Chapter 55: Chapter 55

Raven

The sun’s glare woke her up, and she rolled over, burying her face in the pillow.

“Finally, you’re awake. Are you still planning to go with the prince today? He’s waiting,” Captain Oito announced.

Raven looked his way, surprised. Captain Oito was waiting outside her door? She was beginning to appreciate the benefits of her new role.

She wasn’t rudely awakened but rose when she felt ready. Having the bathroom all to herself was another big bonus.

The king had vanished last night, leaving her with the entire suite. Not too shabby.

She was amazed at how he seemed to understand her thoughts and feelings. It was as if he could read her mind or they had known each other before.

Raven shook off these thoughts and started getting ready for the day. Her clothes were laid out for her again, but this outfit was a departure from the norm.

It was a shirt, pants, and boots, a far cry from the usual sheer skirts and dresses.

Raven and Captain Oito rode the elevator down to the lobby, a first for Raven, since she had been unconscious upon her arrival. The lobby was grand, with massive gold-coated archways.

The ceiling was adorned with a war scene painting, the pillars were intricately carved, and a large fountain dominated the space. She was so engrossed in her surroundings that she almost missed the prince and king conversing.

“Make sure she’s back at the agreed time and keep your hands to yourself,” King Soi-Ji instructed.

The prince of Nadia smiled and extended his hand. “Of course. I’m just honoring my Nadian promise.” The king gripped the prince’s forearm. “And if she’s the one with wandering hands? Am I allowed to respond?”

The king’s grip tightened, causing the prince’s leather braces to squeak.

“Only if you don’t mind never seeing your homeland again, little prince.”

After a few moments of their arm wrestling, they noticed her and parted ways. The king stopped by her side and leaned down. He stared at her for what felt like an eternity.

“Come back,” he whispered, pressing his forehead against hers.

Her eyes widened. She was rooted to the spot until he pulled away. Raven’s feet couldn’t move fast enough as she stepped out of the palace. The view was as stunning as the one from the balcony.

The long staircase elevated them high above the city.

She would’ve seen this structure from the city, even from Dhol’s house. Raven looked up at the sky and saw nothing. She studied it a bit longer and noticed a ripple or wave of some sort.

~A cloaking device?~

“Would you prefer to take the elevator down instead?” the prince offered.

Raven glanced at the multitude of stairs and nodded.

Her luck wasn’t as good as she had thought. They ended up taking a ground vehicle instead of a flying one. She had to remind herself to be patient and wait for the right moment.

The ride to the lake was quick, but her trip down memory lane was longer as she recalled her time with Dhol in those woods, with Bellamy by their side.

“Is this the right place?” he asked.

“Yes, thank you. I didn’t think you could get me out of there,” she replied, walking towards the edge.

“It wasn’t easy, but I believe it was worth it,” the prince said, his eyes serious.

“I figured it wasn’t just about our bet,” Raven said.

“No, I have questions that I hope you can answer.”

“We both know that I’m not allowed to, and besides, I’m not telling anyone anything,” she said.

“Then you’re being foolish. I can help you and your people more than they can or will.”

“At a steep price, I presume,” Raven said, squatting near the water.

“With a substantial reward. I have a ship with your name on it if you help me connect with your people.”

“How can I trust you’ll keep your word?”

“How will I know if you’re being honest or not? We have to trust each other. Just think about it,” he said, handing her a piece of paper. “That’s how you can reach me when you’re ready to talk.”

It sounded like a trap to her. He might have good intentions, but there was no telling how the people around him would react. Sometimes it’s better to stick with the devil you know.

Raven peered into the water, hoping they were still down there. It was a few days after the hibernation cycle had started, but some should still be awake.

“Fancy a swim?” he asked.

“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” Raven said.

“I’m sure I can find something in the vehicle.” He started to walk away, then paused, looking back at her.

“I’ll be right here until you return. If I’m not, I’m sure you’ll catch me before I can even make it a mile,” Raven said.

“I’m trusting you,” he said, disappearing into the trees.

Raven didn’t waste this golden opportunity and dug into her pockets and top. She pulled out the vials and needles. Rolling up her sleeves, she reached into the lake and wiggled her arm around.

She tried to remember how much this hurt last time when a sharp stabbing pain overtook her thoughts.

Raven pulled her arm out with a daki attached to it. She grabbed the needle and jabbed the snake-like creature; she attached the vial to it and watched it fill up.

Raven repeated the process until all four vials were full. A rustle in the bushes caught her attention, and she quickly started throwing the needles into the lake.

With just a few seconds to spare, she tucked the vials into her top.

“It’s too big, but”—his jaw clenched—“Soi is going to rip me apart.” The prince dropped the shirt and rushed over.

He cut the daki from her arm. “I’m sorry, but I have to take you back now before this spreads,” he said, examining her black-veined arm.

She wanted to tell him that she could handle it, but that would raise his suspicions. Her shoulder was already starting to go numb.

King Soi-Ji's face lit up when he saw her return early, but his joy quickly morphed into rage when he noticed Raven’s injured arm.

A team of medics rushed her away on a stretcher, and as the doors swung shut behind her, she caught a final glimpse of the prince, skillfully evading danger.