The Blood Heir

Chapter Four: He Promised

     Jenevive and Alys chat in the far corner of the room. Seraphine busies herself with telling the seamstress what she wants to be put in for the royal ball. Nyla sulks in the background. She really didn't want to be there to hear how Seraphine was so ecstatic to know that she would be announced Queen of Cian at the ball. "I know we haven't really talked that much, but Father told me that Prince Dante was going to chose me tonight!" Seraphine gushed to Jenevive. Alys gave Nyla a sympathetic look. Nyla just returned with small smile. "And have you seen his eyes?! They're so.." Seraphine's voice trailed off and Nyla finished her sister's sentence in her own head.  Mesmerizing. She told herself. His eyes could capture her and keep her attention until the end the time, if only he'd let her. But she would never get the chance if Dante married her sister. They would move to Cian and she would only see them once they had many children and were so deeply in love with each other that Dante  wouldn't even acknowledge her existence. Her stomach twisted at the thought of the handsome Prince not giving her attention. As much as she loved her sister, Nyla knew Seraphine was not adventurous or outgoing like the Prince was. Seraphine would not make Dante happy. Not that she would necessarily make him happy either, but maybe she would try. Maybe she could make him content with his queen. But it would not be her.

     With only six hours left until the event started, the seamstress was forced to sew the dress while Seraphine was still in it. The material was a pastel blue with beading that covered the bodice. Nyla envied her sister, only for the fact that everyone was forced to love her and accept her as the heir of Keylon should she not marry. And as her mother walked through the doors, her face beaming, Nyla wondered for the first time, if she might actually have the chance to rule. "Nyla!" Her mother called and grasped her arm, her other hand gently resting on her stomach, "I have the most exciting news!" Nyla's gut twisted as she saw her mother's hand on her stomach. "You will be having another sibling!" Nyla couldn't help but smile at her, it seemed she was so happy to be pregnant again. Nyla kissed her mother's cheeks and congratulated her. "I am so happy for you mother. I know you have always wanted another child." She smiles down at her slightly swollen belly and Nyla grimaced. Maybe she would never have the chance. Especially if it was up to her father. And if her parents had conceived a boy... Nyla made and excuse and left the room as her mother told Seraphine the news. She would never be Queen of Keylon. Or Cian. Or any other kingdom. 

     Nyla pulled her dess up into place and Alys went about tightening the corset. She sighed at the thought of tonight. It would be her undoing. Alys muttered something and left for the wash room in search of a brush. There was a knock on the door that connected Nyla's bedroom to her living quarters. She grumbled as she made her way over and opened it. Ren grinned at her and stepped into her room. Nyla just crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for him to leave. Ren noticed and chuckled. A sound that sent shivers tapdancing down her spine. "Ah, my beloved Nyla. You look stunning." He said and moved behind her, his nose brushing the place where her neck met her shoulder. "Get out." She said, goosebumps covering her skin. He pulled away and she sighed with relief. "Why do you hate me so?" Ren asked and pouted. She huffed an angry breath, disturbing the hair resting close to her face. "Get out." She repeated. He smiled, his perfectly white teeth greeting her. Nyla wanted to punch them down his throat. He started walking out the door, and before he stepped out, he turned and pressed his lips against hers. A vaguely familiar feeling. A feeling that used to make her go weak in the knees, but now only made her want to vomit. Ren left her mouth and she fumed. "GET OUT! I don't ever want to see you again!!" She screamed at him. His face fell, but only slightly, and he walked out of her room. Nyla slammed the door shut and screamed again. Alys stepped out of the wash room and her face was apologetic. "I'm sorry. I should have said something." Alys whispered and Nyla shook her head, "No, Alys, Ren knew what he was doing. And I won't always have you to protect me. I need to learn to defend myself from him." Alys smirked and put her hand on Nyla's cheek. "Oh darling, I know you know how to defend yourself." Nyla opened her mouth, but Alys just sat her down and started on her hair. She knew Nyla's secret.