[SILVER RAYNE WILLIAMS]

AFTER THE SILENCE, the Prince lays down his utensils. I catch this from the corners of my lowered gaze. Since he is my shield, I find that every movement he makes, I am well aware. He suddenly pulls his chair and takes to feet.

The Queen's gaze rises with him. "Leaving?" she says, her eyebrows drawing in an evident protest, "So soon?"

The Tribrids gaze trails to his mother, a salt-born wasteland.

"I have much to do," He states quietly. He glances at Lady Elise, but does not say anything to her, however it seems a simple look is enough to garner everyone's attention.

"Silver."

The mention of my name has my ears tingling immediately and I glance up at him quickly, eyes wide, using my napkin to wipe my lips.

"Your Majesty," I barely squeak, between a mouthful of muffin.

He simply glances at me, not bothering for a follow-up, and turns away. I watch for a moment as he leaves.

Oh, that was my cue.

I quickly get up. Truth be told, I would rather be buried alive than stay at this table without the Prince blocking my view of the King.

For without him seated beside me, there is only a direct passage to the looming being that is King Drake Alistair Veridian.

No, I would very much like to keep my head screwed on my body.

My gaze shifts to Eden for a split second, before I follow, clearing my throat at the abrupt leave. I do a quick bow to the royals. I feel that I must, for I leave before they do.

According to Fang Etiquette, it is what one does when leaving the presence of royalty, ruling or not.

I can feel all pairs of eyes watching me. Or us, I am not certain. All confused, some irritated.

I follow after the prince counting down the seconds to which I am no longer in Everest Hall. The morning has been long, good God, I have never wanted an ending so badly.

The doors close behind us, and I feel the weight lift off my shoulders, but only slightly, for when I look forward I am reminded that I am still in the presence of another Veridian, the Tribrid Prince.

A gift, and a curse.

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The prince is tall.

Taller than Lord Graydon.

I noticed this far too late at the masked ball, but now that I have the time to study him, I am appalled at the thought that I had actually mistaken the two.

I am well-versed in paying attention to detail.

How I got the two mixed up, even when he had worn an identical fit to Lord Graydon was beyond me.

The prince had long dark hair, he pulled up in a bun, almost shoulder length, dark as coal, whilst Lord Graydons was as brown as a freshly watered gardened earth, and though it too had length, could not be compared to the princes.

Both, infact, all Nobility in the fang bloodlines walked with a certain air about them that made you think they were born in some magical city in the sky, which is why they acted better than everyone else, but still, Lord Graydon walk and stance were more defined, a clear tell of a military man.

The Prince's however, was regal and imperial.

Lord Graydon made you think he was a man well experienced, earning his right to power, Whilst the Prince had this aura about him too mystical to place.

As if he did not belong in this world at all, as if he happened to walk amongst mortals and as if his power was birthed to him since the dawn of the cosmos.

As if a god.

"Many think that."

I freeze in the hallway at his dull statement. My eyebrows draw in, watching him for a moment.

"W-what?" I ask. My voice is slightly breathly when he pauses.

He does not turn around, but turns his head slightly, "That I am a god." he replies.

I simply blink. For a moment I am lost. My heart pounds within me. I have not said a word. I tell myself.

I have not said a word.

"I am not," He grunts and simply continues to walk.

I stare at him, as he moves. Did I? Did I perhaps mumble it? Is that how he heard?

I feel my feet move forward, but my body is numb, and now I lag, a farther distance away from the prince. I feel uncertain.

Logic tells me I'm much too smart to speak things that I think out loud in the presence of a Veridian.

I keep my inner thoughts to myself, most times.

I study him, my heart drumming louder. It could not be what I think? No, that is madness, no being can actually—

"You can go," he states, "you've spent enough time around me, you're thinking too much." he takes a breath in, "You're growing faint. Rest."

My eyebrows draw in at the statement. And then I realize I have not been breathing. Not at regular intervals. My heart is pounding.

I let out a breath when he pauses by a familiar hallway.  I stare down it, leaning to the side. It leads down the path to my room.

Still. I do not think of these things. I am rattled beyond words. I am—

"I will ensure your bag is delivered to you." He states, turning to face me.

