The next morning, Eva sat in her new chambers, staring at the ornate mirror. The reflection staring back at her felt alien, draped in fine silks and jewels that glittered like a mocking reminder of her situation. She tried to focus on the quiet, the stillness of the palace in the early hours, but her thoughts kept circling back to the night before.
Her conversation with Alaric had unsettled her, but not because of his bitterness—it was the recognition in his voice. The way he had looked at her, not with judgment but with an acknowledgment of their shared cage.
A sharp knock at her door broke her reverie.
"Enter," she said, hastily sitting up straighter.
The door creaked open, and there he was. Prince Alaric, as composed as ever, though his expression was harder to read in the morning light.
"Lady Evalina," he greeted her formally, though there was a slight edge to his tone.
"Prince Alaric," she replied, rising to her feet. Her stomach twisted with unease. Why was he here?
He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him, his movements deliberate. "I came to speak with you before the council meeting. I thought it might be prudent for us to present a united front."
"A united front?" Eva repeated, her voice tinged with skepticism. "You mean pretend we like each other for the sake of appearances?"
Alaric's lips twitched, almost into a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "If that's how you wish to see it. Our marriage isn't just about us, Lady Evalina. It's a symbol for the court, for the kingdom. They need to believe this union is strong, even if it isn't."
Eva folded her arms, feeling the weight of his words settle over her. "And what about what we need? Does that matter at all?"
He hesitated, just for a moment, and in that pause, Eva saw the faintest crack in his armor. "What we need is irrelevant. The kingdom comes first. Always."
"Spoken like someone who's used to sacrificing themselves," Eva murmured, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
Alaric's gaze sharpened, and for a moment, she thought she'd gone too far. But instead of anger, his expression softened, just slightly.
"You're quick to judge, Lady Evalina," he said quietly. "You think I'm heartless, that I don't care about the life I've been forced into. But you don't know what it's like to grow up knowing your life isn't your own. To have every decision made for you before you even understand what choice means."
His words struck a chord, and Eva felt a pang of guilt for her earlier assumptions. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean—"
"You don't need to apologize," Alaric interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "I don't blame you for being angry. But if we're going to survive this... arrangement, we need to understand each other. Or at least tolerate each other."
Eva met his gaze, searching for some hint of insincerity, but found none. He was being honest, she realized. This wasn't just a royal duty for him—it was a burden he carried, one he didn't want to shoulder alone.
"I'll try," she said at last, her voice steady. "But you'll have to meet me halfway."
Alaric inclined his head, a hint of respect in his eyes. "Fair enough."
Their first test of unity came later that day during the council meeting. The grand chamber was filled with nobles and advisors, all of whom turned to watch as Eva and Alaric entered together.
Eva felt the weight of their stares like a physical force, but she kept her head high, her expression composed. Alaric walked beside her, his presence steady and reassuring, though he said nothing.
As they took their seats at the head of the table, one of the advisors, a thin, sharp-eyed man named Lord Edrik, leaned forward. "Your Highness, Lady Evalina," he said with a slight bow. "It's good to see you both here. I trust you're settling into your roles?"
Alaric gave a curt nod. "We're adapting," he replied smoothly.
Eva glanced at him, noting the way he deflected the question with practiced ease. She realized then that this was a game to him—a game he had been playing his entire life.
"And you, Lady Evalina?" Lord Edrik pressed, turning his attention to her. "How are you finding the palace?"
Eva hesitated, aware that every word she spoke would be scrutinized. "It's... different from what I'm used to," she said carefully. "But I'm learning."
Lord Edrik's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'm sure you are. The court can be... challenging for those who aren't accustomed to it."
Before Eva could respond, Alaric interjected. "Lady Evalina is more than capable of rising to the occasion," he said, his tone firm. "I have no doubt she'll prove herself to be an asset to the kingdom."
Eva shot him a surprised glance, but he didn't look at her. Instead, he kept his focus on Lord Edrik, his expression calm but unyielding.
The advisor inclined his head. "Of course, Your Highness. I meant no offense."
As the meeting continued, Eva found herself studying Alaric more closely. He was a master of diplomacy, she realized, navigating the council's demands and criticisms with a level of skill that left her in awe.
But beneath his calm exterior, she sensed a deeper tension, a frustration he kept tightly controlled. It was in the way his jaw clenched when certain topics were raised, in the brief pauses before he spoke.
When the meeting finally ended, Eva followed Alaric out of the chamber, her thoughts racing.
"You didn't have to defend me," she said quietly as they walked down the corridor.
Alaric glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "It wasn't about defending you. It was about showing strength. The court respects unity, even if it's an illusion."
Eva frowned, his words sitting uneasily with her. "So this is all just a performance to you?"
He stopped, turning to face her. "It's survival," he said simply. "The court is full of predators, Lady Evalina. If they sense weakness, they'll tear you apart."
His words sent a shiver down her spine, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "Then I suppose we'll have to survive together."
For the first time, Alaric's lips curved into a faint, genuine smile. "I suppose we will."