Untainted (The Crystal Island Series Book 1) by Lilian T. James

Author:Lilian T. James [James, Lilian T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crystal Pages Publishing
Published: 2021-11-29T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

VERA

She didn’t move. She wasn’t sure she remembered how to blink as she stared at Prince Eithan, his words running on repeat in her mind.

When he gently squeezed her hand, she started shaking her head, soft, broken chuckles leaving her mouth. She must have lost her mind. That was the only explanation. She was just crazy.

“Veralie, imagine what we could accomplish, what we could create.” He smiled at her, that beautiful smile that would usually have her blushing, but now just worsened the coiling of nausea building in her stomach.

“You knew about this? The entire time we traveled, you knew?” Her voice came out hoarse and accusing. Had everyone she’d ever met known about her and lied?

He pulled back, looking affronted. “I knew my father’s intention for me to take a Magyki bride, yes. I’ve known my entire life that would be my future, and I’m honored. But no, until today, I did not know that it would be you.”

She could feel panic clawing its way up. “I don’t understand. If that was your goal, why not just keep me here in the palace and tell me?”

“Because the nobles here are not trustworthy,” Prince Eithan said at the same time the emperor replied, “In case I changed my mind.”

He sent a glare at his father, and Vera felt his thumb brush the top of her wrist. This couldn’t be her real life. She’d only just learned who she was, and now they expected her to be okay with the knowledge that she’d been tucked away with the purpose of marrying her off to the Crown freaking Prince. She barely knew him!

She jumped up out of her chair, wrenching her hand free. “I’d like to leave.”

Prince Eithan stood next to her, trying to retake her hand, but she stepped back. She was showing enough disrespect to warrant punishment, but she couldn’t stop herself. She was going to be sick if she didn’t get out of the room immediately.

The emperor hadn’t moved from the hearth, but his voice was firm, “Sit. We still have much to discuss.”

The prince held his hands out like she was a frightened animal he was trying to soothe, “Please Veralie. I promise to answer any questions you have.”

Gods that name! Why did they keep repeating that name? Her chest started heaving in and out as her panic brushed the surface. She pushed her hands against her chest, trying to maintain her composure.

“Your majesty—please—I need some fresh air—or I am going to vomit—all over this dress.”

The emperor looked ready to deny her request, but to her shuddering relief, the prince stepped forward and, gently grasping her elbow, turned her toward the door.

“I’m sorry, I can only imagine how overwhelming this must be. I should have considered the fact I’ve grown up knowing all of this, and you’ve had it thrown at you all in one night.”

He twisted at the waist, and he and his father stared at each other, communicating silently for a moment before the prince gave a small bow and led her back through the dining area toward the main doors.

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