To Us and Beyond the Stars

The Third Prince

         The scholars were restless when Azin finally decided to grace them with his presence. He was smirking, so much that it almost made me laugh. The scholars squirming under his cold stare and his hair styled perfectly. Everything, from the folds in his clothes to the slight bounce in his walk, was a statement. Azin made everything a statement, a reminder and a warning. 

     "Most noble scholars, thank you for waiting for me and for coming to this meeting." He greeted to no one in particular. Looking through them, instead of at them.  He sat, flourishing his cape so it laid on his right arm when he was seated. 

     "Who are we to ignore a invitation from the Prince of our glorious Empire?" Endris, the eldest scholar, bowed seeming humble, while all the other scholars eyed me in the shadows. They murmured among  themselves, sharing worried and nervous glances. Azin flicked his wrist, recognizing me and applauding me. I kept my face straight, we were playing our parts now. 

        The cruel, clever, and beautiful Third Prince 

                        And

       The dangerous, silent, and bloodthirsty Kresshtna - the Captain of the Third Prince's Guard.

        Azin made small talk, checking on the education of varies nobles and the welfare of the citizen's. Calling the scholars here to have this discussion was a slap to his father's hand picked government members. It meant that he didn't respect his father's judgment, some of the scholars had figured that out already. A few were shaking in their seats. 

      "Thank you Scholar Riktus, please everyone lets take a break. We'll resume after a brief lunch." Azin waved his hand, casually dismissing them. They all practically pushed each other out of the door. 

     "Ricktus is a fine choice." I offered, stepping up to his seat, where he had his notes. He looked up at me, eyes smoldering with embers of an awaiting fire.

    "Ally or bed partner? I hear he's got quite the following of females." He snorted, testing the atmosphere.

    "You decide this time." I answered coolly, picking up one of the sheets of notes. His handwriting was sloppy, his mind obviously acing with ideas and questions. 

   "Ally, I don't want to have you distracted." He chuckled, his eyes shading over.

   "As you wish, my prince." I bowed, watching him flinch. In a swift movement, he grabbed my jaw and jerked me in front of him.

   "Watch your tongue little Kress, you might find yourself begging me for mercy." He whispered, coyly and dark, into my ear. My eyes flicked to the door where, Endris had poked in his head. So, we played our parts. Me, submissive and cold, and Azin, in charge and cruel. 

   "Yes, Your Highness." I humbly said, kneeling. Never once did I break eye contact with him. His lips quirked up in a satisfied wicked smile. He placed a *kiss on my forehead and Endris disappeared. 

*In this culture, different kisses mean different things. A kiss on the cheek can mean thanks or familiarity with the person. A kiss on the inside of the wrist means a greeting. Kisses on the head mean submission. When Kress allows Azin to kiss her forehead in public, it shows her loyalty to him.