[SILVER RAYNE WILLIAMS]

When I awake, I simply stare at the unfamiliar ceiling, eyebrows drawn in. Lost.

Then it all returns.

Shit.

I do not know how to explain how I feel about my current predicament. I am relieved that I escaped death and the full punishment of my treason but I am not sure if it is worth being burdened by the fact that I have a lot to achieve before I can finally rest in West House with Vella.

In many ways, I know that I am screwed. Especially with that interaction the Prince and Lady Elise blessed me with last night.

I shut my eyes, groaning, get out of bed by rolling over like a tree trunk, and allow myself to land on the floor with a thud.

I want the pain.

Perhaps it will jolt me out of whatever reality I'm in.

But when I open my eyes again I am still greeted with the same ceiling, I writhe about in frustration on the floor, silently screaming until I feel I've gotten it all out of my system and I am ready for the day.

Then I calmly get up, grab a towel, and march into the bathroom.

When I get out, I move toward my bag—Wait.

Where's my bag?

I freeze, a simple white towel the only thing wrapped around me, whilst the ends of my hair I couldn't completely save from being wet, drip down my shoulder.

I walk to my clothes, ignoring the clink of vials I had packed into my pockets, lifting them as if a bag would suddenly appear beneath them.

But no—

Oh no. The bloody plane.

Shit!  I left it on the plane!

The case, the vials. It was all I could think of. Gone. All gone!

I paced around the room, a panic dissolving through me. How- how could I be this careless!

How was I supposed to-

Three stiff uniformed knocks echoed against the door and my whole body visibly froze mid-panic, my heart pounding within me, knowing that just outside that door, the Tribrid Prince stood.

It was unsettling. Even with all my knowledge that I was supposed to be safe here with him.

I looked down at the towel, and how short it was, clinging to my thighs. I searched around for anything to cover up better.

When I could only spot a sheet, I reached for it, wrapping it around me, before approaching the door.

I had to pause for a moment to gather myself, as I stared down at the door lock, taking a deep breath in. My fingers were shaking slightly as I touched the gold handle.

Slowly twisting it open, I made sure my body was hidden behind the slightly open door as I peeked through.

Nothing.

No one was there.

My eyebrows drew in, opening the door wider into the empty hallway in mild confusion, my leg brushing against something.

I looked down and there was my bag. Placed right before my door.

Relief flooded through me at the sight of it.

I pursed my lips, glancing again through the hallway, before taking it in and locking the door behind me.

Sighing, I placed it on my bed, unzipping it. For a moment I started at its contents thinking. The Prince wouldn't go through my stuff, would he? I had my underwear in here.

I stared at my bag for a moment, then shook my head. Thinking these things would not help the nervousness inside me.

I took out some clothing and pulled out my dad's case.

I didn't want to think of what I would have done if I had lost the case. Dad's case. The one he entrusted to me.

It wasn't just that.

With this case I felt better qualified to protect Vella to some extent and in truth, it made me feel more than just a weak human.

I could protect myself.

With Dad's vials, I could win a few battles.

My gaze swept the slots. All the vials seemed to be there. I moved to my jacket, taking out some empty vials and some I didn't get to use, placing them all back into Dad's case, one by one until I looked at the glass marked H. E.

My throat went dry as I studied the few words printed on it.

I tucked the vial into my pocket, closing the case and zipping it shut.

My hands run through my curls thinking for a moment.

It was enough.

It was enough wallowing. I had a duty to do. I was going to get through this. I was going to be victorious.

The faster the prince began to feel, the better.

Changing, I grabbed a pen and notebook and began to write.

———————————————————

My gaze trailed over the words on the paper I had written, placing the pen down.

Deep breaths.

Glancing at my watch, then at the door. It was almost 8:30.

I could not keep hiding from the Prince in this room. It was time to start this—fool's game.

The quicker I faced him the quicker I would be able to return to my room and think of how I could see Vella. I didn't want her to think anything bad had happened to me.

I took a breath in, got up, and walked to the doors.
Unlocking it softly, I peered out once again.

Empty.

I pushed the door wider, glancing at the prince's door at the far end for a moment, closing my door behind me.

I turned the opposite way, moving toward the living room, and open kitchen area.

I paused just at the end of the hallway, practicing my breathing. Here goes nothing.

I just had to do it. Take the step. Take the plunge.

I took a step forward, slowly peering through the open space.

I expected to see the Prince's tall frame, gazing solemnly at something, perhaps a book.

I did not know what else he could be doing. Something dull. Yes. What else?

But no.
It was all empty.

The Prince was nowhere in sight.

This calmed me slightly, my shoulders falling as I walked in further. My gaze floated around the room, slightly nervous.

The color scheme was calm and far from exciting. As I had seen before. Lots of whites and greys. Blacks were a favorite too.

Yes. This looked like a Tribrid space. I could imagine him spending endless days here.

My gaze landed on the kitchen island, locked on something intriguing. Eyebrows drawing in at the sight of a chessboard.

I moved toward it curiously, noting that a game was fully fledged.

I almost smiled at the sight of it. It reminded me so much of Dad.

Who did he play with? I wondered. Then I rolled my eyes:

What am I asking? Himself. It was so obvious.

I scoffed at this, but I did not fail to realize he was his only opponent because few could match his skill set.

My gaze studied each figure, each play.

I was more than familiar with chess. Dad and I played quite often.

