Page 18

Chapter eighteen

Genevieve

“E ren?” I cried, holding onto his body as his weight forced me to lay him on the ground. “No, no, no. Please, stay with me. Eren?”

“No! No!” yelled my mother. “Get your hands off me. I demand you let me go.” She struggled on the ground while Zerrial restrained her. Leenia shackled her with ulyrium cuffs. I looked back into Eren’s face, watching as his breaths became shallow. His eyes began to fade. My body shook fiercely.

“Vena? Vena?” I yelled, searching the room for my cousin. She rushed over to me. I bent my head to his as the tears fell from my eyes.

“I’m here,” said Vena, running her hands over his back to assess the damage.

“Please, stay with me,” I whispered to him. “Please. We just found each other. You can’t leave me. Not now.”

The court surrounded us, but all I could focus on was him. I reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly, but there was no response. His arm was limp and showed no sign.

“I think I can save him,” said Vena, reaching out to my shoulder. “Let’s move him to his room.”

I nodded desperately.

The twins gently picked Eren up out of my arms and carried him from the throne room. I stood, swallowing my pain, then approached the woman who had appeared as my mother.

I knelt beside her, taking in the beautiful details of the face that I had prayed to see again for so many years. I felt nothing; my heart was cold. I touched my hand to her face as my flame roamed beneath my skin. She struggled as the heat burned her skin, leaving my handprint branded on the side of her cheek. She yelled with pain as she shook from side to side, frantically changing her features and coloring. When she finally calmed, the face of Queen Nora stared back at me. The court gasped in shock.

She smiled at me as her eyes widened.

“What would you like us to do with her, Your Majesty?” asked Zerrial.

“Take her to the dungeon, and tell my father what has occurred,” I instructed, striding out of the throne room. “Inform me once he has decided what is to be done with her. I will be with the prince.” As soon as I was out of the court’s sight, I picked up my pace, rushing towards Eren’s room.

Vena had him on his side while Evinee held his body in place. A black light billowed from Vena’s hands as she ran them down Eren’s back. He was still unresponsive. Evinee turned to me, her face stricken with fear and stained with tears. I went to his bed, taking his head into my lap while Vena worked.

An hour in, Eren finally responded with a deep and painful yell. Vena continued to heal the ulyrium wound. I held onto his arms while Evinee restrained his lower half. He fought us, reeling with pain from Vena’s attempt to save his life.

Finally, twenty minutes later, Vena was finished. She looked exhausted; beads of sweat poured down her face. Eren had passed out again from the physical trauma. We rolled him onto his back gently.

“He is going to make it,” informed Vena, standing from the bed. “I healed the internal bleeding and the torn tissue, but his body will need time to do the rest. He will most likely have a scar after he has healed, and some internal residual pain, but he will live.”

Evinee snickered. “He isn’t going to be happy about the scar.”

I smiled at her. “No, but at least he’ll be alive to complain about it,” I replied. “How long will he be unconscious?” I asked Vena.

“A day or so. It was a fatal blow, and I did what I could, but the rest is up to him.”

I reached for Vena, taking her hand in mine. “Thank you so much. I owe you a debt,” I said, holding back my tears.

“That isn’t necessary. I would do anything for you, Gen. I hope you know that,” Vena said with a soft smile. She nodded at me before taking her leave.

Evinee stood from the bed, looking nervous and uncomfortable. “Will you … will you inform me if his condition changes?” she asked.

“Of course,” I replied.

She looked back at Eren for a long moment before leaving.

I turned back to him, curling my body around his. I held him as I buried my face into the hollow of his neck. My body began to shake while I cried fiercely. After a few long moments, I was able to regain control of myself. I kissed his cheek softly, running my hand down the side of his face.

“You stupid, stupid alfar. What were you thinking? You could have died,” I whispered to him. I sat up to take his shoes off and pulled the covers over his body, making sure he was as comfortable as possible. I crawled back to his side, laying my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

His family came in and out of the room throughout the night to check on him. I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t dare leave his side. I waited anxiously for him to open his eyes, but he never did.

The next morning, my father finally made an appearance in Eren’s room. His face was long, and his eyes were heavy. I could tell he hadn’t slept. He stood at the foot of Eren’s bed, staring down at him.

“How is he?” my father asked.

“Alive, thanks to Vena,” I replied.

“They tell me she intended to kill you, but Eren intervened at the last minute.”

“He saved my life,” I whispered, looking down at his perfect face.

“I’m eternally grateful to him,” said my father.

“What will happen to the queen?”

