His Forsaken Luna-Chapter 81: Aftermath (6)

Once we are all alone, Alaric demands that Eryx and I come to his study to speak further about this mateship, the alliance, peace treaty or whatever, but I have other plans, especially while everything seems so chaotic.

"I want to check in on Faidon," I interrupt my brother’s discussion with Eryx, who is again speaking without me. It was getting irksome, and I was done just standing around, holding Liva’s hands like an idiot, unable to sort my emotions. "Besides, don’t you have more important things to deal with right now, brother?"

Alaric’s gaze narrowed on me at the reminder. "I wish to ask more about where you went last night before the attack here."

Eryx looked between us but said nothing, his expression unreadable. "Very well," Alaric answers, though he doesn’t sound particularly happy about it. "Come find me when you are ready. I need to meet with Hanok anyway."

My brother’s dismissal had me turning on my toes instantly, ignoring the looming presence of the Alpha Prince, who followed with his Beta and warrior in tow. I didn’t want to face Eryx right now, but I was eager to leave this hall, put that conversation with my brother and the Alpha Prince on hold for a little while longer, and see Faidon.

I needed to know from my own two eyes that the shadow was okay. We didn’t have some strong bond of friendship; I doubt I have ever had that besides with Theo, but Faidon had done a lot for me. Even if he had also been a barrier at one point, delaying my escape from the palace.

Using him as my escape now seemed only fair. All of us walked in silence except for Kharis, who began whistling a cheery tune. I assume that it was either to contain the tension brewing between Eryx and me or because he found the situation comical. It was likely the latter.

Still, I ignored it, speaking only with Cohnal once he began guiding me to Faidon’s room. By the time we arrived, I had my coat folded over my arms, forgetting how much the Southern Weres preferred to keep the Guest Pavilion toasty. Perhaps it was the contrast to my own quarters, often near freezing, or the lingering chill of the snowstorm, but the building felt undeniably warmer. My armpits were almost dripping with sweat—so ladylike.

I walked into the room, not at all surprised by how it appeared- barely lived in. If not for the man himself lying in bed, I was sure the covers would remain smooth and crisp like nobody had ever been there. I sat at the seat beside Faidon, whose neck had been bandaged, the dressing slightly red with dried blood.

My gaze shot to the others who’d follow me to his bedside. "He was stabbed in the throat?" I whispered.

Cohnal nodded as Kharis strode to the window, peering out with crossed arms. "Kharis, please get some rest. You’ve been guarding me all night," I whispered to him.

"Lia is right." Eryx then glanced between Cohnal and Faidon as though weighing a decision. "You too."

Cohnal shook his head, his gaze flicking to me as he spoke in Solfyran. "Speaking about me is rude, no matter the language," I interrupted, feeling particularly grumpy and only a little guilty for speaking my mind to Cohnal.

"My apologies. I don’t think Eryx should be left alone with you right now," Cohnal said.

"Why?" I cooed mockingly. "You worried about your Prince?" Even as I said it, I’d noticed the weariness in Cohnal’s face and the slight red rim of his eyes. Did he stay up all night by Faidon’s side?

Cohnal smirked, Kharis snorted as he stopped by the door on his way out, and Eryx glared at me. "Nah, do what you like with him," the Beta grinned back, the expression new to my eyes. "I was worried more about you, Your Highness."

Kharis faked gagging, then closed the door behind him as a pillow crashed into it from the Beta. Eryx crossed his large arms and pinned his Beta with a look. "And why are you worrying about my mate?"

My eyebrows shot up at that. Cohnal noticed the expression and shook his head, deciding this was a battle he would not partake in. "I will return for the night shift." He bowed his head at me and his Alpha Prince, backing away from us.

My gaze fell back on Faidon, who was surprisingly sleeping soundly throughout our little squabble. Surprising because he was Eryx’s shadow. Though it shouldn’t surprise me, he was fatally injured and was still recovering.

I knew he’d been attacked and thought the worst until Kharis confirmed Faidon was alive, but to see the bandage on his neck in person was different. As though he could see my distress, Eryx said quietly, "He will be fine."

I nodded, accepting his comfort, but did not speak further as I gazed upon his shadow. Now that we were alone, I didn’t know where to begin without wanting to stamp on his foot or slap him in the face. So I remained quiet, left to my thoughts.

That was until Eryx opened it up for discussion. "I know you’re angry right now..."

"Oh, you have no idea," I replied quietly, my gaze not leaving Faidon’s softened expression. If I spoke any louder, I knew my anger would rise with it, so I settled for quiet displeasure.

I’m a mature, sophisticated woman. A Princess. One that does not need to raise her voice to show she is annoyed.

"Your brother’s study came back empty. He doesn’t plan on turning on us-"

"Oh really?!" I gape at him mockingly, exasperated. Dammit, that plan went out the window. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Eryx narrowed his eyes at me. "I cannot believe the words of my enemy without some evidence. We have been betrayed before, and I do not plan for this treaty to go to shit all because you said Alaric ’isn’t like that’" his words were steel, gruff, and totally understandable.

But I wasn’t feeling very logical right now. I was still reeling from what he’d done!

"So you discovered my brother would not stab you in the back, and NOW you decide, oh, Idalia can act as my backup plan." Because that is all this is. "How romantic," I snap, sarcasm rolling off my tongue like a whip.

Eryx stormed towards me and knelt by my side, yet still glaring down at me. "Is that what you want, Lia? Romance?" He took my hand and brought it to my lips. "I am more than accommodating."

I slipped my hand from his before he could press those fine lips to my skin.

Faidon stirs a little, and we both hush, glancing at him. Frustration swells in my chest, and I realise I can’t sit here, especially with Eryx. I needed space, or I would truly slap him. Rising from the chair, I sigh, bidding Faidon a silent farewell and pass the Alpha Prince, still kneeling on the floor.

"Lia..." He calls out softly, and my steps halt at the sound.

Guilt washes over me, and then my irritation snaps me back to glare at him. "What do you expect to happen next, Eryx?" I demand, my chest heaving at the explosion. "You expect me to come with you?!"

Eryx watches me calmly. "Is it such a bad suggestion? It was only last week you tried to escape this palace. You wanted to leave here. I see the way they have treated you."