The Crown of Spheres

߷C H A P T E R - F O U R ߷

☁︎︎ C H A P T E R   F O U R ☁︎︎

- Trigger warning: Brief s*xual violence. - 

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I didn't know what to say.

I wanted to sink through the floor and return to my chambers where the entry to my wing was protected by guards.

What a stupid mistake I'd made... venturing out to get a book at this time.

"Shouldn't you be tucked away in your room getting your beauty sleep?" Prince Calder continued, and my ears twitched every time I heard one of this boots touch the floor. He was not heavy footed, but the quietness of those steps seemed to alarm me even more.

"I was just getting a new book... I'll be heading back now." I replied, my voice an airy sort of steady as my heart jumped into my throat and threatened to cut off my airways. I forced myself to calm down, but the ache forming around my ears from how hard they were pressing down was making it hard.

I turned to leave but stopped abruptly, seeing how he was only a meter away from me. His lightning white hair seemed to absorb the flame glow, his skin sparkling subtly. I stared up and into his icy blue eyes, feeling pinned as he smiled suddenly. He was quick and quiet about his movements, which only made my knees want to give way and send me crashing to the floor.

"Steady now." His murmured gently, stepping closer. "Are you not pleased to see me?" He asked, reaching up to move my fringe away from my eyes and then cupped my chin. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm a little tired." My voice was quiet and I suspected he could smell my fear. I bit the inside of my bottom lip a few seconds later as it threatened to tremble.

"That didn't answer my question," he replied gently, letting go of my chin and pushing his thumb against my jaw quickly so my head jolted to the side. "What were you doing in here with that savage?" He then asked bluntly, his tone switching to harsh in a split second.

"Nothing, he was just getting a book as well." I informed him, then cleared my throat. Calder tilted his chin down and narrowed his eyes, leaning close to my face. I could smell his skin... and it was sweet like honey suckle with a... sickly twinge of rotting flesh underneath it.

I held my breath.

"Don't lie to me," He growled, keeping his face close to mine to the point where I got so uncomfortable I moved back involuntarily. He grabbed my chin to bring my face back to facing his, "Look at me when I'm talking to you."

"I'm sorry, I wasn't lying," I fought to keep my voice steady and failed, "please, I have to go otherwise I'll be tired tomorrow." I rushed out, clutching the book I was holding so tightly I thought my nails would break through the leather cover.

"This is the first time we've been alone in months, and you don't want to spend more time with me?" Calder asked and I already knew there was no point in answering, even if it was to appease his ego. "I'm offended, Nynia. I went to war for you. I won that war for you, and you can't even congratulate me?"

"I'm-" I began, but he snatched the book from my hands and looked at the title as he turned away from me. Maybe I should run now, I had an opportunity. But I knew if I did and he caught me it would only make him angrier.

"I've been looking forward to seeing you for weeks, and the first thing that happens is I find you messing around in here with someone else,"

"I wasn't messing around with-"