Prey
POV: Blake
It was the day that I would find out who one of the noble family’s were that was a part of The Order. I thought back about how I had told W that the other noble should offer up his daughter to the Prince as an alternative to Alexandra as Crown Princess. I had to talk to Alexandra to let her know what the plan was so she wouldn’t misunderstand when I was seen flirting with some random noble girl. I looked up at Malinus, “Can you wheel me over to Alexandra?” He looked down at me and nodded, “As you will it, Your Highness.” She was standing off to the side by the punch bowl speaking with her mother. As we reached her, I spoke, “Your Graces, you both are looking very lovely today. May I have a word with The Batiste?” Talia smiled down at me, “Of course, Your Highness. I have to go talk the Countess Baltilliard anyways.” She grabbed Alexandra’s hands and squeezed them and walked off. Alexandra smiled at me, “How are you, Your Highness? I hope the injury from your fall from your horse has healed well.” I nodded, “It is healing okay. Thank you, Your Grace.”
The official story was that my horse threw me when I was out for a ride and my ribs were bruised. I had hoped that no one would suspect that I was actually posing as my own cousin. My brother had ordered my cousin to remain in Terre until further notice so that we could fake his death. When they thought they had killed me, they threw me in the river that ran through Blackwood through the valley in front of Tarn. I came to not long outside Tarn and pulled myself out of the river. I had to muster the strength to get myself to the castle gates, knowing my brother would ensure that I would be well taken care of. I had not anticipated that Alexandra was there. My brother told me that she greatly assisted in the stitching of my wounds but she had collapsed shortly after. I looked up at her with concern, “How are you? I heard that you hadn’t been feeling well these days.” She sighed and frowned, “I think everyone is treating me like a baby. I haven’t had to lift a finger since the day I fainted until this morning. This was the first time, other than attending school, that I’ve been allowed to get out of bed.” I reached over to her hand and squeezed it, “I think everyone is just concerned that you collapsed because you were doing too much. You have to bear with them for the time being.” She nodded, “I suppose I shouldn’t complain that I have a lot of people who care for me. It could be a whole lot worse.” She looked down at her hands but the frown never left her face. I had imagined what she was thinking about, “How is your houseguest?” I had been told by Lucien that her would be assassin was actually her uncle Talon. It had to have been a shock and what was more, he tried to kill her before she came to the castle. She looked me in the eyes with her brilliant violet eyes which were rimmed with tears, “I can’t see him yet. I was told that my presence would hinder the healing of the curse on him.”
She tried her best to hold back her tears so she wouldn’t appear to be undignified but she couldn’t help it. She let two tears to roll down each side of her cheeks. I pulled out my handkerchief at the sight of it and handed it to her. I had wished that I was on my own two feet to embrace her and tell her it would be okay. I sighed, “I know that it feels like the world is against you right now but just know that this is only temporary. He will be healed in no time and you can get to know him.” She wiped her tears away with the handkerchief, “I know but it’s made worse by Vanessa’s issue too. She had to be put to sleep for a few days as well. I feel like somehow responsible for her current condition. If I had only told her no when she asked to see him…” I shook my head, “You couldn’t have known.” She sniffled and handed my handkerchief back to me, “I’m sorry. You wanted to talk to me alone about something and I’m pouring all my problems out on you.” I smiled at her, “I don’t mind. I would rather you vent your frustrations than to hold it all in.” She nodded, “Okay, I will keep that mind. What did you want to talk about?”
I pulled in a deep breath and quieted my voice so only she could hear, “So when I was away, I set a trap to find out some information about the two families. I couldn’t set a trap for both but I found out that one family has designs for the Crown Princess throne. I told them that my ‘cousin’ would likely be open to finding an alternative to the one I had my eyes on.” She blushed at me, “So this noble took your bait?” I nodded, “Yes, he supposed to approach me today during this reception. I wanted to let you know that I will be flirting with this young woman to sell the ruse.” She nodded, “Very clever, Blake. Please be careful though.” I knew she was worried about me since just a couple of days ago, these same people tried to murder me. I smiled at her, “You needn’t worry about me, my dearest. I am far more careful than I was the last time. I always have an ace up my sleeve.” She patted my shoulder, “I should have known better.” She looked up away from me, “I think my mother is summoning me over to her and the Countess.” I nodded at her, “Of course, go mingle. I need to be alone so that they can approach me.” She bowed at me as she was required to and walked off. I looked back up at Malinus, “Did you hear the conversation?” He nodded, “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but His Majesty asked me to keep myself apprised of your plans should you need my help.” My brother was always careful when it came to his family, it was what would make him an excellent father in the future. I nodded, “I don’t mind. Are you armed?” He nodded back at me, “His Majesty wanted me to keep a dagger on me at all times while escorting you today. He wasn’t quite sure if anyone would try anything. Does he know of your plan?” I had told him what the plan was for today which was likely why he asked Malinus to be armed. I let Malinus know this and then asked him to take me over to get punch.
He wheeled me over and poured a glass out for me since I couldn’t quite reach the ladle and bowl. As I finished taking my first sip, I heard a man’s voice behind me, “Your Highness?” Malinus wheeled me around to face Count Delnaro and he bowed to me. I smiled, “Yes?” He cleared his throat, “I know this is an event for your brother to meet his future bride but wouldn’t it benefit you to look at the other ladies as potential brides for yourself. I doubt you would want to remain unmarried your whole life.” I shrugged, “I’m assuming that when The Batiste doesn’t get selected as Queen that I would propose to her. She is after all the one I’ve had a crush on my whole life.” He shook his head, “I understand from the other nobles that she is likely the favorite to win the competition. She is from the most powerful family in Vellum beyond your own and she is quite beautiful. Would it not benefit you to keep your options open?” I sighed, “Would it now?” He nodded, “Of course, if there is another lady that you could think could console you for losing your preferred lady out to your brother. Would that not be better than dealing with alone?” I shrugged, “I am guessing that you have someone in mind. He smiled, “I can think of two more preferable candidates.” I looked him in the eye, “Oh?” He motioned to someone across the room, “Might I suggest either Lady Renita or my own daughter Lady Delnaro.” I had not expected this man would present me with two women. I had to think that these were potentially the two noble families that were in The Order. I looked up at him, “Do these young ladies not have aspirations towards being the Queen?” He chuckled, “Realistically, they don’t stand a chance between Lady Maigny and The Batiste.” I sighed, “Be real though, you would prefer I chose your own daughter.” He smiled back at me, “Of course.” I looked over at the two ladies behind him that were both blushing then back at him, “I do have one question for you.” He nodded, “Of course, Your Highness.” I looked him directly into his eyes and asked, “Why did you only suggest pyrio houses as my future wife? To be honest, I have my eye on Lady Kellen after The Batiste.” His gaze darkened, “I don’t think the thrones should be tainted with mutt blood.” It was precisely then that I knew I got the right man.
