Power Play-An FTRS/RAR AU

Part 4-A Kingdom's Fall (Heath)

Guys I'm making myself cry here I'm so sorry please don't hate me for this.

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"HEAS here with Princess Snow, announcing the betrothal of Heathcliff White and Deviniara Nile! Solidifying state alliances, forming lasting bonds...."

Heath was gripping Devin's hand, tightly enough to be pressure-inducing. She squeezed right back. There was no mistaking the fear and hatred showing in equal measures in both of their eyes. Perhaps Devin showed more fear than Heath, but Heath's eyes showed traces of it. Mostly, though, they were burning with hate and anger.

"The young prince will be giving a speech in ten minutes, as well as providing details on the upcoming courtship..."

Devin had been beaten again last night. Olivina had forced her to practice a speech she'd been given, forcing the words through her mouth again and again, emphasizing each reprimand with a lash.

"...Princess Snow has given a brief commentary..."

Heath wouldn't have even known about it-but the more he learned, the more reckless he became. He'd taken to climbing into Devin's bedroom from the window lately, updating her on what he'd gathered, comforting her, talking to her, asking her how she was doing.

"...will begin by asking questions about the future..."

Devin played it off, muttering curses and saying sarcastic things. But that was a tactic Heath knew well, and there was no way he would fall for it. Heath never pressed her to discuss Olivina or anything surrounding her-he was careful of her feelings. But sometimes he could get her to open up, if the subject came up...

"...wanting to inquire about the welfare of his parents..."

...or at times like last night, when the back of her shirt was soaked through with blood. He never asked for details. All he did was comfort her, ask what he could do. Talk to her, distract her with sarcasm and jokes. No matter how much effort he gathered to seem nonchalant, Heath was terrified for her. His guilt wore him down to a thread.

"...and now, a brief comment from Princess Snow. Snow, any comment on the lovely Miss Nile?"

He worried about the sores getting worse; she bandaged them when possible, but the doctor hardly ever saw her. Heath was still thinking of a way to change that. Devin was something precious to him. The thought of Olivina hurting her, day after day, week after week, month after month...it filled Heath with the same helplessness he'd felt watching her that day. He couldn't even protect her, not without risking Snow's wrath.

"Princess Nile has the grace and poise of a refined young royal..."

Of course, that didn't matter to him. He would gladly take a hundred beatings for Devin. But Devin was the problem. He was needed, she insisted. If they were ever going to expose the evils of the royals, then Heath needed to play by the rules. Be careful. Bide his time until the opportune moment.

"...ecstatic for my brother to court her. Deviniara is the perfect partner for..."

He hated it. Despised it. He would do anything to help her.

"...the governing of any great nation requires the support of peers..."

But she would never let him.

"...our Enchantasian monarchy will grow and prosper in their care..."

Under different circumstances, this day might have been a cause for celebration. He had the opportunity to present Devin as his own to Enchantasia. But too many things blocked his happiness.