Riona's life would've been a thousand times easier if she hadn't overheard that little bombshell.
She still had a chance to dodge the responsibility bullet, but of course, Sir Kai had to go and sprinkle his unsolicited sense of justice all over her day.
"We're currently in the process of verifying the facts, and if this accusation proves to be valid, please be prepared for the possibility of a formal trial," Sir Kai stated, maintaining a composed demeanor.
Meanwhile, Riona let out a series of dissatisfied sighs that could rival a grumpy whale's mating call.
"Do I really have to?" she groaned, openly showing her reluctance with a face that screamed how bothersome.
All Riona wanted was a peaceful life, free from drama and palace politics. She knew that sometimes she acted contradictorily but they were mostly because someone slighted her.
Now that she was this close to achieving it, all she could think about was grabbing Florian and making their way home, where the only drama involved ignoring the spiteful palace servants' dirty looks and dumb contempt.
And yet, what awaited her was a world of undue drama, where it won't end after ten thousand episodes.
Sir Kai was spewing forth a river of fancy words about justice and integrity, while Riona mentally tuned out faster than a broken radio.
"You hold a pivotal role as both victim and witness. Your presence is crucial to upholding the sanctity of the Nightwarden Trials. Regardless of one's royal status, violating the integrity of these proceedings must be taken seriously."
His solemn declaration would make you think that having a pristine morale was etched on a stone tablet as an ancient law.
"You have emerged victorious, and so, you are an integral member of our esteemed organization. Together, we shall defend the integrity of the Nightwarden, employing all means at our disposal to safeguard its honor and reputation."
Translation: "You're one of us now. Aren't you upset that someone tainted your and the Nightwarden's honor like this?"
No, I'm not upset about my or the Nightwarden's tainted honor. Just upset that you're upset, expecting me to be upset, and now I'm upset about being expected to be upset!
But she couldn't be completely honest, could she?
"Absolutely!"
A crooked smile appeared on Riona's face. It was supposed to emit determination but ended up looking more like she was trying to wink with both eyes simultaneously.
***
Fuming with annoyance at being dragged into yet another royal mess that seemed destined to last longer than a saga of epic proportions, Riona stomped her feet in search of the royal sinner.
As she was turning her head around, looking here and there for them, someone decided to show up unannounced.
Riona jumped backward, shrieking. "Dark Lord! Can you please stop sneaking around like a ghost? My heart will fail me before somebody could put a stake in it."
Thorin let out a hearty laugh with his rough voice.
But Riona was having none of it. She continued her march of anger, refusing to engage in idle chatter with Mr. Charming because, frankly, she had enough melodrama to last a lifetime. And she definitely didn't need an encore.
"I thought vampires were supposed to be nocturnal. Didn't know you were afraid of ghosts," Thorin said, effortlessly keeping up with Riona's annoyed march.
"Don't lump me in with ghosts. They're not real. I am," she ended up replying, even though she had determined to ignore him, out of sheer annoyance.
"Right, right. But, you know, a little gratitude for my help in the arena wouldn't hurt—"
Riona spun on her heel. Her eyebrow raised in disbelief. "Help? What help? Last I checked, I was the one doing all the work while you stood around looking smug."
Thorin shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. "Hey, someone's gotta provide moral support. And I do it so well."
Riona rolled her eyes so hard she feared they might get stuck. "Moral support? More like morally questionable support. I didn't see you lifting a finger."
"Maybe not a finger, but I did flash my winning smile. That's gotta count for something," he replied, flashing the said smile.
"Right, because your smile is just what I needed while fighting for my life," she retorted, dripping with sarcasm.
"Well, it's a good thing I'm here to keep you on your toes. Wouldn't want you getting too comfortable," Thorin said.
"Oh, trust me, being around you is anything but comfortable," Riona shot back, turning away and resuming her search for the princess. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important things to deal with than your inflated ego."
Thorin chuckled, falling into step beside her. "I'm sure. But you'll miss me when I'm gone."
Riona snorted. "I'll miss you like a vampire misses the sun."
"Now that's just hurtful," he teased, but his grin never wavered.
Their bickering came to an abrupt halt when a silver-haired young lady with piercing red eyes appeared before them. Lisbeth stood there, arms folded, looking sour.
"Well, well, well, what have we here? I wasn't aware that you two had become so intimately acquainted. Has the palace tour facilitated such a charming bond? Are you finding yourself quite content now, Fangless?" she remarked.
Thorin grinned. "Glad to see our budding friendship isn't going unnoticed."
Riona rolled her eyes. "I believe we have pressing matters to address, Princess."
Lisbeth hesitated, clearly reluctant to be alone with Riona, but after a glance between her and Thorin, she turned on her heel. "What are you doing, standing idly there? Come on. Didn't you want to talk with me?"
"In case you need a shoulder to cry on later, you know where to find me, Riona," Thorin called out with a mischievous grin, waving energetically. Riona didn't even glance back.
However, it was the princess who stole a longing gaze at him as if entrapped by some spell.
Oho. What's this? The princess has a crush on an insufferable werewolf? Can I use this to my advantage? Maybe blackmail her or something?
"So?" Lisbeth's sharp voice snapped Riona back to reality.
"Was it you? Did you cheat the Trials by putting number one there?"
Lisbeth scoffed. "I don't understand what you're talking about."
"Are you that afraid I would win? I'm flattered. But now things are going awry, and I want you to clean up the mess you made. Don't drag me into it. Didn't you want your father to finally acknowledge your existence?"
Lisbeth's face paled, then flushed with fury. "What did you just say?"
"You heard me. No amount of cheating will make Daddy dearest proud of you. Maybe if you spent less time sabotaging others and more time earning respect, you wouldn't be in this mess."
Lisbeth's hand flew up and slapped Riona across the cheek. Her breath was ragged.