Page 52

“You are from the Sea Kingdom, and you mostly keep to yourself. I think it fits you.”

The corner of her lips curled in a teasing smile. She liked that endearment. It was short, sweet, and could lead to many things. Seashells sometimes had pearls in them, something valuable.

Heading towards Valda while the princess concentrated on her footsteps. She turned towards Maris and leaned back on the chair as Maris stood a couple of inches away from her. Without uttering a single word, Maris pulled on the buttons of her skirt and let it fall with a heavy flop.

Valda moved in her chair, straightening her back, pressing her thick forearms on the armrest, and inhaling deeply, her nostrils flaring.

Maris hooked her thumb to the edge of her tight shirt, pulled it over her head, and threw it with her skirt. Now, standing in just her undergarments, Maris purposely released a tired groan, enough for the princess to make out where she was standing.

“Are you trying to get me to fuck you, hours away from burying my mother?” Valda asked. “Have you no respect?”

Maris blinked and took a step back in precaution. The princess’s voice sounded harsher than seconds ago.

Valda released a deep rumble from her chest and pushed herself up. “Get dressed.”

What in the world is going on? “I know what you are doing,” Maris said, trotting to the bed. She pulled the dress over her shoulders and made sure that it didn’t drag. It didn’t, it was long enough to cover her ankles. It must’ve belonged to Valda when she was a young girl.

Valda frowned. “Oh?”

“You feel bad about wanting to keep your mind busy instead of thinking of your mother’s passing.” She tied the sashes behind her and walked to Valda. “I get it. You don’t want to fall into despair.”

The princess did not react, instead she hesitantly walked to the small table with the large liquor bottles. “Did you do it? Keep your mind busy when your mother passed away?”

Maris looked away briefly, gathering her thoughts before answering. “Of course, I did. That’s what you want isn’t it? That’s why you came to my chamber last night?”

“Maybe.”

“Do you think it is a wise decision?” Maris asked.

Releasing a scoff, Valda shook her head. “You are going to question my decisions as well?”

Stuttering, Maris shook her head, silently cursing herself. “Forgive me. It is not my place to do so.”

Valda nodded and extended her hand towards Maris, who gladly took it and placed it upon her shoulder. Suddenly, Valda’s other hand gripped her waist. Maris tensed as the heavy hand brushed against her stomach and underneath her breast. “The dress fits you well.”

“Thank you?”

“You are welcome.” Valda released her hand and fixed her hair for the last time. “You will walk in front of me at all times. First, we will be in the throne room. I will take my mother’s tiara and crown myself queen. Then, her body will be taken to the burial grounds on the outside of the castle. She will be put to rest next to my father.”

Maris nodded at Valda’s words before she felt the heavy hand upon her shoulder again.

“It will be quick… Then I will talk to my people. I do believe a crowd is already gathering at Ophelia Plaza.”

“I will be sure to follow orders, Princess.”

A knock on the door signaled someone waiting for them. As Maris guided Valda to the door, she opened it to find a tired-looking Kayden standing on the other side. His clear blue eyes lacked the usual spark and there were dark circles under his eyes. Next to him was a tall, brooding man. His silver hair was disheveled, as if he had also missed a couple nights’ rest.

Maris gazed at the side of his face intently, recognizing the scar.

Arwin Tuuli….

It’s been weeks since she last saw him. Her stomach turned as she saw how close he was.

Jumping at Cerberus’s sudden hiss, Maris looked down to find the cat’s tail puffed up, body arched, and pupils blown out as she stared up at the General. Maris arched a brow yet thanked Ouranos she wasn’t the only one agitated by his presence.

Good girl.

“Good morning, Valda.”