Chapter Six
Aliya froze, her heartbeat pounding against her chest as Arthur's hand continued its deliberate path. She didn't dare move, uncertain if any resistance would provoke him further. Her mind raced, filled with questions, doubts, and a flicker of defiance buried beneath her fear.
Just as her trembling became visible, Arthur's hand stopped, hovering for a moment. His piercing gaze held hers as if assessing how much control he truly had over her.
"Tell me, Aliya…" he said, his voice a low murmur that seemed to carry an unspoken threat, "did you think saving my life meant you could escape obedience?"
Aliya felt a surge of anger alongside her fear. "I…I didn't expect anything," she whispered, but her voice wavered, betraying her nerves. She wasn't sure how long she could keep her composure in his presence, with his unpredictable behavior and the power he held over her.
Arthur gave her a cold smile and finally withdrew his hand. "Good. Remember that." His tone was calm, yet it carried the weight of a warning, as though testing her endurance.
Outside, the guards returned to the carriage, and with a sharp order, they resumed their journey. Aliya sat rigidly in her seat, mind reeling, her brief relief overshadowed by the looming dread of what else Arthur might demand in the days ahead.
As the carriage rattled onward, Aliya stole glances at Arthur, wondering why he was taking her to this meeting. He'd barely spoken since the journey began, his gaze fixed on the passing countryside, but she sensed an intensity in his silence.
After some time, Arthur broke the quiet. "We're meeting with envoys from the Kingdom of Aerilon," he said, his tone clipped. "My father believes they could be…useful."
Aliya swallowed. She'd heard tales of Aerilon's vast resources—its fertile lands, bustling trade, and skilled craftsmen. It seemed odd to her that Arthur, who rarely tolerated anyone near him, would bring her along on a diplomatic mission.
"Why…why am I here?" she ventured cautiously.
Arthur's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "You're here because I want you by my side. Always."
The words were simple, but they carried a weight that sent a chill down her spine. She couldn't tell if it was a declaration of control or something else entirely. Either way, she knew better than to question him further.
As they approached the looming towers of Aerilon, Aliya braced herself. She would have to play her part, whatever that might mean, in this game of alliances and power—and Arthur would be watching her every move.
As their carriage rolled up the cobbled road leading to the castle, Aliya gazed in awe at the Kingdom of Aerilon. The castle itself was magnificent, unlike any she had ever seen. Tall spires reached for the sky, their silvery tips glistening in the sunlight, while intricate carvings adorned the grand stone walls. Vibrant gardens surrounded the castle, filled with blooming flowers of every color imaginable, their sweet fragrance mingling with the cool mountain air.
The gates opened, and they were escorted inside by Aerilon's royal guards. Aliya could hardly keep her eyes from wandering, captivated by the shimmering chandeliers, the opulent tapestries depicting Aerilon's victories, and the polished marble floors that reflected her every step.
Arthur led her toward the throne room, his grip on her arms firm, almost possessive. As they entered, King Dominic, a broad-shouldered man with a stern yet kind expression, rose to greet them, flanked by his son, Prince Artemis.
Artemis looked to be around Aliya's age, with warm, expressive eyes and a gentle smile that immediately set him apart from Arthur. His gaze fell upon Aliya, and his expression softened as if he were seeing something he had been searching for all his life.
"Welcome, Prince Arthur," King Dominic said, his voice strong and resonant. "It is an honor to host the heir of Morvathar."
Arthur inclined his head in response, his tone measured. "The honor is ours, King Dominic. I hope our kingdoms can find mutual benefit in each other's resources."
Before the conversation could continue, Prince Artemis stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Aliya. "And who is this?" he asked, his voice smooth and warm.
Aliya felt a blush creep into her cheeks under the intensity of his gaze. She opened her mouth to introduce herself, but Arthur spoke first.
"This is Aliya," Arthur said, his tone so tight she could almost feel the tension radiating from him. "She is here with me as my companion."
Artemis's smile broadened, his gaze unwavering. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Aliya." He gently took her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles, lingering just a moment too long. His eyes met hers with an undeniable glimmer of admiration, almost…adoration.
Aliya's heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by his kindness and charm. She couldn't remember the last time someone looked at her with such warmth. In that instant, she felt a strange pull, a flicker of longing for something she couldn't quite name.
Arthur's grip on her arm tightened subtly, though his expression remained perfectly controlled. "Shall we discuss the matters at hand, Your Majesty?" he said, his voice as cold as ever, yet carrying an unmistakable edge.
King Dominic gestured toward a set of gilded chairs near the fireplace. "Please, let us sit and discuss how we may aid each other."
They moved toward the chairs, but as they did, Artemis leaned close to Aliya, his voice a low, gentle murmur only she could hear. "I hope I'll have the pleasure of showing you more of Aerilon during your stay, Lady Aliya."
She glanced up at him, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. Arthur cleared his throat, his steely eyes fixed on Artemis with a subtle, restrained ire.
Aliya could sense the storm brewing within him, and though he maintained his composure, his hand still gripping her arm felt like a warning.
The meeting had gone on for hours, the discussions about alliances and trade agreements hanging thick in the air. But through it all, Arthur couldn't help but notice the way Prince Artemis kept glancing at Aliya. His eyes were soft, full of something that Arthur knew had no place in their world. It was the kind of look a man gives the woman he wants—no, the woman he desires.
Each time Artemis' gaze lingered on Aliya, Arthur's jaw clenched, his thoughts spiraling into a cold fury. He forced himself to stay composed, keeping a neutral face as the talks progressed, but inside, the flames of jealousy flickered higher with every stolen glance between the two.
Aliya, on the other hand, seemed oblivious, as if unaware of the effect her presence was having on the men around her. She stood there, poised and silent, as she always did. But Arthur noticed the slight tension in her shoulders, the way she avoided meeting Artemis' gaze for too long. Perhaps she could sense it, too, but she said nothing.
Finally, the meeting came to a close, and dinner was served. The air between Arthur and Artemis was thick but professional. Still, Arthur could feel the invisible thread between Artemis and Aliya, and it fueled the fire inside him even more.
Later, in their room, Arthur closed the door behind them with a sharp click. The tension of the evening clung to the air like a storm about to break. Aliya turned to him, but before she could say a word, Arthur stepped forward, his voice low and commanding.
"Stay away from him," Arthur's tone was firm, almost dangerous. "Do not let him look at you the way he did today. You are mine, and you will not entertain his advances, do you understand?"
Aliya's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest as his words hung in the air, suffocating. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, there was a knock on the door.
Arthur turned sharply, irritation flashing across his face. He opened the door, revealing a maid holding a small collection of items. "Compliments from Prince Artemis," the maid said, her voice tinged with unease as she handed over the gifts.
Arthur's eyes darkened. He knew what this was—an attempt to further claim Aliya as his. His grip tightened on the door frame as the maid left, and he looked back at Aliya, his gaze cold and furious.
"Do not think for a second that this changes anything," Arthur warned, his voice a low growl. He crossed the room to the gifts, his anger simmering beneath the surface as he stared down at the items, his fingers twitching as if he wanted to destroy them on the spot. But he refrained, knowing that his next move would be far more effective. "You are mine," he repeated, his eyes locking with hers. "And if you forget that…"
Aliya's heart raced, but she said nothing, understanding the unspoken threat hanging between them.