Chapter 31: Engaged To My Enemy

Drake steps to the side, able to somehow sense Eliana’s presence. He is not quite quick enough, though, as the rusted nail imbeds itself in the side of his arm. He bares his teeth in pain. As he tries to turn and face the Princess, she rips the weapon out and goes for his neck.
With reflexes now kicking in, Drake grabs Eliana’s wrist, tightening her hold on the metal. She whimpers as her flesh is pinched. Gritting her teeth, she yanks against his hold, trying to step away.
Drake’s long hair is now even over her own shoulder, tangling them together. He grabs her other arm, pinning her in place.
“Let me go.” She seethes, her face burning with anger. She will not allow herself to be used and manipulated by a Climont monster.
“You just tried to kill me, and yet you’re still demanding things of me,” he chuckles, his chest rumbling.
Drake’s breath is hot on her face, only causing her rage to build. “I said unhand me.”
“Only if you promise to sit peacefully and listen to what I have to say.”
She snarls, “I will never believe a word that comes from your murdering mouth.”
“I may have killed many Drein citizens and soldiers, but it is my duty to follow the orders given to me by my father. He forces my hand.”
“Then refuse,” she says simply, huffing through the pain of her hand compacted against the metal nail.
“I cannot go through with betraying him. He may be cruel, but he is still my father. I have already gone behind his back.”
“You have no way of convincing me. ”
“Please, Eliana, I have had enough of this bloody war. I am exhausted.”
She can see it now. Up close, under the façade of almighty leader, his eyes are bloodshot, dark circles surrounding his gaze. There are tension lines forming around his mouth, as well as a tautness to his overall expression. Her heart shifts at the pain he must endure for King Krite.
Drake releases her, slumping down in his chair. Blood seeps down his arm, but he ignores it.
Blinking away the strange thoughts, Eliana forces back up her anger, “You started this.”
“No, my father did. I do not know how to make you understand me,” he sighs harshly.
She swallows the lump in her throat, “Why have you not killed me yet?”
With eyes that never leave Eliana, Drake announces, “Because, I still want to go through with the marriage.”

>><<

“We’re almost there,” Jasper grumbles. “We should keep moving.”
The moon is on the other side of the sky now, daylight creeping up on them.
“Our horses are exhausted. They will not last the rest of the journey.” Evyn explains. “Plus, we have to make sure that their camp is really up ahead.”
“That Drulian better hurry up,” he growls looking over at Olisnia who sits cross-legged, her eyes completely white.
“She says she isn’t all-powerful, but do you believe that it is a lie,” Alma wonders as she watches.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Jasper bites back.
The werebird jumps at his tone.
“Hey, you don’t need to be so rude.” Evyn steps in, his glower resting on his friend. His body is not much bigger than Jasper’s, but he bares his teeth to be more intimidating.
Alma’s mouth falls open momentarily.
Jasper sighs and rolls his shoulders, “Well it is a ridiculous notion.”
“You are very cynical,” Olisnia states, her eyes reverting to normal.
“You say you are not omnipotent, and yet now you can transfer your consciousness to that of an animal? How is that not all-powerful?”
“I only borrow the animal’s vision temporarily. In this instance, that of an eagle. I am able to see from high up. The encampment is another half day’s journey.”
“And why should we trust you? For all we know you could have been in on her kidnapping.”
Jasper ignores the wash of irritation that overtakes Olisnia’s expression.
“Why would I ever do such a thing, when I specifically came here to help her?”
“Yet you refuse to tell us why you feel the need to help her.”
Olisnia only shrugs gently, “It is not my place to do so.”
Evyn places a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “Jasper, give it a rest. We should get Eliana before it’s too late.”
Jasper grinds his teeth and balls his hands, but nods, “You’re right. Let’s go.”

>><<

“You. . . You still want to go through with the marriage?” Eliana tries to hold down her shock and warring anger. She forgets that the nail is still gripped in her hand, the metal scraping against her flesh.
Drake’s lips are down casted, and he solemnly nods. “I know it is a lot to ask of you, especially after you have gone through so much, but it is still the only way to silence my father. Once we’re married, I will send word to him to stop this war. He will not want to outcast one of his sons in the process.”
“How do you know that he would even honor the marriage?”
“I don’t, but it is the only option I see. He will not stop for anything else.”
Eliana sighs and twists the nail in her hand, Drake’s blood still dripping from it. How can she trust a man that has been killing her people relentlessly? Though, even after she has just tried to murder him, he has not called for his men to take her. Needless to say, he could always have her executed once their marriage is finalized.
“Princess, I know you do not trust me, I would react the same, given your position. I am giving us both a way out of the bloodshed. It is merely political. I know it is not easy signing your life away to a stranger, but you will still proceed to the throne. I do not want the power.”
She freezes, confusion constricting her movements, “Why not?”
“I have lived under my brothers my entire life, and frankly, I enjoy not having the responsibility of ruling. This will give me the freedom to do as I wish. I will merely be your husband in name. I will lay no claim to Drein except as King consort.”
Eliana is not sure what to believe. During the entire war, she was led to believe that this man was the mastermind behind the murders and warmongering. He says that it was his father, and he was only carrying out his orders. Should she trust him? The Prince of her enemy? “Do you honestly believe it will work?”
“I have to.”
She was pressured into originally agreeing to the marriage by her father. She knows that he meant well, and that he had the future of their country in mind. Is it selfish of her to want freedom to choose? She is a Princess, the only one of her kingdom. If this marriage could really end the war, should she not accept?
An image of Jasper appears in her mind. Swallowing, she blinks away any thoughts of him. Biting down her shattering heart, she forces out the words before she can decide against it.
“Alright, I will marry you.”