Scott, who was Helena’s husband, and Helena, our wonderful hosts and the parents of Henry and Jay, were directing the conversation. We had discussed the details of our cover well, and made sure they were routed in as much truth as we could without exposing ourselves.
“So, you have to tell me…” Scott began, “What happened to you two? By the time Helena found you, you were both on death's doorstep.”
“We were traveling from our wedding for a vacation and our wagon was set upon by bandits. They took everything we had and they tried…” Eák was doing far too good of a job at lying. His hesitation sold it. “They tried to take my Noelle away from me… I couldn't bear the idea of … we chose to take our chances with a waterfall instead, then we got lost and have been stranded for days…” He was playing this part so well, I began to feel bad for Noelle and Sebaston myself. No matter how false they truly were.
“Oh… how awful.” Helena exerted.
“Indeed. I am sorry for your troubles.” Scott said. “Though I am sure you must know, we are not a wealthy folk. The poultices and care we have given to you will cost us a great deal in the future.”
“SCOTT!” Helena scolded. “That doesn’t matter.”
“No please,” Eák interjected. “Any way I can repay you for your kindness, I would happily oblige.” As he spoke, he bowed his head to the two of them. Something I had never seen him do before. Was he really this good of a liar?
“I as well,” I said in agreement.
“It is settled then. As repayment, you will spend the remainder of the week here assisting our sons in caring for the crops. We need to sow for the next harvest and an extra set of hands would do wonders. Miss, if you would be so kind as to assist my wife, I am sure she will have a use for you.” Scott exclaimed.
Spending days here. We had already wasted so much time. If we don't get a move on soon, things will only get more difficult.
The days’ chores went by without too much hassle. I had done plenty of duties in my time as a soldier, trivial household tasks were simple, not to mention, it gave me the chance to speak with Helena and gain more information. Their farm was located just inside of the Shera and Berning border. The nearest town, Shosa, was still a days ride away, providing quite a bit of privacy for her husband, two sons and her. She did state that they made the ride into town every Saturday, which was clearly what her husband was thinking with his requests. We will be on our way in three days time.
When dinner time arrived Eák and I sat beside one another at the table. It was nothing extravagant. Then again I’ve never been one for unpurposeful displays of superiority, so I didn’t mind it. We ate gratefully, and then it was time to hit the hay. Helena escorted us to our room for the night. And… We were married, to her anyway, so there was no issue with us sharing a bed. Except for … you know … we weren’t, and this would actually mean sharing a bed.
Once in the room I stood stoic, not sure what to do. The gentlemanly thing would be for him to sleep on the floor and offer me the bed. However, we had both experienced quite a bit and getting proper rest was vital for both of our recoveries.
“We can share the bed,” I stated.
“I’ll take the floor,” Eák said.
Our words rang out in unison.
Eák’s eyebrow shot up excitedly and the devilish smirk was back. There was no hiding it this time, my face was like a ripe cherry tomato. My eyes grew wide in embarrassment and I turned away quickly. By the sound of his laughter behind me, I knew I had not been fast enough.
He moved behind me. I could feel the heat radiating from him. His face moved beside mine and I felt his breath on my neck. “Didn’t I tell you to be careful Princess?” His voice was sinister, but … tempting.
“I just meant… I meant only that the floor could not be comfortable and we both need to recover.”
“Fair enough.” His gaze landed on me, smile gleaming. “Besides, it's not like it’s the first time we’ve slept together.” Heat exploded from within me. He is not… That was not… I mean… Ahhhh…
A deep bellowing laugh echoed around me. “It’s okay, beautiful. I won’t tell if you don’t.”
I pulled the blanket away and threw my body onto the bed, making a point to face the farthest I could away from him. He laughed again and crawled onto the other side, intentionally laying his body on top of the blanket.
We laid there awkwardly for some time, before I found it necessary to break the silence.
“You never finished your statement.” I said surprising myself. I didn’t even know it was bugging me until the words were already out there.
“Huh?”
“Back at the camp. You never finished your statement. I asked you. ‘Who are you?’”
“Ahh… Here I was thinking, I could get away scott-free on that one.” I could almost hear a plea in his voice, but I was not going to give in. I had been betrayed enough, I wanted to know the man I was in this battle with.
He sighed, “Very well. But I should warn you, as my “wife” you are probably going to get jealous.” His voice practically dripped with self-satisfaction. That is until he started talking again…
“Years ago, before Shera and The Sins were considered at war. Queen Iona and King Kerian were very public rulers. They used to embody everything a King and Queen should be. All events and decisions were attended by them. The people loved them and they loved each other. They had been married for sometime when Iona became pregnant. Months later she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. This girl would grow up to become the next Queen of Shera … That is, she was supposed to.” His voice broke just a little as he spoke. I didn’t want to interrupt, though I did not see how this could be related to the question I had asked.
“Iona had allowed her daughter many freedoms, freedoms that were not usually given to children of royal blood. She was an adventurous and kind child… The only thing her parents asked of her, was that the well being of the country and her people came before all else. With that in mind, the young princess was promised to marry, not for love, but for duty. She was still young and had little understanding of what it meant to marry a man she had never met. But, being who she was, she bore it without complaint… The boy she was promised to was to refortify the alliance with Berning, that was the way of a royal marriage. The crowned prince of Berning, son of King Farious Kole and Queen Remia, and the crowned princess of Shera, daughter of Queen Iona and King Kerian, would be married when they came of age.
For many years, tensions were high between the two countries because of a ridiculous old feud. Each country waged war against the other for injustices started many generations before, and the supposed legitimacy of the others claims to rule. For many eras, the suffering of the people was a small price to pay to keep the two bloodlines indiscretions, a secret.
With the marriage of the two children, the kingdoms would become one again. The disingenuous history of the countries and the bloody war, which had raged for countless generations could finally come to an end. This marriage was going to forever ensure peace.” He stopped, looking almost pained.
“That is how it was supposed to go anyway… However, there was an attack on the castle and during the chaos, the unimaginable happened. The Princess was killed. She was twelve, and the prince never got to meet the woman he was to marry. He was stripped of that right.” His fists were clenched and his body tense.
The realization hit me abruptly.
“...Prince?” The words fell out, shock and disbelief coursed through my mind.
“Yeah..” He anxiously grabbed the back of his neck, leaving his broad pectorals clearly outlined. “But it’s not as interesting as it sounds. I’m not even sure I still hold that title at this point. I didn’t agree with the games and deceptions. I decided to leave. I’ve been away from Massara for many months now, I’m not even sure if the people want a king like me.” All the information circled in my mind, touching and playing against shadowed dreams and pieces I couldn’t remember. But one thing was certain... Prince… Prince….PRINCE EAK? Oh gods, I had berated him... Insulted him… Attacked him… Should I bow…?
“Relax,” he said, turning his face from mine, his eyes fixed on a small candle hung by the window to the small cottage room. “I hate how people change when they meet someone like me. I hate phony people. I’ve liked you because you're so genuine. No matter what, you are always who you are, unapologetically.”
The sadness was nearly covered by his smile. He had been through so much and I could still see the pain seeping in. I knew how it felt to experience pain like that, losing someone, or in my case, everyone. All I wanted was to comfort him, to make it alright, but if my past had taught me anything, trying to fix everything was a pointless endeavor.
On instinct, I moved beside him. On my knees, I stretched to meet his gaze. I was right. The sadness… It was most definitely there.
I wrapped my arms around him and held tight. I felt his body, the tension began to dissipate. He melted into my arms. Holding me, holding him, his face nestled into my neck, I held him until I felt his pain begin to fade.
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