FIVE

We are greeted by startling camera flashes as soon as we walk in. He seems unphased but I am dizzy until we are led to our seats.

“You should be used to the paparazzi by now,” he says. I can’t think of anything to say so I remain silent.

We are seated on an elevated area that allows us to see everyone that is present. It takes only a few minutes for the ceremony to begin.

And after an hour, I am almost certain that he is as bored as me.

“So, if you didn’t come here to get me then why did you?”

“To get you?” a snort escapes my mouth and I place my palm over my lips in embarrassment when half the people at the venue turn to look at me.

“Good job, Hayes,” he teases. I sigh and roll my eyes.

“Like I told the king, I’m only here as an ambassador.”

“You want Ilta and Corvina to be on good terms.”

I nod.

“That means your nation is in trouble. Either there is a war coming or you’re in debt,” he states.

“Well, it’s not my place to disclose that.”

“You’re right. I’ll take it up with your king.”

I can feel the colour drain from my face. Him talking to our king might blow my cover.

“In the meantime, you should give us enough reason to trust you.”

“And now we will invite his highness, prince Damian of Ilta for his speech,” the man on the podium says after the recruits have given their vows.

I clap along half-heartedly.

He walks over so gracefully that I am envious of how effortless he seems, which only makes him more of an arse to me.

“Thank you,” he begins.

“As you know, being in the army is an opportunity. An opportunity to serve this nation. I will be pushing all of you very hard, until I am confident in you.

None of you were forced. If you’re here, it means you have a passion to protect the people that you love…”

April. I can only think of her after he says those words. I can only hope that she is safe.

“You know the rules. You know how to obey. If any of you is caught in acts of betrayal or treason, the penalty is death. And one more thing.

Don’t be a coward, or you’ll be sent back home to your mommy.”

He gives a tight smile that doesn’t reach his eyes and retreats.

He doesn’t return to his seat. Instead, he leaves through the entrance doors and everyone watches him leave in confusion.

“My lady,” a guard says from behind me. I turn around.

“It’s time to go.”

“That was rude,” I say as I get into the car beside him.

He shrugs. “I was bored. Let’s put ourselves out of the misery of sitting there for another three hours.”

The ride back is silent after this brief exchange.

Soon we are back in the castle where I meet with my guards and they drive me back to the hotel.

As soon as I’m alone, I grab my phone and make an urgent call.

“This better be important,” King Zephyr says after two rings.

“The Prince wants to consult the king of Corvina. That won’t end well for us,” I reply.

“Us? You’re the only one that will suffer the consequences.”

I swallow the lump that forms in my throat. “What?”

I hear him laugh. “That was a joke,” he says.

“A very bad one,” I mumble under my breath.

“I assure you there is nothing to worry about. King Xander and I are in partnership. Did you really think I wouldn’t consider the chances of a background check?”

“Well…”

“If I hadn’t, you would already be dead. They know all that they need to know about Lady Hayes. And as for Prince Damian, he can ask any questions he wants. The king of Corvina and I will be waiting for him.”

I feel some of the tension leave my shoulders as I hang up the phone.

Maybe this isn’t as dangerous as I thought. Maybe this won’t be the mission that will kill me. I shake my head at the thought before retiring for the day.

…

It’s been two days since my last encounter with Damia-

I mean… the royal family.

I stare down at the next invitation card. This one is an engagement party for Princess Lysandra and her foreign Prince.

They move fast…

Although there is no stated dress code, heaven forbid I don’t wear something that will make me stand out in the crowd. I roll my eyes at my own lack of modesty.

I arrive at the castle at eight, two hours late.

As is my goal for the evening, I am like a snowflake drifting through a crowd of colourful marbles. Because considering the nature of the occasion, everyone is dressed in warm, bright colours. Except me.

I stand by a bar at the far end of the large room and wait.

Although I’m not sure what I am waiting for. Maybe an opportunity.

“Here you are,” a displeased voice comes from behind me. Perhaps even slightly irritated.

I turn around to see the Damian acknowledging my presence.

“Your highness,” I say with a sly smile. He looks down at me.

“That’s a shiny dress,” he says.

“No, it’s not. It’s just white,” I reply with a smile.

“Dazzling is the word you’re looking for. Or is it too inappropriate for you?” I add, using his own word against him. Again.

“Well, considering how much skin you’re showing, I’d say it is.”

I want to look down at myself and see for myself if it is. But instead, I keep my chin up and take a few steps towards him.

Gripping his biceps under my nails, I tilt my head up until I am close enough to his ear.

He flinches slightly but chooses to stand his ground.

“I disagree. I bet I’m leaving just enough to your imagination,” I whisper.

I back away slowly and watch as his jaw clenches.

And I turn around and leave, but not before catching a mysterious glint in his dark, steely eyes.