Chapter 154: Eyes are watching you.
"Arkilla, please come closer," Ren called, seated in an alcove beside her aunt as they shared a pot of tea. Beyond the arched window, the flower gardens stretched into view, wild and radiant beneath the waning breath of spring, the last days of the season in Jaigara, the capital of Alvonia. It was heavily raining but the garden still looked nerve-soothing.
"Aunt Eve, this is my friend, Arkilla. She has been protecting me ever since I entered Thegara."
Arkilla bowed her head. "It is my honor, Luna Queen."
Aunt Eve smiled, nodding in quiet approval.
"Thank you, Arkilla, for watching over my precious niece."
"Please don’t mention it," Arkilla replied, her tone crisp. "I only hope Alvonia knows how to value her this time. My queen is not some object to be sold."
As always, Arkilla’s tongue was sharper than a blade, and inwardly, Ren couldn’t help but giggle. Yet the humor faded quickly like the last glory of spring slipping into memory. She hadn’t forgotten how they’d treated her, how easily they had let Rebedina and Araben accuse her, with no shield raised in her defense. Don’t remark on the magic blocker bracelet that almost killed her.
What if they spread their venom again? What if the royal courts demanded her execution? Would the King step forward, and reveal the truth to save her?
He had professed his love, but Ren was not so foolish as to believe pretty words.
If the court demanded blood, the King would sacrifice her without hesitation to keep his crown intact.
Aunt Eve looked utterly embarrassed, but Ren made no move to apologize for her guard’s bluntness.