Chapter 179: Equal Standing
Ronan was pacing in front of Conrad’s tent when Evanna arrived, and he stopped, his eyes flicking across her body for any signs of injury; then when he saw none, he relaxed. Evanna smiled gently and patted his shoulder as she passed him and slowed her pace until he caught up with her. They walked a few paces, neither speaking and looking as though they were going on a pleasant evening scroll even though their attire was dirtied and more ready for battle. But although they looked relaxed, both were observing their surroundings.
Evanna knew instantly they were being watched. That chill down her spine was still there and was becoming problematic from how accustomed she was to it, and the Princess knew she should never relax when that feeling was there. But that wasn’t the only thing watching them; besides a few of the Dunhurst soldiers guarding the perimeter and watching them, one of Conrad’s men was also hiding among the trees keeping watch along with a few more ravens. She only noticed the birds because of their glowing golden eyes among the dark trees.
Did Conrad kill them all to create these little spies? It seemed like they were new; she had not seen them until now. That was how his power worked. What she knew of it anyway. He could bring the dead back to life, though she did not know if it only worked on animals or not; either way, the Prince turned into their master.
"Princess-"
"Raven," Evanna instantly disregarded her title. With Ger, Ronan and Axel, she was not only the Princess of Dunhurst but a travelling companion, someone who has fought beside them.
Ronan smiled back at her. "Apologies. Fair Raven.." He replied in his usual charm before his eyes flicked around them, and he leaned closer to her, looking the part of a flirtatious man on the road. It made a few of the soldiers shift uncomfortably, and others watched Ronan as though he’d made a grave error and he did not have long left to live.
Evanna did not move as he whispered in her ear. "How long until we leave?" He smirked. The Princess wanted to smack him away, but this little ruse worked so they could speak without others overhearing. Although it might chip away into her reputation slightly, when she glanced at the others, they had already turned their backs on them. That didn’t mean Conrad’s man was not looking, though, and he would report to the Prince when he returned. Though, his little spies were already showing him what was happening.
"A few days. That should be enough for them to let their guard down around us," Evanna whispered back, although she was leaning away from him with her brows furrowed, so it looked like she was scolding him.
"Raven.. I hate to say this, but from what I have gathered from the others, you already have a reputation for being.." He trailed off as he spun around and stopped in front of her with a lazy grin and leaned forwards again. "Rebellious." He winked.
Evanna couldn’t help but chuckle even if he was being overly flirtatious in his mannerisms. But she was used to Ronan being a little bit flirty with her as she suspected he was with most ladies. "So.. a few days isn’t enough?" She wondered aloud, sidestepping him.
Ronan fell in step with her as they rounded back towards another part of the camp where some of the men were sitting by already made fires and cooking meat. It reminded her of Axel, and her heart sank, wondering how he was and what he and Ger were doing, that was, if they were still together.