-Prior-
Evlina had asked Prior to come to her room and then went with her out onto the veranda. They sat down outside on a bench.
Emi waited outside in the hallway by the door.
They were silent for a while until Evlina finally asked, "When did it start?"
Of course, Prior knew who she meant.
She thought for a moment, unsure of the answer herself.
"I think when you asked me to bring him the charger," Prior replied. But then she remembered the banquet and Kashion's attention. "Or at the banquet?" She thought of the Cheqi piece, the donkey, and her message. She had to laugh softly. "Or maybe even before that?"
Evlina shook her head. "And you didn't think you should tell me?"
Prior felt guilty. Maybe if she had said something from the beginning, it wouldn't have come this far.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"I would hope so," Evlina replied. "I can't just forgive you like this."
Prior felt her eyes fill with tears. She hadn't wanted this. She hadn't wanted to disappoint Evlina—not after everything she had done for her. She couldn't hold back the tears anymore and said, sobbing, "I really am sorry."
"Oh, Prior, stop crying. I can't forgive you right now." Evlina paused. "But who knows… maybe in a few years."
Prior let out a small laugh. At least that was some comfort.
"I've been thinking," Evlina continued. "About the past few days, since we arrived on Earth. And I have to say, I found your behavior strange. Now I know you were trying to avoid him. I'll give you that."
Prior felt a bit relieved and swallowed.
"But I'll tell you one thing. I made the prince an offer. No matter what has happened or what happens in the next week—I told him that I will marry him if he wants it."
Prior looked at Evlina. She looked hurt, but also determined. Everything suddenly felt uncertain again.
"What will you do if he chooses me?" Evlina asked.
Prior had to fight back tears again. She pulled herself together and said, "If he does… then I wish you happiness."
Evlina let out a dry laugh.
"Should I leave?" Prior asked.
Evlina looked at her and thought for a moment. Prior was afraid she would say yes. She didn't want to leave—not the princess, and not Kashion.
Evlina shook her head. "I don't think that would help. And I can still use you as my advisor for the next negotiations."
A small weight lifted from Prior's chest. At least Evlina still trusted her that much.
"Do you think he could make you happy—or you him?" Evlina suddenly asked.
Prior shook her head. "I don't want him to make me happy." It all still felt so unreal.
Evlina looked at her, surprised, frowning.
Prior explained, "I think it's important to already be content with yourself. Not to expect another person to make you happy. That way, you can focus on being there for the other person and giving something to them."
Evlina laughed quietly. "I think I expect a bit more for myself."
-Kashion-
Kashion had gone to Kassia, hoping to see Prior. Now that the danger had passed, he could think clearly again.
He was deeply moved that she had stepped in front of him to protect him. Of course, it had scared him—but it made him admire her even more. He was almost burning with the desire to see her now.
All the more disappointing was that she wasn't there. At first, he was worried, but Kassia reassured him and said she had sent Emi with her.
He immediately wanted to go after her. He had no idea what the princess might say to Prior—or worse, what she might do.
"Kashion, it must have been emotionally exhausting for her. Be gentle," Kassia said.
Of course he would be. He nodded and left.
He felt relieved when he saw Emi waiting not far from Evlina's room. That meant Prior was still inside.
He told Emi she could leave—that he would take care of Prior's safety himself. Then he leaned against the wall and waited.
-Prior-
Prior said goodbye to Evlina. The princess remained seated on the veranda and had dismissed her. She was not to come on her own the next day—Evlina would decide when she needed her.
Prior stood in front of the door, remembering that Emi was waiting for her. She didn't want to see anyone right now. She just wanted to collapse into her bed.
Luckily, Emi was like a shadow and wouldn't ask questions.
Prior opened the door.
As she stepped out, she immediately saw someone leaning against the wall across from her.
She quietly drew in her breath when she realized it was Kashion.
He walked straight toward her and looked at her.
He placed his right hand on her left upper arm.
She felt his hand and instinctively leaned into it a little. It felt good—his strength, his presence. She almost wanted to collapse into him, to embrace him. But she knew that would be inappropriate.
"You've been crying," he said softly.
She looked at him and had to fight tears again, but she didn't want him to see her like that. She gathered all her strength, straightened herself even more, and forced a smile. "I'm fine."
-Kashion-
When Prior stepped out, he straightened immediately. As he approached her, he saw her reddened eyes. She had definitely been crying.
He had touched her arm to show that he was there for her. For a moment, it had felt like she leaned into him. He had wanted to pull her into an embrace—but he wasn't sure how she would react.
Now she said she was fine. She even smiled a little.
"Come. I'll walk you to your room," he said. Kassia's words were still in his mind. He wouldn't pressure her now.
She nodded, and they started walking.
"You're very brave," he said.
She looked at him.
"You stepped between me and the tiger," he explained.
"That was nothing," Prior replied. "Anyone would have done the same."
No. Not everyone would have. Kashion knew that very well.
"I don't think so," he said. "But in the future, you need to remember that your safety matters too."
She nodded softly. "Mm."
"But everything is under control now. You don't need to be afraid in the palace. Security has been tightened."
"Mm," was all she said again.
"Did I hurt you earlier?" he asked, remembering how tightly he had held her.
She laughed softly and shook her head. "It was fine. Don't worry."
"With Evlina…" he began. "Is everything okay?"
He heard her inhale briefly before she answered, "It's not easy, but… it's okay."
"If you need help, let me know. You're not just Evlina's servant anymore. You're my special guest. Even if you want a different room—"
"Not necessary," she interrupted.
-Prior-
Walking beside Kashion was both calming and nerve-wracking. She could feel how much effort he was making to show concern—but she was still overwhelmed.
When he mentioned Evlina, she almost lost control again. But she refused to cry now.
She didn't want another room either. She didn't know how Talina would react—but she didn't want to leave her familiar surroundings.
She was afraid none of this would last. He didn't know her well enough. And Evlina had given him that option. Who knew what would happen in a week?
They finally reached her room.
Prior turned to him and smiled.
-Kashion-
"Thank you for everything," she said.
He shook his head. "No need. I'm in your debt. First the negotiation, then the tiger."
She smiled a bit more.
"You can tell me anytime how I can repay that debt. I'm at your service."
She looked at him wide-eyed, and he had to grin. As a ruler, he had never said something like that to anyone before. But he knew Prior well enough—she would never take advantage of it.
She looked at him with her still-reddened eyes. There was something vulnerable in her gaze… but also something like hope.
He had to fight himself not to reach out and pull her into his arms.
"Go get some sleep, Prior. Rest after today. Take tomorrow off," he said.
She nodded and placed her hand on the door.
"Thank you. Good night, Prince Kashion," she said and went inside.
"Good night," he replied, staring at the door for a moment. She felt so close—and yet so far away. Too far.
He sighed and made his way back to his room.
At least Luu would be waiting for him.
-Prior-
Prior entered the room and was immediately met with Talina shaking her head.
"How could you? Who do you think you are?" Talina said.
Prior couldn't hold back her tears anymore. Those words—she had heard them so many times before. They felt like knives.
Without changing, she went straight to her bed.
With a trembling voice, she said, "This is between me and the princess. I just came from her—we've settled it."
Then she pulled the blanket over her head, ignored whatever Talina kept saying, and let her tears flow freely.