Ember
I was standing in front of the tall mirror in Evander's room, trying to see the damage on my back without snapping my neck.
"Ouch," I flinched in pain, the moment my finger touch the injury on my back.
The silence of the room was actually nice until the door clicked open.
Three maids marched in, like they owned the place. There were the ones who usually spent their mornings whispering about my "kitchen smell." The leader, a girl with a pinched face, tossed a pile of fresh clothes onto the bed like she was throwing out the trash.
"Sarah, energy." The other one giggled behind her. Obviously enjoying her reaction.
"The King said to clean you up," Sarah said, looking at me like I was trash. "Though I don't know why we're wasting the good soap on a stray." She added, staring at me like she was using her eyes to measure me.
The other two snickered, picking up a basin of water. One of them "accidentally" tipped it a bit, splashing cold water right onto my bruised feet.
"Oops," she giggled, not looking sorry at all. "My hand slipped. I guess I'm just not used to serving... whatever you are."
I felt rage within me. I have had a rough day from the whipping, to Evander anger , especially his hurtful words. Everything was boiling me and their words just made it worse.
I stepped toward Sarah, ignoring the sting in my back. I grabbed her chin the same way Evander did to me—hard enough to make her eyes bug out.
"Ahh," she cried, trying to remove my hand. But my grip was tight, because I grabbed it with everything in me.
"Listen here," I said, my voice low and steady. "I've spent years hauling heavy pots and skinning deer while you were busy polishing silver. My hands are a lot stronger than yours. You splash me again, and I'll make sure you're the one scrubbing the stones in the dungeon tonight."
Sarah tried to pull away, her face turning red. "You wouldn't dare. The Council—"
"The Council isn't in this room," I cut her off, leaning into her space. "But the girl who holds the King's sanity is. You think he's scary now? Imagine how he'll look at you if I tell him you're making my headache worse."
They all looked at me shocked—Like they have been stroked by lightning.
I let go of her, and she stumbled back, hitting the bedpost. The other two dropped the towels and stood there, mouths open.
"Now," I pointed to the bath. "Scrub the tub, leave the soap, and get out. I can wash myself."
"Yes, miss." They ran fast doing my task.
Evander
I stared at Isadora. She was standing there in the middle of the Council chamber, looking all soft and sweet in a dress that probably cost more than a village. Her green eyes were wide, and she looks innocent.
"I won't do it," I said. I gripped the arms of the throne so hard the wood started to splinter under my palms. "I don't care about your 'choice.' My blood is fine."
The Lead Elder stepped forward, clutching that scroll like a shield. "My Lord, it's not just about the blood. The North is holding the grain trade. If you refuse this union, the winter will starve your people before the madness even gets a chance to kill you. You want a kingdom to rule? Or a graveyard?" He looked at me like a prying vulture holding its prey but the throat. I knew it was a well set trap they had plotted but nevertheless he also had an atom of truth.
"They want to dethrone you," my wolf whispered burning with anger.
"And if I don't accept this marriage?" I asked looking at them with disgust.
Silence... no one uttered, they all had their gaze fixed to my boot.
Isadora took a step toward me. She didn't look bothered by the shadows or my snarling. She just smiled, and it was the kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Evander," she said, her voice like honey. "I'm not here to force you. I know this is a lot. I just want to help.
I felt my wolf pacing in the back of my mind, baring his teeth. "Fake", he growled. She smells like cold stone and lies.
"So why did you agree to the marriage, without meeting me?"
I've heard so much about you and your pack, to be honest I spent most of my time studying about them and I'd love to stay for a few weeks. Just to see if I can even handle your... unique system. If it doesn't work, I'll tell the Council myself."
I let out a short, dry laugh. "You want to 'cope' with my pack? You look like you've never seen a day of dirt in your life, Princess. You'll be crying for your daddy by the third sunrise."
She didn't flinch. She just tilted her head; "I'm tougher than I look, My Lord. Give me a chance to show you I can be a friend. No pressure. Just a guest."
The Elder chimed in, sensing a crack in the door. "Two weeks, Evander. Let her stay—in the main time think about the grain and the throne."
I looked at Isadora. She was playing it perfectly, the sweet girl just trying to do her duty. My wolf was practically howling in disgust. He hated her and I wasn't please with her either . But the thought of my people starving because of my pride... that was a different kind of weight.
"Fine," I spat, standing up. "She stays. But she in the West Wing far away from me."
Isadora bowed her head, looking all modest. "Thank you, My Lord. I'm sure we'll get along wonderfully."
"Don't bet on it," I muttered, walking past her.