Chapter 14: Mask, And Arrival
Raelis and his mother were escorted out of the throne room, their destination none other than the new home the emperor had prepared for them.
Just as they were about to continue walking, Zeri stepped in front of them, and to Raelis’s surprise, she grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him aside.
The guards who were escorting the two of them didn’t even bat an eye, almost as if they were used to Zeri’s impulsive behavior.
But even so...
"What do you think you’re doing?" Raelis asked coldly.
Zeri looked past him at the guards, gave a little wave, then turned back with an innocent smile.
"What do you mean? I’m just curious how you’ve been after all this time," Zeri said innocently. "We were always pretty close, don’t you remember? Tea parties, dress-up parties. You know... you’d look good in a dress."
Raelis’s brows furrowed. "I’m really not in the mood for idle chatter, Zeri. And I’m sure you aren’t either. So just tell me what you want so both of us can go our separate ways."
Zeri tilted her head, clearly thrown off by his tone.
"You’re acting way too cold... Are you sure you’re actually Raelis?"
He maintained his composure. "Who else would I be if not Raelis?"
"Hmm... I don’t know..." Zeri murmured. "You just seem a bit calmer than the Raelis I remember. He was always so timid, and..."