Chapter Twenty Five

I was currently standing outside, the wind playing with the hem of my dress while I waited for Prince Gordon to arrive.

A carriage stood in front of me, as black as the night was. The two horses leading it were similar in color, both a varying shade of brown. The waited also, their large eyes holding the patience and kindness I strived for.

Enforcers stood along with me, none of them speaking. I would hear the occasional sigh, but nothing more than that. They were tired of waiting, yet the knew there was nothing they could do about it.

I didn't mind the wait. It allowed me time to speak with the shining sun, whose face was as bright as ever. I had been told that it would rain today, however, the sky showed no signs of this promise.

I could finally hear footsteps advancing towards us, one belonging to Martin and the other to my päästja. I turned towards them, watching as Martin began talking, his head held as high as usual.

"Load the carriages," he ordered, and with that, the enforcers were off. They barked orders at one another, some loading into the other carriage, while a couple stayed behind, opening the door for the one we would all be in.

Martin started forward, however, Prince Gordon stopped him with a hand. "You are to go to the second carriage. I will be fine in this one alone," he said, Martin's eyes immediately turning towards me.

"Master, I do not think it is wise to be alone with-" he started, but was only interrupted as Prince Gordon's eyes turned sharp.

"Do as I say or you will not be joining us. Ivy will cause me no harm," he said, and after a moment's hesitation, Martin straightened before sending a glare my way and walking stiffly towards the other carriage.

I thought that would be the end, but I was proven wrong when Prince Gordon gave a slight nod towards the last enforcers. "You can all remain here. You will not be needed."

They looked at one another, unsure or what to do. Even I frowned, wondering whether Prince Gordon was making a wise decision.

"Päästja, what if someone attacks-" I started, but he simply shook his head.

"We will be fine. There is a carriage following with nothing but enforcers," he said firmly, adding, "You are dismissed," to the few enforcers who had still lingered. They all disappeared one by one until only two of us remained.

He walked to the carriage, holding its door open. "After you," he said softly, his eyes on me. I studied him for a moment, deciding not to argue before I went inside, the sun temporarily disappearing.

Prince Gordon followed behind, closing the door. He sat across from me, his eyes looking out the window as if he saw something I could not see. When the carriage began moving si when he let out a sigh, still looking out the window.

"Ivy, we need to talk about what happened."

I remained quiet, knowing his words were true.

It was best to talk about it rather than allow it to fester, mixing together with numerous pent-up emotions until it became something it wasn't and exploded. I knew it would not go well for either one of us it that happened.

He was the first to talk, his eyes finally finding mine. "I do not expect anything from you, my dear. I understand that I was out of place. I will refrain from allowing it to happen again." His words were careful, but they were dry and without emotion in them. For the first time, he spoke to me as if he was speaking to a stranger.

I was careful with my own words, feeling it was best to tell him the truth. "Päästja, you aren't the only one at fault. I don't think I would have done anything to end the moment if Martin didn't," I said, casting my eyes downward, ashamed of the confession.

There was silence for a moment before I heard his clothes rustle slightly and I felt soft fingertips lightly touch my chin. It was guided up, meeting Prince Gordon's green eyes, as calm and patient as ever.

"Ivy, do not feel guilty. Nothing happened that warrants guilt. Is this not correct?" He said, his eyes studying me.

I nodded, lying to him. He did not know how I had felt during the moment or how Kai had not crossed my mind once, until after. However, telling him any of this would simply lead to something else.

So I nodded, fastening a smile onto my face. "You are right, päästja, as always. Thank you," I said, hoping that he would believe my words.

He gave me a smile in return before leaning back, seeming pleased with my reaction. He then returned to looking out the window, watching as the world flew behind us.

"How is your Princess?" I asked, desiring a change in subject and in the atmosphere. I was granted my wish as the air became lighter, leaving the carriage.

I could see his hand on his wrist, fixing the perfect cufflink. "She is fine. She wished to invite me to a gathering that she is having soon," he explained, and I smiled, although he could not see it.

No matter my feelings. Prince Gordon would get his happy ending with his Princess. I wanted to see him happy more than anything and it seemed as if a companion would do just that. I would make sure she was able to pull him away from his work now and then.

It would work for the best. Prince Gordon would soon have his Princess and Kai and I would soon be together again. My heart would remember its course and sway back, fixing everything. However, it seemed Prince Gordon did not agree.

"I politely declined."

I frowned, my eyes looking for his own but not finding them. He wouldn't meet my stare. "Why would you do that, päästja? Is she not the Princess you were hoping for?" I asked, listening to his soft sigh.

"She is as I expected. However, sometimes, expectations are not what we truly desire," he said, his words vague.

"What's wrong with her? I don't understand. You want a Princess and you've been given one that meets your expectations. What will you do if you don't court her?" I pressed, and he simply laughed under his breath.

"My dear, if life and love were so simple, I do not think troubles would exist," he answered, which didn't satisfy me. So I gave in, allowing him to keep to himself.

During the ride there, we talked lightly, but never anything too seriously. By the time we arrived, the sun was beginning to dim, its light leaving for the night. The birds had stopped chirping, replaced by chattering crickets and other insects. The air had even cooled, teasing my skin when I stepped out of the carriage.

The palace was large, although its mass couldn't compare to Prince Gordon's. There were enforcers, dressed slightly different but still in the same dark colors, roaming the ground, lit up by numerous lights. It was beautiful, still much different than my village had been.

"It's almost as stunning as yours, päästja," I murmured as he walked out, joining me. There was finally a smile on his face, lighting up his eyes.