He doesn't speak again though. As usual, he seems to like silence. Long moments of silence between words.

He just stares at me.

Until it hits me, he is waiting for me to leave.

I nod, once, then three times. I feel as if I am trapped in another body. I keep thinking.

Had I?-

I turn robotically to the hallway that leads to my room, but before I can get a few steps in, I shake my head free from its current confusion.

"No- I mean... I'm uh..." I'm breathless as I turn back to him.

Fighting thoughts, "I'm supposed to—we're supposed to prepare you for your big dinner with Lady Elise," I manage to bring my thoughts back to the topic at hand.

His gaze searches mine for a moment.

I swallow, "I-I just don't think we have time to waste, Your Majesty—"

I think of the disaster that breakfast was, my fists clenching,

"If we are to fool the court, forgive me, but you require serious preparation," I whisper the final part, my heart drumming. But it needed to be said.

His gaze remains still for a moment, and I hold my breath.

Then he nods.

"I understand," he simply states, "I have an indictment this moment, But it will not last more than a couple of hours. I will find you then."

Oh.

My heart skips a beat.

The indictment.

Lord Graydon.

My heart sinks slightly at this. I can not imagine what his punishment will be. I want to ask, but the prince made it clear I have no say in this, and I did not want to push it.

I did not know the prince save the little he had shown me, therefore it was in my best interest to not abuse whatever type of generosity he had given me, and risk angering him.

I nod.

He does not say a word further, and leaves.

I am left in the hallways, alone, with my thoughts. He would not surely be kicked out of the race, would he?

I shake my head into the nothingness, out of delusions that cloud my head.

"He'll be fine," I mumble. He is a High Lord. A fang.

No need to worry.

Not that I am worried. I run a hand through my curls, pushing back against my glasses, taking a breath out.

No, I'm not.

He was the reason I was here. In this mess.  Keeping secrets. Had he told me of the king's plans to burry me, perhaps I would have been wiser in my ecape.

How wonderful that served the both of us.

I was practically slaved to the Prince and he had a whole bloody indictment.

I shook my head, turned, and walked back to my room. At least, I started the trek. Just up until I realized I had no reason to go back and sit in a room.

The prince would be gone for at least two hours by his own words.

I should visit Vella.

I could not imagine how much she must be worried for me. For the outcome. The last she saw, I was caught by the prince.

I could still see the fear in her eyes. Yes, it was best I saw her today and assured her I still had my head and all was well, at least for now.

I glanced down at my watch, then my dress. I wish I could change but my bag was in the prince's quarters.

Perhaps this attire was best. Blending in with the other ladies of the court.

I traveled down the hallways, pausing once again in a familiar hallway aligned with portraits of the royal Family.

The sight of the King on a horse should be a crime. I hated horses, but even they did not deserve such evil.

I glanced at the blank portrait beside him, stopping for a moment.

It seems so misplaced. I always thought so when I passed these halls. Like something was missing.

Why would they leave this here? For what purpose did they put this blank piece in between the portrait of the King and the Prince? My gaze slid down the portraits, the prince and the Queen.

This was blank.

Just blank.

I studied this for a few moments, baffled.

The queen seemed like a lady of order and, this whole setup seemed so disorderly. Perhaps she had not passed through these halls yet.

I did not think it impossible. Fang Court is so large, anyone's feet would ache traversing it. But she wasn't just anyone. She was a queen. The Queen of Vampires.

Immortals don't tire.

My eyebrows draw at the portrait.

No, they don't.

I pursed my lips and moved down the hallway, lost in my thoughts when a sudden cold feeling captured me, as if a change in the air, a lower temperature.

My gaze lifts, narrowing on the approaching figures of Lady Elise and her handmaiden.

---------------------

I stiffen in my tracks for a short second, my movement now slow.

When the High Ladies eyes meet mine, her walk slows as well. Her gown though dull is far more magnificent than mine. Her brown eyes are acute and her hair is rich and glossy.

Truthfully? She is beautiful.

She carries herself well for a future queen. I can not take that away from her.