He took a moment before he responded. “She is being interrogated. The court witnessed her attempt on your life, and she attacked the crowned prince. The council has decided that her penalty will be death.”

I stood from the bed, walking over to his side. I took his hand in mine while his eyes remained fixed on Eren. “How are you handling all of this?” I asked softly.

He turned to me, eyes filled with pain. He ran his fingers gently down my face. “She killed the woman I loved. The mother of my child. If the council wasn’t going to sentence her to death, her life would have still ended.”

“Have you spoken with her?”

He dropped his eyes. “I have nothing to say to her. I brought this upon you and your mother. If I wouldn’t have—” My father stopped himself, taking a quick breath in.

I hadn’t seen him express any sort of pain in the time I had known him. He was always stoic and stone-faced. I tightened my hand around his, letting him know I was there for him.

“She loved you. I know she did,” I whispered to him.

He took another deep breath, straightening his posture as he looked into my eyes and smiled. “You are so much like her,” he said, glancing at Eren. “When Erendrial wakes, she will be sentenced to death in front of the court. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.” He kissed me softly on the head.

An hour later, Oz came to the room with a grin on his face.

“What is it?” I asked him.

“Ophilia Gyset. She’s agreed to make the deal with Eren. As soon as he wakes, she will sign the contract,” said Oz.

“That’s good to hear. What does she want in return?”

“Nothing. Just to be the one to kill her father. Two out of three, which only leaves Soddram.”

I nodded, remembering I had volunteered to secure that contract. “Speaking of, would you mind sitting with Eren? I don’t want him to be alone, and I have a few alfar I need to pay a visit to.”

“Of course.”

It pained me to leave Eren, but I wanted him to wake to the remaining two contracts ready for him to sign, so he would have less people wanting him dead to worry about. I changed and cleaned myself up before making my way to Soddram’s room. I knocked, then checked to see if anyone of importance noticed me. He opened the door, half dressed for the day. I smiled, peeking around the doorframe.

“Is this a bad time? I can come back,” I said, looking for my cousin Icici.

“Of course not, Your Highness. Please, come in,” he greeted me, smiling arrogantly and stepping back from the door. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Have you tired of your new husband already?” He smiled seductively, moving past me to gather his shirt.

“Actually, I have come to discuss a rather personal matter with you,” I said flirtatiously. If this was how he wanted to play, I would oblige him. I gestured to his couch. “May I sit?”

“Of course,” he replied, sitting next to me, barely leaving space between us. He stretched his arm around my shoulder, pulling himself closer. His eyes locked onto mine before he leaned forward. “What would you like to discuss?”

“I would like to know what your ambitions are, Soddram. I never got the chance to get to know you before the tournament, but I am all ears now.”

He arched his brow. “I wish to only serve the crown,” he said cautiously.

I held his gaze intently. “Soddram, I wish to speak freely with you. My sources inform me that you seek power. From what I have gathered, you are an influential leader, and you have a strong head on your shoulders. You are very valuable, and you could accomplish great things to further our kingdom, and your personal reputation and coffers, if that power were available to you.”

He sat back seeming to search my face for answers. “I appreciate your high opinion of my abilities, but I am afraid I do not see how I can be useful to you now. What are you getting at, Genevieve?”

I took the risk. “How do you and your father get along?”

“He is my father. I respect him and look to him for advice and guidance.”

“And, how old is your father?”

“A little over four hundred.”

“That’s a long time to wait to have your chance at making your mark. Even then, you will only get, what, two hundred years—if you’re lucky—to be the head of your family?” I studied his face for signs I was hinting in the right direction. “What if I could offer you a place of power and influence with the backing of the crown now ?”

“And how would I obtain this favor?” he asked guardedly.

“Simply take it. We have evidence that your father is plotting against the crown. His treason is going to come to light within the next few days. I would like to guarantee that the next head of House Yositru is truly loyal to the crown. In exchange, I am offering you my support and resources to accomplish your ambitions.”

“What is the price?”

I lowered my voice, praying my plan was going to work. “When the time comes, you will slit your father’s throat in front of the court, and then bow to the crowned prince, offering your full support and allegiance. In private, you will sign a blood contract with Erendrial outlining the details of your loyalty.”

Soddram paused, looking to the floor while he chewed the offer over in his head. “And how do I know I will have your full support?”

“It will be stated in the contract, of course. As I said, this is a two-way trade. Whatever you need or want, I will do my best to secure for you, but your loyalty must be unwavering.”

He took a n exaggerated breath and then looked at me, his dark eyes full of cautious hope. “I want another form of insurance in order to secure my position,” he said.

I smiled, knowing exactly what was coming. “What did you have in mind?”

