Page 28 of Essence of the Throne

I blink. I haven’t the faintest idea of how to respond, because he’s right. I can admit to the deepest parts of myself that I want him so badly it turns my stomach, but will I confess such asininity out loud? Never.

He smiles, the happiness glimmering in his eyes enough to keep me here under his charm-addled will. “It’s okay—I’ll get you to acknowledge it, eventually.”

“Not likely, prince.”

It is curious…my entire life I’ve struggled to maintain eye contact with anyone, even my parents. When I seek to intimidate or engage in conversation, I find myself focusing on the space around others’ eyes. But Caspian? I could stare into the silver depths of his for years and never once feel uncomfortable or intensely nauseous.

Such an anomaly must be studied.

What is it about him that challenges everything I’d thought I knew about myself? Why does he affect meso much? The bastard is borderline obsessed and just as possessive as I feel.

Unwanted scrutiny floods my mind, my feet shifting under the prince’s gaze, and I can’t help but think back to how things usedto be. I’ve always thrived in routines—sharp, predictable, and unyielding. They were my armor, allowing me to maintain control and focus on my goals without distraction. I preferred solitude, finding comfort in the silence that others often found unbearable. It was easier to exist that way…moving through life with singular purpose, unbothered by the noise of others’ needs and emotions. Even Isaiah never disrupted my ways, instead melding himself into my life, complementing all that I was.

But Caspian? He’s disrupted everything. His relentless pursuit of me has shaken the foundation I’ve spent years solidifying. His presence pulls at me, constantly contesting my resolve and throwing off my plans. I hate how unsettled I feel now—he’s upended the very structure I’ve lived comfortably on for years.

And yet, instead of losing myself to the uncertainty of my life changing, he calms that part of me. His insistence has kept me grounded, providing me the level mind I’ve desperately needed.

He’s both my villain and my redemption.

My destruction and its savior.

The assassin, destroyed by the same prince she once drove her blade into.

A finger taps on each of my thighs as I open my mouth to respond. “Ariella?” Marek’s voice pierces the tension, and I drop back into the reality I keep finding myself distracted from.

Caspian hesitates to lower his hands before I turn to descend the remaining stairs, where my mentor waits with a look that says,what the fuck is the prince doing here?

“He’s with me,” I confirm to no one in particular. We reach the main floor, and Marek steps back two paces, crossing his arms. His eyes narrow as they dart between Caspian and me, inspecting every detail.

He nods to my guest before speaking once more. “Why are you here? And why is it you’ve brought the prince?” he questions me as if Caspian isn’t right here, but if the prince is bothered by the blatant dismissal, he doesn’t show it.

It is clear Marek is pissed at me walking Eldorian royalty into the guild, but I do not answer to him anymore. I haven’t for years—my conformity has been but a choice. One he does not dictate.

I shrug. “I needed something from Isaiah’s room.” He watches me for a minute, seeming to debate whether pressing me on the topic is worth it. He knows I will not hurt him, but he also knows better than to provoke me.

Whispers filter through the air—an audience of whom I do not wish to have right now. Marek hears them as well, nodding his head back. “My office.” I motion for Caspian to walk ahead of me, not trusting any of these bitches to not pull a stunt like Isolde’s.

Money and power corrupt even the best of us, so I’ve no doubt some of the students are already salivating at the thought of exploiting the prince’s status.

We step inside my mentor’s unaltered office, and I click the door closed before dropping into one of the two plush chairs across from Marek’s. He leans forward, resting his elbows on the desk.

“Okay, what’s going on?”

“I’m not sure what you mean. I told you last week about what I was seeking.” I chose to not disclose the full truth until I have more information to give, so he still only knows the basics. I pin Caspian with a look that tells him to keep his damn mouth shut. Marek does not need to be privy to everything we’re looking for until we ourselves know what it is. He’ll just worry and insist on including himself—unacceptable, as I’d be forced to watch over two people, which would remove my focus from the task at hand.

Marek sighs, the lines around his eyes crinkling as he chuckles. “You don’t have to be so difficult, Ariella. More-so than usual, I might add.” He points a finger at me before speaking once more. “What are you doing with the prince? Is he forcing you into anything?”

Caspian huffs a breath. “I'm right here—what if Iwasforcing her? Why ask that in front of me, then?” Marek and I burst out laughing, and the prince looks as shocked as ever.

“Respectfully, Your Highness,” Marek starts, amusement laced in each word, “you wouldn’t make it out of your seat before she had your head on the floor.”

Caspian hums appreciatively, nodding. “That is true,” he mumbles to himself while Marek seems to solidify something.

“Are you two…together?”

Oh, do I love making him uncomfortable. “If by together you mean am I fucking him? Then, yes, we’re together.” My mentor winces hard, pinching his forehead and growling low.

“Dammit, Ariella, why? You may not be my daughter by blood, but I am just as any other parent—pleasedo not speak of your intimate relations around me.”

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