"You cannot call em that while we are here, my dear. It is Prince Gordon," he instructed, and I shook my head, watching as Martin and several enforcers joined us.

"What am I to call your brother?" I asked, wondering how often this happened.

His smile grew as he answered, "You are to call him Prince Gordon as well. We will know the different, do not worry."

I opened my mouth to question him further about it but was interrupted before I had the chance. Several of his brother's enforcers had begun walking towards us, one leading them.

"Prince Gordon," he greeted, bowing to him. Prince Gordon nodded him return, saying a greeting.

"You and your guest are allowed in, however, Prince Gordon and his companion have requested that Martin remain out here," he said, and I glanced over at Martin whose expression soured.

He looked outraged at the request, and I began wondering what he had done to upset the two of them. Prince Gordon simply laughed, "Then you are all to stay here with Martin as well. Perhaps next time you will think before you allow your ego to overrule you."

Martin huffed, looking down at the comment, although his stiff posture showed he was still angry. Prince Gordon laughed once again, shaking his head before guiding us forward.

We were led inside, following the enforcers. The inside was just as grand, holding a more modern look than my päästja's palace did.

We were guided through a series of halls and corners until we were led in front of a pair of large, elaborately decorated doors. One of the enforcers knocked on the doors, waiting for a response.

"Come in." The two words were simply yet the voice conveyed authority. With that, the enforcers opened the door, leading us inside the room.

A large table sat in the center, one of the three Gordon brothers sitting at its end while another stood by me. It was amazing, the differences and similarities between the two.

I had once met him, although I hadn't had time to compare. They were both the same fair color, although his features stood out more than Cayne's because of his contrasting black hair and light blue eyes. His expression seemed to be one carved out of blocks of ice while Cayne's held a more soft feel. Both wore suits and they both held the same stiff posture.

"Cayne, Ivy," Prince Gordon shortly greeted, making no move to come towards us. I could hear Cayne sigh under his breath, shaking his head.

"Where is your companion?" Cayne asked, guiding us closer to him.

I could feel excitement bubbling at the mention of her before I leaned towards Cayne, whispering, "Is that who we are seeing today?"

He laughed at my enthusiasm but nodded. "Yes, dear. I have business with my brother, so in the meantime, you will talk to her."

I had heard multiple stories and rumors about her, both good and bad. However, each one had only made me admire her more. She had stood up for her kind, despite her feelings towards her Master and his desires. She had caused uproars, riots, and massive conflicts.

Yet, she was also the reason guard dogs no longer existed, although I had never seen one in person. She was also the reason Protectors were no longer used, and the reason that werewolves were beginning to gain back their reputation. It was all because of her, and I strived to achieve even a fraction of her accomplishments.

"There's my favorite Gordon."

I turned, never having heard the doors open. Yet, there stood a beautiful woman who seemed to know her worth. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief while a smirk played on her face. Her curls fell past her shoulders, wild and exotic. She wore a red dress that hugged her, showing off her shaped figure.

Cayne smiled while Prince Gordon rolled his eyes, appearing unamused at the words. "You are trying to test me," he muttered and she walking over, a predator aware of her advantages.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you, Kendall," she easily replied, her grin growing as she walked over to Cayne and hugged him.

He was still smiling lightly and he appeared happy. It was the first time I had seen him smile with someone other than myself and I found myself feeling elated, yet my heart told a different story.

"I have missed you, Snowflake. I hope all has been well," he said to her, finally pulling away.

She nodded, glancing at Prince Gordon, her eyes lighting up. "Everything's been fine. As long as your brother keeps this attitude up, he'll be joining you when you leave," she said, although her voice was lightly teasing.

He frowned as he stood up, walking over to her. "Do you truly think I would allow you to kick me out of my own castle yet again? Perhaps you are as dense as I originally thought," he said, but there was a small smile on his face as he wrapped an arm around her, his lips finding her hair.

I could hear a growl emitted from her, causing Prince Gordon to laugh quietly while Cayne and I smiled. "You two are beautiful together," I said, causing both of their features to change.

Prince Gordon's posture stiffened, turning his unexpectedly cold eyes towards me. They had been warm one second and dimmed within the same moment. His companion's expression had hardened as she stared at me, looking up and down.

"Is this your shifter, Cayne?" She asked, and I could feel my heart stop as I recognized a look within her eyes. Disgust.

I looked away, listening as Cayne said, "This is Ivy. Ivy, this is Amaryllis. However, she prefers to be called by Snowflake now."

I gave a false smile, offering my hand. "I am honored to me you, Snowflake. I have heard so much about you," I greeted, however, she simply stared at my hand.

"Snowflake, play nice," Prince Gordon murmured to her and she huffed at him.

"The only reason I agreed to this was because of Cayne. I don't like your kind and that isn't going to change."

My eyes found their way back to the floor, hurt pulsing through me. I had only just met her and it was going downhill. My plans to leave was solidifying within each passing second, thinking I would get nowhere.

"You promised to give her a chance, Snowflake. Ivy is not as you think. She represents the future for her kind, not the past," Cayne explained, placing a hand on the small of my back. I distantly noticed him move closer, his body hovering next to mine.

Snowflake studied the both of us, quiet for a moment. She then spoke, her words softer than before. "Alright, I'll give you a chance. Let's go," she said, untangling from Prince Gordon and walking away.

I hesitated a second, glancing back at Cayne. He smiled at me, nodding in her direction. "Go, my dear. Snowflake does not wait."

I quickly hugged him, pressing my lips against his cheek. "Thank you, päästja," I whispered before pulling away and running after her.