Page 21 of Glass and Bone
Chapter Nine
As expected, the hallways and rooms are made of marble, floor to ceiling, only broken up by walls of glass windows. I knew Noterra was the largest and richest nation, but the sight of the grand palace has me in awe. When I was here as a child, I wasn’t able to comprehend the grandeur this place holds. Marble such as this must cost an obscene amount. Our palace at home is grand as well, but this place makes Chatis look like a nobleman's house instead of a castle.
After a long and silent walk with a well-armed guard, I am led to a dark wooden door lined with silver detailing. There is a single guard standing in front of it. His body is covered in silver armor, a white cape hanging down his back. He doesn’t look at me as the guard escorting me opens the door and guides me through with his hand on my upper back.
The room I will call my home for the foreseeable future is larger than I could have ever imagined. Giant pillows cover the large 4 poster bed, all lined with wool and silk. A roaring fire sits on the far wall with a white couch that beckons for me to fall into it. A sitting room and an office take up the middle of the grand room and a wall of windows sits to the right. Two double doors are open, leading out to a balcony. I can just barely make out the ocean behind the far away buildings. Much like the rest of the palace, the room is in varying shades of silver, white, and beige, making it feel clean and open. I take a deep breath and the scent of cedar and smoke fills my nose.
Tobias.
Glancing around I make note of smaller details I hadn’t previously noticed. A half-finished letter lay on the writing desk, a gray overcoat draped over the side of the couch, a half empty glass of red wine sits on one of the nightstands. The bed made, but ruffled, as if someone was previously sitting on it. It is only then I realize this isn’t just my room, it’s Tobias’s too.
I spin on my heels to face the guard, but just barely catch the glimpse of a smirk as he shuts the door, leaving me alone. I stare at the back of the dark wood, wondering what I should do. I can’t request a separate room, nor can I make a big deal out of sharing quarters with the man who will soon be my husband.
King Evreux is clearly in a rush to get me to bed his son, but how could he possibly expect me to do so this soon after I have been assaulted? After I have been beaten and traumatized? I have only just met Tobias officially, as the one instance as a child doesn’t truly count. I don’t know him, or the king, yet here I am sharing a room with a foreign prince who has shared nothing but a few words with me.
I wonder what Tobias will ask of me. Will he force me into doing things with him, or will he be respectful of my injuries? What does he want from me right now? I need to speak to him, figure out our situation, yet I find myself nervous. I’ve never conversed with a man of this stature before. The only men I was allowed near in my home were those who swore to protect me.
With no other options available, I have to make it work, it's either this or my head. However, the latter is seeming more attractive as the minutes pass by.
My suicidal ideation has become more apparent since I left Chatis. I don’t know if its fear driving these momentary desires, or an instinct that something is to come. I find myself wishing I had a friend here, or that I had requested the presence of my ladies, but I knew they would be happier staying in Chatis. It makes me wonder if I will be assigned ladies here. It is customary for royal women to have servants that tend to their needs, but I only crave their presence, so I feel less alone here.
My eyes scan the massive room in search of my belongings. In the far corner by the fireplace, a privacy screen sits in front of an open door, and I can just barely make out the edge of one of my suitcases, leading me to assume that is the dressing room.
As I take a step forward a loudthudcauses me to jump, and a small squeal escapes my throat. My heart is racing, and I glance around for a weapon, panicked. Looking towards the source of the noise, I see a young man standing on the balcony. A man whose presence I strangely find myself craving now that I look at him. I visibly relax with a loud exhale, my shoulders dropping from where they seem to be permanently stationed by my ears from tension.
He must have jumped down from the floor above, his boots loudly slapping the stone. His messy blonde hair, thick and wavy, is framing his perfectly proportioned face. Half of it is tied up with a leather strap. His open white tunic, brown trousers, and dirty boots are a stark contrast to the all-black the man I am set to marry was wearing. His muscular chest peeks through the fabric and I find my cheeks heat. I quickly look down to mask my blush as I take a deep breath to calm my pulse.
“Hello.” A simple phrase, but his melodic voice rings out crystal clear. Despite my earlier realization, it finally sets in.
Theo is the other prince.
“Hi.” I manage to speak, my voice full of surprise and confusion.
“Theo, remember?” He gestures towards my body and gives me a sad smile. “A lot less blood than the last time I saw you. Have you decided on a different fashion statement? I heard nightgowns are all the rage down in Tatus.” I blush and wrap my arms around my stomach instinctively, wishing I was given a dressing robe before being paraded around the palace.
Attempting to make light of the situation instantly provides relief to the otherwise awkward moment, but it doesn’t help the incoherent thoughts that are threatening to spill out of my mouth like word vomit. He steps down from the balcony and makes his way closer.
“I see they moved you into Tobias’s room. So it’s true, they aren’t even going to give you time to get to know one another?” I manage a shake of my head as I take note of the ease in which he speaks. He is strong, unwavering in his steps, sure of himself. He puts his hands on his hips and briefly bites his bottom lip. “Well, Nora, I’m glad you're safe.” His voice is laced with sadness, which causes a frown to appear. I hate again how I find such comfort in his use of my nickname.
“Thank you for seeing me to the palace. I’m sure I wasn’t the easiest travel companion.” I finally speak with a smile, but he doesn’t return it.
“I know why you ran, the fear of the unknown, it gets me sometimes too.” He looks down, seeing something that’s not there, no doubt thinking of his own troubles. Shaking his head, he gives me an exaggerated bow and a toothy smile. “Well, as always, it’s a pleasure. I just wanted to ensure you were alright.” He smiles and turns to leave the way he came.
“Wait!” I call out, taking a step towards him. I don’t know what I wanted to say or what I wanted to tell him, but I knew I didn’t want him to go.
“Yes, princess?” His voice is full of diplomacy, and I hate it, but I can see something else in his eyes. The way he looks at me makes my blood heat and my cheeks redden.
“Thank you, again.” Is all I manage to say. “For helping me.” I trail off and his sad smile returns.
“You were the one who fought the war, Nora, I just carried you to the finish line.” He speaks with such poetic indifference, and I just want him to keep talking.
“I was unaware the king had another son.” I state. He cocks an eyebrow, momentarily confused, but he lets it go with a smile.
“My father rarely speaks of me. He calls me his political headache as he has no use for me other than to gain land or power with a possible marriage alliance. It didn’t help that I caused trouble and generally made his life hell. Second sons aren’t worth much when you’re talking about royalty.” He grins mischievously, unashamed.
“I can say the same for my father. The only thing he requires of me is to produce an heir, one who could actually inherit a throne.” My smile falls as I look around the room. He’s getting his wish.
“You’re his heir.”
