Valerie
I feigned a smile. "We're fine, we're just having a girly argument," I hastily replied. Hoping that he would go away so that Zora and I could settle our differences.
But she didn't seem ready to cooperate. She probably didn't know this man and what he could do. "She lied to you," Zora exclaimed, throwing my portrait onto the bed.
"Zora," I called, shaking my head with pleading eyes. "Please, don't." I pleaded, my voice diminishing.
At once, she rushed over to him, grabbing his hand and gazing up at him, "My darling, this stranger is trying to hurt our baby," she reported, her palm gently rubbing her belly. I was totally caught off guard. As if that wasn't enough, "She's also occupying my room." She added.
Was this really Prince Luce, Prince Henry's half-brother? That would explain why Cassius seemed to take orders from him. I stuttered out an apology, "I'm sorry, my Prince." I curtsied. If I had known she was referring to you, I wouldn't bother her ." My ragged breathing heightened. "I didn't try to hurt her." I finished. His eyes darted between me and Zora.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly astonished. "Prince? Where did you hear that from?" he asked.
I began to gather my belongings, "Zora mentioned she was Prince Luce's concubine. Forgive me, I should have known better. I'll just quietly pack my bags," I said, my heart thumping as his words replayed in my mind.
What he said was true. There were gravestones all around the place, too numerous to count. Although I knew I would eventually end up in the dungeon at dawn, I didn't have to hasten my death.
Prince Luce's sudden command stopped me in my tracks. "Zora, since you're due for childbirth soon, you should remain with the midwives until you give birth. Let her remain here. She's a troublesome maid and I need to keep my eyes on her."
"But she," Zora wanted to insist, but Luce interrupted her with an unfriendly stare. A stare that spoke volumes.
Zora grumbled under her breath before storming off.
Prince Luce turned his attention back to me in frustration. "And you, how many times must I rescue you in a day?"
I retorted, although I kept my tone in check, "Rescue me? You don't care about me; you're just moved by obligation. To keep the castle in order, right?"
"Exactly!" He nodded, "Pack your bags this minute, and get out of this place. Now!" he barked, clearly upset by my response.
Trying to calm my breathing, "I'll go. But, you really should have told me you're into a lot of women; that's pretty typical for someone royal. They are engaged in an affair even with the most ordinary people."
He paused suddenly and stared at me in a manner that suggested I'd taken him by surprise. I really didn't know when the statement rolled out of my mouth, yet, I didn't think I should tender an apology.
He fidgeted with the pendant on his necklace while he shot a stare at me, "Your family's history is a little complicated and messy." He started, moving toward the candelabras. "Has anyone told you that?" He demanded, blowing off the lights.
To mock his claims, I chuckled. "Who are you to know about my family's past?" The room was dark, except for the reflection of the moonlight through the windows.
My eyes followed his shadow cast on the wall by the moonlight. "Why did you put off the lights?" He didn't respond. The room was still except for my own breathing.
He moved his hands gently on the tapestries that hung in my room. "About five hundred thousand years ago, ..." He started lightly. "The monarchs of your kingdom repeatedly slept with the common women, since they couldn't control their itchy members."
I shot out my eyes at him, "Wait, five hundred thousand years?"
He tucked a few stray dreadlocks behind his ear, revealing the tattoos around his neck. "I'm timeless. My name is Luce, and I'm not of this world."
Was Luce really his name? Was the name a truncation from Lucifer? I wondered but didn't dare to ask him.
"Of what benefits would it be for you if my name wasn't a short form of Lucifer?"
Oh my God! Did he just read my mind? He must be the devil! I shivered at the thought of it.
Bracing up, "It doesn't matter. I don't care about you or your name. Allow me to quietly pack my bags and get out of this place,"
Clearly ignoring me, he continued, "You deserve to know that you were born into a messy family, princess. In the future, your sons might follow in your father's footsteps."
I frowned at him but he overlooked it. "Princess, not every man is like your father," he shot at me, "Royals do whatever they do for a bunch of reasons. Is it possible for you to understand that?"
"I'd suggest you show some respect; my father is a king, and you will likely never be one. Prince Henry will go before you and win the crown," I said, taking a few steps back since he was getting too close.
"The same person who broke your heart?" He chuckled. "Henry wants you dead and, trust me, you will get your death wish if he ascends the throne. Remember, your father doesn't care about you and nothing will be done to bring your dead ass justice." He reminded me of my roots, grabbing the neck of my dress tightly.
But how did he know so much about me? His breath smelled of fresh Vernage wine. It was inviting, but I refused to think about it.
"Are you any better? You are both just the same. Heartless and intimidating. Accept the truth or go to hell!" I attempted to push him off, but he grabbed my arms.
"Where do you think I come from?" he thundered, his grip tightened around my neck this time..