, Clara could not get Prince Adric's words out of her mind. Despite having met various influential lords and ladies of the court, the only demon occupying her thoughts was the very one who scared her to no end. The prince's advice, as he had called it, seemed to pierce her very being, troubling her more than she cared to admit.

She thought back to when the king had reassured her of her safety, reminding her that she was surrounded by family and no harm would come to her.

"Family . . ." she murmured, lost in a daze, recalling the way his words brought no comfort; only the spread of unease within her.

Was it possible that the prince's warning held weight? That perhaps, the king's true purpose in seeking her was for a cause far greater than she perceived?

She couldn't silence the turmoil rampaging her thoughts as she heaved yet another tireless exhale. The circumstances surrounding her uncertainty was contradictory which only served to further confuse her. If the king was as aloof and unconcerned as the prince had made him out to be, why then would he get Marek to be her attendant, knowing full well she'd be comforted by his being part human?

"I do hope I'm not interrupting," came a sudden voice from behind her, wrenching her from her thoughts.

Clara turned abruptly to find Jae standing just within her room, a serene smile on his face.

"What has you so troubled as of late?" he asked as he approached her. "Not the words of that despicable prince, I hope."

Clara followed him with her gaze as he moved to sit opposite her.

"What is it?" he asked when he realised she had been staring at him for some time.

She shook her head, turning to look out the window before saying in a rather offhanded manner, "I half expected Zephyr to be the one checking on me after the recent ordeals."

Jae lowered his gaze, concealing a smile as he feigned hurt and said, "Ah—is that your way of saying my presence is not welcomed here?"

Realising the faults in her wording, Clara turned towards him abruptly, eyes wide as she refuted his claims.

"You are more than welcome. It's just . . . After our last argument, Zephyr seemed insistent on knowing the details of my discussion with Prince Adric. I was under the impression he'd be the one demanding the truth from me," she explained.

Jae hummed in thought.

"Are you disappointed?"

"Hm?"

"Are you disappointed that Zephyr didn't come to see you?" Jae rephrased.

His question gave her pause as she pondered over what would be deemed as an appropriate response. In truth, she hadn't a clue if her feelings were stemmed from disappointment or something else altogether.

Deciding that a vague reply was best, she said, "I was just surprised, that's all."

"He wanted to come," Jae said. "But I told him not to."

"Why not?" Clara asked.

"I was afraid his anger might dissuade you from speaking of the issues crowding your mind. Would I be wrong to assume as such?"

She shook her head. He was right. Zephyr being here might result in another unnecessary argument and she would much rather not have to deal with that when she had far more important considerations to tend to.

"Are you feeling better now?" Jae asked though she knew he was indirectly questioning her readiness to divulge what had taken place during her discussion with the prince.