Her eyes hold mine, unwavering, stopping in the middle of the hallway. My heart pounds at this. She's waiting, waiting for me.

Quiet, calculating.

I know these eyes.

They resemble many eyes I've seen. Amongst the girls in school, ready to fight over a boy. Amongst dogs, declaring territories.

That was her gaze, though meticulously hidden behind her posh nature, refined on all sides.

I need to think.

I am almost near now.

Think fast.

She is a Sworn, one sworn to the Prince, and should I have it my way, his mate. The last thing I needed was the future Queen as an enemy. And that would not aid in my endeavor to bring the Prince and her closer to fool the court.

She sees me as a threat.

As one would.

Oran said no human is allowed in the prince's chamber and yet, last night Lady Elise saw me in the Trbrids' quarters.

She is threatened by my presence.

Perhaps for good reason even if she is oblivious to the true depth of the matter. That I am, Supposedly, the prince's true Sworn.

My fingers tingle at the thought.

I needed to defuse the situation. What did I know of her?

Heavens, Nothing, nothing at all.

I think. I think back to Dad.

Rule one: Life is a game of chess. You're either playing or you're being played. Each piece has designated moves and a place on the board.

Rule two: Never underestimate a pawn. Never underestimate an opponent.

I am the pawn in this Game of chess. The palace the board, the royals, and all I see, are pieces.

If I do not want to be devoured, I must be smart.

She is closer now. She looks as if she could devour me.

Do not underestimate the pawn.

But many do. Lady Elise does not truly care what I am, only what I have done. She sees me as less than her. She underestimates every pawn about her.

Oran- my gaze switches to the eyes of her handmaid, Racheal, and even I.

How do you defeat those in power? You make them think they still have the power.

As Rachel did. "The dress is divine, Malady. But it is only enhanced by your beauty."

Flattery.

Just enough flattery to keep them oblivious.

I approach her and curtsy lowly, my gaze sweeping her gown.

Not my lady. I remember. Your majesty.

"Your majesty," I keep my gaze low.

As if she is royalty, my eyes do not meet hers.

She studies me. I feel her eyes bore down my figure, her lips pursed into a thin line.

"Rachael," she states.

My gaze shifts slightly, glancing at Rachael.

"Your majesty?"

"See to it my afternoon gown is ready-"  she pauses, her tone lingers with a spite, "For my lunch with MY mate."

My gaze falls back to the floor.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I watch as Rachael leaves down the hall, my gaze sliding back to Lady Elise.

"Silver—is it?" she drawls as if it is the most uninteresting question ever.

I nod, leaning back.

She is a scorpion, but one who knows how to still be elegant while she stings.

As much as I feel I should quite dislike her and fear the hate she sears my way, I find myself doing the opposite. Impressed, for it is much easier to steer cattle together when they want to be together.

If she is this consistent in claiming the prince, my job is halfway done.

All that is left is I do not make an enemy of her. I can not afford it.

Flattery.

Flattery is key.

She hums at the statement. Walking slightly passed me.

"Are you sleeping with the Prince?"

I almost choke at the forwardness of the question. I suppose I expected some sort of confrontation. But nothing, absolutely nothing, that direct.

It is so unexpected, that I feel my face morph into horror. "Y-your majesty?"

"Are you fucking the prince?" she grunts louder with an eye roll.

My mouth drops. I blink. And blink again. Then shake my head, my words are slower than my actions, "No-oh, no, no no no," I almost vomit.

A hand wraps around my stomach for a moment, "Of course not," I shake my head, and feel I'm about to heave.

She watches me all through this, and I raise a hand at her before she could speak.

For I need a second. I truly think I am about to throw up.

Not an action I register I have done to the princes' sworn in time, but I need a moment after the depth of that accusation.

She gives me only a second, "You were in his room, probably in his bed, you spent a night in his chambers, and you dare deny it? If you're going to be a hoe, at least be a smart one. An honest one would frankly be a breath of fresh air, denying is greatly overdone."

My mouth drops.

Wrong chess piece. Wrong chess piece.

I read her wrong.

My mouth has flung wide open.

"I am his Sworn. The imprudence! I was told the man doesn't feel and there he is, feeling.." she grunts, her eyes following down my body.