“I want to marry into the royal family. I also want the position of high councilmen over Erendrial’s table when his time comes to reign.”

“I will have to speak to my husband about the seat when he wakes. As far as a marriage, which cousin did you have in mind?”

“Icici. I also want you to sign a blood contract that you will not harm her or any children we have.”

I paused, curious. “And why would I ever think to harm my own family?”

He huffed with amusement. “You’ve proven time and time again how easy it is for you to take a life. It’s as if you were born and raised here all along. It comes naturally to you, princess. It’s in your blood.”

“Only if they commit treason. Is that not our law?” I asked.

“I insist on a blood contract between the two of you if I am to do what you ask.”

I paused, studying the male closely. “Are you … in love with my cousin?”

He chuckled. “I do not understand the concept of love, nor do I wish to, but your cousin and I work well together. I believe our unity through marriage could benefit both our houses.”

I gave a slight nod. “I will speak with Icici. If she agrees to the marriage, I will agree to your terms.”

He cocked a grin. I stood from the couch as he followed me to the door.

“When the details have been looked over, I will make contact. Until then, I expect you will keep this arrangement between us?”

“Of course, Princess Genevieve,” he said with a bow.

“Soddram, if we are to work closely together from this point on, please call me Gen.”

“Thank you … Gen.” He closed the space between us, leaning down to my face. “And if you ever get tired of Erendrial, I’d be happy to serve you in other ways.” He pulled back with an entrancing smile.

“Thank you for the offer, but it won’t be necessary.” I exited his rooms and headed for Icici’s. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for any outcome.

I got to her rooms and knocked. Her servant opened the door and bowed, allowing me to pass through. Icici was sitting at the table, eating her breakfast alone. Since the death of her father and brother, she only showed her face at court for dinner. Every other meal, she took alone. Her eyes locked on mine instantly. She placed her teacup on the saucer.

“Cousin, I wasn’t expecting you,” she said, gesturing to the chair across from her. “Would you like to join me for breakfast?”

“I’d love to,” I replied, taking a seat.

The servant prepared a plate for me while Icici watched.

“How’s Erendrial?” she asked calmly.

“He will recover. Thank you for asking. How have you been doing? I am sorry I haven’t been able to check in. Courtly matters have kept my attention elsewhere.”

“I’m fine. Thank you for inquiring over my well-being.”

I smiled, and we ate in silence for the next ten minutes. Finally, she dropped her fork with a clang and allowed her well-mannered mask to fall away.

“What is it that you’ve come here for, Genevieve? I have done nothing to draw your attention, so you must want something.”

I took a sip of tea and then looked at her calmly. “I have come to offer a marriage proposal to you.”

Her face looked shocked. “Who?”

“Soddram Yositru has asked for your hand. I, of course, told him I would only approve if you agreed. If you don’t, I will refuse his request.”

She thought it over for a moment. “Why would you even give me the option? I must do whatever you command.”

“Icici, we may have started off on the wrong foot, but I do not wish you any harm. I would never force you into a union you did not want.”

“What do you get from this arrangement?” she asked.

“Soddram as an ally. He has also asked for the high councilman seat at Eren’s table when our reign begins.”

She paused, leaning back into her chair. “And he asked for my hand in marriage?”

“He did. He also requested that I sign a contract promising not to harm you or your children. I have agreed, if you agree to the marriage.”

Her face turned to the side and her jaw clenched.

“Icici, I would like us to start over, if that is possible. If you agree to this, Soddram will be close to Eren and me. I would like to be able to rely on and trust you as well. This could be a good thing, for everyone,” I said leaning into the table.

Her eyes met mine with a stern expression. “And why would you ever trust me? After what my father and brother did to you?”

“You aren’t them. Plus, the contract you signed also proved your loyalty. I’d prefer not to rely on the contracts every time we speak. Instead, I’d like to build an actual foundation with you. You have many talents that can be helpful in political and courtly matters.”

Her body relaxed slightly as she exhaled and crossed her arms. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you. And for throwing my relationship with Eren in your face. I saw there was something between you two from day one, and I was trying to hurt you.”

“Thank you. I am also sorry for my actions. Though, I must hand it to you, you get under my skin almost as much as Eren.”

She smiled at me genuinely for the first time. She shrugged her shoulders. “What can I say, it’s a gift.”

“A gift we can use,” I said, smiling back.

She looked at me and nodded her head. “I will do it. I will marry Soddram and I will take your offer. This way, we both can begin again, without fear and with a clean slate.”

“I agree,” I said, leaning back while I finished my tea. The third contract was secure. Eren was safe.