Page 58 of The Silent Princess

“You are being too kind, Ella. I am not feeling this, and with you being at the center of it all, what if something happens to you and I am not there to protect you?”

“I’ll be all right, Tristan. Really. When the time comes, I will get out of here, with my…” I do not finish, knowing all too well that the day Dad passes will be the day I leave this place, because I cannot leave him alone here.

“It’s dangerous. The Vodianovs being in your home is dangerous. Your stepmother is dipping her feet into dark waters with no way back while I’m at war with them. One way or another, someone will get hurt.”

“Tristan, I…I can’t leave my dad here. Let me talk to him first, please, and then, I promise, I’ll consider moving out with him, but it costs a lot and…”

“I’ll cover it. The care, the nurses, your studies, all of it. Just please, I beg of you, accept it.” I blink hard, trying to process the possibility of a move, of what I would say to Dad, of explaining years of neglect and trying to be believed after years faking happiness. Who would believe me then?

“I need…I need…” I start to sign, heaving, starting to process the possibility that Mara could use me as a pawn, hurt Dad and me to benefit herself. Tristan runs a hand over my hair, soothing me.

“I know this is a lot,” he murmurs. “I might have something to brighten up your day though. One week from now, my mother is hosting a ball. It will be huge and expensive. It’s for the children’s hospital. A masquerade ball, so everyone will wear masks, and well, she told me I would be a jerk not to ask you out, even if I would like to keep you locked in my apartment.”

“She’s right. I have always dreamed of going to a ball.” My fingers run on the inside of his forearms, thick veins leading the way.

“One week from now, on the night of the ball, I will need your answer about moving, or I will drag you out myself, whether you want it or not.”

“Tristan.” I run my fingers over his square jaw, wanting to cover it in kisses. Some might mistake his commands for domination, but I see him, and there is an undertone of fear, bright and painful, in his expeditious ways. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs, lifting my hand and kissing my palm. “I am trying to find a way to negotiate with you like I do at the office with my associates, but it is not working because you’re…you’re…”

“Yours,” I sign. “I’m yours, and so you can’t think straight.” He nods, pain pulsing in his eyes.

“I need to talk to my dad and prepare him for the move. I did not say that I would do it, but I promise to give you an answer at the ball.”

“I’ll find a flat and take care of everything.” I smile. Even without me saying yes yet, he is already planning. Is this love? I want to ask, but fear wraps tape over my mouth. “Until then, you need to stay in your routine. Make sure Mara doesn’t suspect anything.”

“But how will we see each other, then?”

“Ashford Building, after your shifts, and I'd like to… I’d like for someone else to do your work so we could simply enjoy the time together. Teach you chess, that sort of stuff.”

“No.”

“No to chess?”

“Yes to chess, but no, I am not letting anyone do my job. This is my job. I will do it, then we will spend time together, and you will have to wait until I’m done.” A shadow of a smirk tugs at his lips, and I wonder if he is about to call me on it, but instead, all I am met with are flames dancing in his gaze.

“So shy but stubborn, huh?” he murmurs.

I cannot repress my smile, mouthing, “Stop it.”

“Alright, then. I respect that. I will wait until you, sweetheart, are done, and then we will play chess.”

“Thank you,” I say silently, as his hand runs along the side of my throat, the air thickening around us.

“That’s how I like you, Ella. Honest.”

“I’m always honest.” I look away for a second.

“I think sometimes you would rather please others than yourself.”

“I’m afraid I’m a pathological people pleaser.

“Givers need protectors,” he murmurs.

“Who is this from?”

“My father.”

“A wise man.”