My jaw falls deeper.

Her gaze snaps to me, simply bored. This is not the woman I saw through the window-

"I have not slept with the prince," I grit.

All my manners have flown out of the window. I am now in High school defending myself from the rumors that I'm some sort of slut.

"No?" she grunts, "but he protects you for no reason against his father's orders to have your head? But he brings you to his right hand after a night you spend alone in his chambers? They tell you when you're sworn to a fang they fall and worship at your feet, and yet brothels still run..."

I freeze at her statement.

She sounds like—me.

She sighs, "Whatever hole you crawled from, do yourself a favor and crawl back in or I'll shove you in myself."

I raise an eyebrow at this, and her shoulder rams against me, as she walks passed me.

I failed. Miserably.

I am the one underestimating. I watch her leave.

No. I can not have another enemy. Think.

Think fast, Silver.

"The prince saved me because of you!" I call.

When she freezes in her tracks, my breathing eases and I know I've caught a fish.

A posh one. With a dull but expensive dress.

She doesn't turn to look at me, but I keep on. I need to lure her back. I need her faith in the prince returned.

"I was in his room, because of you, your majesty." I repeat.

Flattery. Perhaps it can still work.

She spins around at this, but looks evidently unconvinced, pinching the bridge of her nose with her dainty fingers, freshly done peach nails.

"What are you saying?" she sighs, a passive statement.

I move back in, toward her. We're both pawns.
On a chess board. White and black.

"I-" I fake a stutter. "I do not know if I should say this, I think the prince would want me to be discrete, but..."

She wanted a human close enough to give her everything about what the prince was like. I could be that for her.

Her dark gaze watches me, "but what?" it's quieter this time, incessant, but wanting.

Check.

I purse my lips. My gaze drawing to the ground, "I- can not say this out loud." I hint. My voice is above a whisper.

She stares at me for a moment. I suck a breath.

But I have her. I have her good. She moves back to me, reluctantly.

"What is it?" she grits.

A wind travels through my hair. I notice it. She doesn't seem to. It's A tell.

Every player has a tell.

She's anxious. Her strike reveals it.

"He knows that he is a being of steel, and he knows your emotions are human. Your Majesty, he wishes to understand you better. He was nervous about your meeting, he wanted me to help. Because I am human, and Sworn are so close to human."

She pauses at this. Her eyes search mine momentarily.

"He saved you for that?" she huffs. She does not seem to believe me quite yet, But there is an underlying want there.

"That and more. He seeks to... Pamper you. To  lengths unimaginable, but he is not so much in touch with his..." I trail off as she follows, "Feelings." I whisper the words, "It is foreign to him, and when you're near, he fails to think. He thinks you notice."

"And he asks for you? He speaks to you?" she grits.

"Only because he can't process the bond when you're around. I am human, about to be killed. What can I say? I'm nothing. There's nothing to fear.."

She watches me and I take this as an encouragement to continue

"I am only here to help him and connect. Connect with- Feelings he can't articulate every time he sees you. It is not his fault he was designed differently, but he does not wish you suffer for it."

Her eyes flash to me. She seems to freeze.

"He saved you for me?" it's quieter this time. Less aggressive.

"Against the will of his own father," I shrug, " I am grateful, I was supposed to be buried you see.." I stated, "But you saved me, Your Majesty. His love for you. And I am here to ensure that the Prince wines and dines you as the grace you are."

She straightened, her lips pursing, "He shut the door in my face last night."

"Nerves. You're majesty. Look at you. You bewitch him."

She hums, as if in assurance. Yet she still seems on edge.

"We have lunch, and a stroll this evening." she says, "let's see if he should keep you."

My throat runs dry, "I am only here to serve."

She nods, her gaze is softer than before, "Silver.." she repeats my name, stares at me once more, and then finally leaves.

I watch her go, my heart returning to its normal beats, taking a deep breath in.

That was... Wild.

Like they say—your first day on the job is always the hardest.

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Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed the update! The next chapter was back to Lord Graydons POV! Let's see how his indictment goes!

Any thoughts on Elise?
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