Page 69 of The Wild Prince's Favorite
“That’s all I know so far,” he explained, “but I am not sending Alezya back to her people. Not after they did this to her.”
Kiera noticed how he was looking at that woman and let out a long sigh, massaging her temples.
“...Kassein, did you just make me travel half the continent to help you seduce a tribeswoman?”
“To help her,” he retorted. “You’re the one who knows foreign tribes more than anyone else.”
“I know Western tribes, not the Northern ones! ...And you do realize Kassian would rip your head off for this?”
Kassein glared furiously at the mention of their older brother. Meanwhile, Lorey ignored the siblings’ banter and approached the bed. With a gentle smile, she got on her knees to face Alezya, and talked to her.
“I’m Lorey,” she said, putting a hand on her chest. “Lorey.”
Alezya nodded, and put a hand on her own chest, mimicking her.
“Alezya.”
Lorey smiled.
“Niu ga walashiu bilka?” she then said, using a different language.
But Alezya only frowned, clearly not understanding her.
“Looks like she doesn’t speak the Rain Tribe’s language,” Lorey said.
“No. Her language is entirely different,” Kassein declared. “The one word she taught me isn’t like anything I know.”
“What did you learn?”
“...Food.”
A few seconds of silence passed, during which Lorey suppressed a chuckle and Tievin looked elsewhere.
“...That’s it?” Kiera scoffed. “Wow, Kassein, no wonder you needed us. You really know your way with a woman, don’t you?”
“How long has she been here?” Lorey asked before they could argue again.
“Just a few days,” Tievin answered, his eyes on Alezya. “We tried to conceal her existence in the camp so far. I am afraid the rumors will spread quite hastily now that she’s back.”
“You mean Kassein did whatever he wanted, and you tried to deal with the damages, like always,” Kiera sighed. “I don’t... Kassein, if Kassian hears about this...”
“He doesn’t need to know,” her brother angrily retorted.
But Kiera wasn’t convinced. She crossed her arms.
“That’s why you called me, isn’t it? You knew I was the one who wouldn’t snitch to our big brother about you taking one of the enemy’s women. ...Dara told me what happened in the Capital, Kassein.”
“Of course she did,” he groaned.
“I am not going to blame you,” Kiera insisted. “I’m sure the family berated you enough already. But this... Having a tribeswoman here is not going to help your case. If things get worse with the Northern tribes because of this...”
“Worse? What exactly could get worse?” Kassein angrily retorted, standing up. “Kassian already exiled me here. What kind of result do you think he expects? This was never about the tribes! He doesn’t care what I do here as long as I stay out of the way. Out ofhisway.”
“That’s not true,” Kiera said more calmly. “You know he cares. We all care about you, but–”
“But he got rid of me the second I became a nuisance,” Kassein hissed. “The Emperor sent his troublesome, irresponsible brother as far away as he could the second I became a hindrance to his pristine reign, and everyone was satisfied. You’re the first to come here in two years, Kiera. Don’t tell me everyone isn’t relieved with me being away.”
“You’re the one who isn’t answering anyone’s letters! Sadara said you haven’t even been talking to Mom!”
