Page 31 of The Heartless Archer

Her hair floated in its dark waves above her dainty shoulders and as she turned her head to look at him, the light reflected shortly in the ring perched in her nose.

“King Nikolai.” She quickly discarded her book on the settee, getting up to curtsey.

“There is no need for courtesy.” His eyes fled towards his sister, who was sitting in an armchair, already looking enraged by his presence.

“Tyra, you wouldn’t mind giving me a moment with the princess?”

It was formulated as a question, knowing his sister she would turn stubborn at a demand of him. He also tried his best at a genuine smile, even though it tore him apart to see the glance she quickly shared with the princess, before getting up.

“Of course I don’t.” She strode past Aileen, their shoulders brushing. He could see the princess swallowing hardly as her eyes followed his sister until she disappeared through the doors.

“Shall we sit?” She offered him the settee but he quickly denied it with a small smile.

“I feel I have my nerves better under control when I cover them with pacing.”

His words drew a gentle smile from her as she remained standing.

He drew a few steps closer to her, not knowing how to start this. How could he be so determined a few moments ago and now that he was in front of her, now that he saw her, he felt like he wanted to turn and flee from the place?

Princess Aileen-Akamu was a beautiful girl.

People argued she was the most beautiful out of her sisters. Not only her appearance was praised, but her gentle manner, her easy way of coping, and complying.

But it was not what he desired. He wanted to fight with his partner, to prove them wrong or be proven wrong. He wanted fire to curse up his lungs when he stared at them, wanted to feel the need to be around them, even if they drew him mad. But this was not about want. This was about duty.

And he was lucky, he certainly was, with a wife like Aileen he may find a friend in her. Nikolai knew they would not even grazethe topic of being lovers, he sadly could see in Aileen’s eyes the same emotions that reflected in Tyra’s. And maybe he could do this for her.

Yes, he could.

He could marry Princess Aileen-Akamu and save his kingdom. He could let her stay at the palace where she could be with Tyra, where both of them could find a way of happiness.

He cleared his throat.

“Princess Aileen-Akamu.”

“Please, just…call me Aileen. Everything else seems too formal, considering the circumstances.”

Grateful, he smiled at her. She drew a few steps closer until they faced each other. He found that she had golden flecks in her dark eyes.

“Aileen,” he drew a breath and grabbed her hands in his. He found them cold and slightly shaking.

“I think it is overdue that we settle this, considering that you want to. Because we both know why you have been sent here and…can I be completely honest?”

She nodded. “Of course, you always can. You are the king after all, if not honesty is a privilege of yours, what else is?”

At that, he had to chuckle.

“You’re quite right.” He swallowed. “Well, I think we both know that I cannot offer you what a real marriage is supposed to bring to a person. I can promise you though, to be a friend, a loyal alliance, which you can always come to when in need. I promise you, to always watch out for you and respect your wishes. You can do whatever you want that makes you happy, I would never forgive myself for trapping you in a cage you have been forced into due to circumstances. Our marriage could be an alliance that benefited both parties.” He made sure to catch her gaze. “Most important, Aileen, you can say no. There will be no bad blood between Ka-Hema and Være just because you do not wantto do this. I will respect your answer, as any others I would. So please, do not do this out of fear of revenge. If there is one thing I will not stand by, is not accepting your answer.” He let go of her hands and slowly got down on one knee.

A terrible sweat clung upon him, his hands shaking as he tried to open the small box he needed to acquire this morning. He could not bring it over himself to use the traditional ring, which did not mean that he did not spend a good amount on this one, being worthy of its wearer.

Fumbling for a few seconds, he finally managed to open the box, revealing the golden ring. The band was woven like branches, racing to reach the rose-shaped ruby in the middle, glinting in the soft lights of the library. He let himself told that it was her favorite kind of gem.

“Princess Aileen-Akamu, will you do me the great pleasure of becoming my wife and the Queen of Oy Frossen?” His voice cracked at the end and he hoped she didn’t hear the pathetic sound.

Aileen’s eyes took in the ruby before she parted her lips to give her answer.

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