We stand transfixed, as Ekho and Caspian take to sit where just moments ago me and Drazen were.
I have several questions running through my mind, but what I'm worried about most is the fact that Caspian is going to brief Ekho in about what I've been up to; that is considering he hasn't already.
Faintly, with my finger still on his lips and his on mine, I wonder how Drazen could have such soft and plush lips. I want to trace my finger along his upper lip, just to investigate how soft they really are. Of course I do not do that, for valid reasons.
"So what's the occasion of this foregathering?" Caspian inquires, not sounding much enthusiastic about it.
With Ekho's back to me, I cannot see much of his face, but his voice is all diplomatic and tactful. Which can only mean that they're about the have an important discussion.
"The Queen of Asteria demands that the Orpheus Legion subdue their offences at the west border." Ekho says.
I had no doubt that Orpheus Legion would be brutal in their onslaughts, given its Caspian who leads it. But what makes me unsettled and terrified is the fact that Aster had to personally intervene and send a word of caution.
"Or what?" Caspian scoffs. "If that bitch is so scared that I'll burn her little kingdom down, why does she not accept her forfeit?"
"Because Aster knows what strings to pull and how to play the game. I suggest we don't risk underestimating her." Ekho says solemnly.
"Right. You might be the Warfare Commander, but do not tell me how to lead my own legion." Caspian spits, with a pointed finger.
I truly am astounded and outraged even. However high Caspian may think himself to be, he really has no plausible right to question Ekho's authority. Not when he's the one incharge. And authority kept aside, Caspian's audacity to show no respect for Ekho is rattling. How much of his unruly power goes unchecked? I have no idea.
" Fair enough. But keep your hubris aside and then hatch a plot, princeling." Ekho reverts, unfazed. " I did not intend to advice you on this matter, anyhow. Let us discuss what we're truly here for."
" And what would that be?" Caspian says, vexed, and straightens his posture as if to brace himself.
He glances briefly in the direction of the armoire, where Drazen and I cramped in, and my breath catches in my throat.
I'm finally beginning to understand why Drazen saw it necessary for us to hide.
He wouldn't stand the sight of me.
" Your brother, Drazen, is soon to be wedded." Ekho begins, and waits for Caspian to react.
As much as I'm inclined to hear every word of this chinwag, I keep getting distracted by how suffocating it's really getting inside the armoire, by how I can smell Drazen's cologne and his lemongrass breath.
Caspian scoffs, " My beloved brother, who can't even seduce a scarlet woman for himself, is getting married? Unbelievable." and then chuckles in ridicule.
"Indeed. Next week, at the Ball of Gust." Ekho pauses again, calculating his words. " Drazen will be wedded to Alyona."
"Excuse me?" Caspian frowns. " I do not think I heard that right. Repeat."
I can see why Ekho's the one chosen to break this news to him.
" You heard that correct." Ekho says, eyes intent on Caspian.
Caspian runs a hand through his hair, much the same way Drazen does, and smashes the nearest vase. I flinch at the sound.
" I cannot stand to have that bitch anywhere near my vicinity, and I will not have her anywhere near the throne either." Caspian growls, with a pointed finger.
I clench my fist, digging the nails in the flesh of my palm.
I look to see Drazen searching my face for reaction.
"What?" I snap and whisper my words at him.
He lowers his finger and swallows, still watching me in that stupid way he does.
" Nothing." Drazen whispers back.
I cannot tell if it's my fury, or the insufferable suffocation inside the armoire, but my breathing comes out in rapids.
" Then stop looking at me like that." I say through gritted teeth, and it comes out harsher than I'd intended for it to.
" You keep forgetting that Alyona is akin to my daughter." Ekho stands and clasps his hands behind him. He walks toward the shattered glass, and bends down to pick up the azaleas from the floor. " I'm afraid you do not have a say in the matter." He says simply.
It stings a little at how Ekho only considers me like his daughter. And though I should be glad he interceded for me, part of me wishes he hadn't mentioned it at all.
Ekho takes measured steps to where Caspian is glowering, and hands him the azaleas he'd just picked up.
Caspian winces, and blood starts trickling down his arm.
He digs the shard of glass that he picked unnoticed deeper into Caspian's palm.
A chill runs down my spine.
Caspian is trying to pull away from Ekho's grip. I easily recognise the look of desperation in Caspian's eyes. I see my own reflected back, and I faintly realise that Ekho is aware of what Caspian did to me.
"What need do I have of your alliance when I'm perfectly capable convincing our Crown Head?" Ekho threatens.
" I suggest you leave before I inflict any more harm on you."
Caspian struggles to contain his rage, but decides to heed to Ekho's warning and slowly takes a few unsure steps back. He dallies at the door for a moment, as if he still wants to voice his fury, but decides against it.
Ekho stands rooted to the spot for a moment, thinking. And when he's sure that Caspian is well on his way, he makes his exit too.
Drazen and I, still reeling from what we'd just witnessed, stay exactly where we are.
My heart thuds a little too fast still, and I splay my palm against my chest as if that would make me calm down.
I peek out from the slits, making sure we're all alone, and begin to unfasten the door.
" Hang on." Drazen holds me by the waist in haste to stop me, and immediately withdraws his hands.
"Let me go first. In case anyone's still in the hallway. Go along with Lars after a while." Drazen tell me.
"Perfect. I prefer to rot in here anyway. Just exactly what I need." I roll my eyes, vexed.
"It would be less conspicuous that way." Drazen shrugs.
"I hear you. Go ahead." I tell him, really wanting to cut this conversation short. Wanting for him to leave me alone.
Drazen gets out of the armoire, scanning the room in caution, and turns to face me.
He hesitates for a moment, and reaches to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. I let him for some reason.
"I am sorry about what Caspian said earlier. Try to not let it get to you." He says gently. " and as for my terms, all I ask for you is to not betray my trust, Alyona." And with that, he leaves me all by my self.
~•~