I stop walking. Nikolas steps closer, his tall form looming over me. He’s trying to intimidate me; I see it in the measured stillness of his stance, in the smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. But I won’t fall for that.
“Your Grace.” I give him a slight bow out of courtesy, playing the game.
“You’re a long way from home, Princess,” he taunts.
“Undoubtedly,” I reply plainly, not giving him any information he can use against me.
“All of Avelisar is gone, but you’ve remained.” Nikolas insinuates that something suspicious occurred.
“Really?” I lighten my tone to feign surprise. “I hadn’t noticed.” I skirt around every one of his tactics, knowing precisely what he’s trying to get out of me.
Nikolas chuckles. “Tell me why the blade is keeping you here.”
“I’d like to have a word with the Duke of Salasyr.” I deflect his question.
“Oh, do you? Sebastian didn’t fuck you well enough?” Nikolas sneers. “He’s married, concubine.”
I bite down on my tongue. He’s purposefully trying to get a rise out of me, and I won’t allow him to see me squirm. Nikolas is likely taking retribution out on me for when I destroyed Horatio’s reputation at the ball, or perhaps I got in the way of one of his plans. Either way, I abhorred this man simply because of the way he talked down to me.
“That’s enough, Nikolas,” Alec pipes up, stepping closer to us.
“Until next time,Princess,” he mocks, sauntering away.
“This way.” Alec walks in the opposite direction. “You wish to speak with me?” he asks curiously.
“Yes.” I walk alongside him. “You wouldn’t happen to be married to Lady Lydia Leonora, would you?”
He nods. “I am. Are you acquainted with her?”
I’m in complete disbelief. “She was my lady in waiting back home in Cathros. Lydia is one of my closest friends. When you return to Salasyr, can you tell her I miss her dearly?”
Recognition dawns on Alec’s features. “You’re the Princess of Cathros?”
I nod.
“Lydia has spoken to me in great detail about you. Her father, Duke Raoul Leonora, is one of my longest trade partners in the South.” Alec smiles. “I did not realize who you werewhen I met you at the ball. Lydia grieved your loss for weeks. I thought there were no survivors from the attack on Avelisar.”
My brows raise. “I’m the sole survivor.”
“Well, you’re very fortunate,” Alec remarks.
No one knows about my deal with Casimir.
“Is Lydia happy here in the North?” I pivot the conversation. I care deeply for Lydia. If she is close, then I need to find a way to contact her.
“Very much so. Lydia is soft and kind.” Alec’s blue eyes grow distant as he thinks of her, radiant even. “I am deeply in love with her.”
“I am very pleased to hear that,” I reply, relieved she’s well taken care of. “Her happiness means a great deal to me.”
“You are an excellent friend. Lydia speaks very highly of you,” he continues. “I wish I could do more for Cathros. I’m quite fond of the South.”
“You are?” I ask in surprise. “Is that why you are pledging your house to Rykaris?”
“I am torn.” He sighs. “I am trying to make right for my predecessors' past transgressions. The Wulfstans have a history of being… bloodthirsty.”
I nod, slowly taking in his words as I remember the history book I read with Casimir. Warrick’s thirst for power caused a war among the Elvarran kingdoms, and Alec has likely spent most of his days trying to repair his family’s name.
“If Erynthe allies with Rykaris, that will leave Cathros vulnerable,” I explain. “If Cathros falls, then Dratheria is done.” I argue my point, hoping he will come to my aid. Perhaps with Lydia on my side, we can sway Alec to protect our home.