Dad had once explained to me how life was like a game of chess. The smart ones know where to play and when to play. Whilst others, don't even know they are on the chessboard.

A black pawn caught my eye. I studied its rank trajectory.

It was clear it was about to be sacrificed to the white knight.

"You're out."

At the abrupt sound of the low monotone voice, my gaze snaps to the Prince. I am caught off guard, my heart thundering.

I hated how swift he was with his speeding. I should have at least heard the door open. This was unfair.

Being human was unfair.

The Prince stood before me fully dressed in his royal attire, his hair, up in a neat bun. His gaze is steady and cool.

I blink for a moment as my eyes travel his height. I feel tiny under his gaze. Insignificant, but still somehow visible.

Which is worse.

"I thought your first condition was meant to enable you to defeat your fear," he began—"but your heart..." his gaze drops to my chest, "proves otherwise."

I glance down at my chest, a hand reaching for it, my breathing short and fast, feeling frozen and rushed.

"H-Here," I blurt instead, handing over the notepad.

My movements are stiff and quick, much quicker than I had thought.

No, I had not thought this through at all. My reaction is awkward because I am overwhelmed.

He looks down at what is being offered, then back at me, but takes it.

"And what is this?"

I swallow for a moment, but when his eyes flash to me, I speak and speak quickly.

I do not why I am rambling, or why my hands shake. I already gave myself a pep talk. I said I was ready for the day.

I inwardly curse at my body.

I am never like this. I'm supposed to be better after a pep talk. More wittier, faster, less afraid.

I was supposed to be ready.

I wasn't.

I'm afraid I wasn't ready at all.

Seeing the prince made me realize just how much in deep shit I was. I was supposed to get this stone of a man to feel for a woman who I was sure despised me. Play Cupid to some extent.  Only the stakes were high.

Much higher.

If I succeed, I will have it all.

But now, with all I know, the interaction carried between the Prince and Lady Elise last night, there is a very high chance of me failing.

I did not want to think of what came with my failure.

"A list," I state.

When he keeps his eyes on me. I managed to continue.

"Of everything I've noticed so far."

His saltwater gaze shifts away from me at this, and back to the notepad.

"I see." He states

I keep talking, because I feel the longer I talk, the more comfortable I'll eventually get until I can hold better conversation.

"I-I thought, Your Majesty," Breathe,

"That we'd start immediately. There should be no time to waste—"

The prince is flipping through my pages and my heart races as I watch him.

"The sooner we start, the quicker we can get this to work."

The prince keeps flipping until he reaches the end and pauses. His gaze shifts back to mine, solemn and cold, factual.

"There are five pages. Back to front."

I nod swallowing, "Yes, there is a lot."

He glances down at the book.

"W-Which is why I feel we should start soon." I quickly add.

"You noticed all this in our few interactions?" He asks. His eyes rise and hold mine for a moment.

I am at a loss for words. My mouth opened and closed. I want to be as delicate as possible. Only because I want whatever this is to go as smoothly as possible. I had convinced myself it was in my best interest to just be a good citizen and be on the Prince's good side until our deal expired. He ascends and I leave for west-house.

"These notes were mostly from your encounter last night, I-"

The Prince interrupts me, his eyebrows drawing in slightly, the only hint that he is confused at my statement.

"I remained perfectly cordial with Lady Elise throughout our exchange, assuring her that rescheduling was a viable option."

"You also opened the door without even a simple greeting," I countered softly. 

"I'm aware she's doing well; we had a conversation earlier. Why the need to inquire once more?" His eyebrows remain gathered.

"You did not even apologize," I continue with a shallow chuckle, It is nervous, but I am hoping he is joking, and he understands that feelings can change throughout the day. I am hoping I have something to work with. "I think she was looking forward to whatever it is you had planned."

"I believe a practical solution holds more weight than a mere apology," he asserts, then his furrowed brows relax as he reverts to his solemn expression. "What good does an apology serve?"

I am at a loss for words. I can not even begin to break down the logic behind the statement. Instead, I shake my head, folding my arms.

"But your words were cold." I ventured to remark.

His eyebrows draw slightly in again, only for a moment, "How does one imbue warmth into words?"

My jaw falls open in disbelief. "For heaven's sake, you slammed the door in her face!"

I quickly covered my mouth, shocked by my outburst. My eyes widen at my sudden behavior. Heart pounding.

He gazes at me as though I'm absurd, completely unfazed by the escalation in my tone. He simply remarks, "It was the end of the conversation."

My mouth opens and then closes like a fish. And then I stare.

I stare at the prince like a woman who may be hanged for treason.

For I fear I may fail this ordeal.

He is not just a fang. He is a mixture of all the worst qualities of a fang. And I thought I could change that?

Oh, I'm fucked.

I blink out of the haze and struggle to think for a moment. 

"You said uh—subtle, right?" I tried to remember, "Subtle is all we need? No drastic changes?" I ask, almost pleadingly.

The Prince watches me, gaze slightly narrowing on me, but nods shortly, "Enough to fool the court."

I manage a smile, one I keep on, that does not reach my eyes, nodding longer than I have to. "Great!"

Just great.

Fool a court of highly intelligent fang. I-I can do that. If only I had something more than a lump of clay to work with.

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This chapter is long, So I'm breaking it into two parts, maybe even three. I'll post it in a few hours. I'm spent for now. Happy reading!
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