Page 33 of Blood Weaver
“The invasion was a dark time for Valoria,” Marcellus continued, seemingly lost in memories. “Father believed it would be best if at least one of his children remained within the kingdom to show our people we were with them, standing in solidarity against our enemies.”
Curiosity gnawed at me and I couldn’t help but ask, “But why you? Why not keep the princess and sendyouaway for safety, since you’re next in line for the throne?”
Marcellus sipped his wine and took a moment to consider my question. “Hmm … I never thought about it that way,” he answered honestly.
“And since then, you’ve never left Valoria’s borders?” I pressed.
He nodded. “Since my sister disappeared, our parents became stricter. I had to literally beg to be the envoy on this trip. The only way they allowed it was if Caelan accompanied me.”
My brows shot up in surprise. “What? Why?”
He turned to me with a quizzical expression. “You know, you ask a lot of questions.”
My mouth snapped shut. “Apologies, Your Highness.”
He waved me off. “No need to apologize. It’s not like you’re asking anything confidential.”
To him it felt like useless information, but to me, these were clues I’d sought for the last ten years.
I leaned back in my chair and took a moment to process what I’d just learned. Every bit of information was a fragment of apuzzle I was slowly starting to piece together. There was a bigger picture at play, one that had been hidden from me for years. I turned my attention to Marcellus, whose gaze had returned to Selene as if drawn by a magnet. Although he was now a man, my brother looked so …innocent. He’d been sheltered his whole life, whereas I had traveled the world. Not by choice, but we’d taken different paths, nonetheless.
I was about to excuse myself when Selene approached the table with concern etched on her face. “Are you okay? I haven’t heard from you all day. I’ve been worried.”
I waved away her concern. “I’m perfectly fine. No need to worry.”
“If there’s anything I can help with, just let me know,” Marcellus cut in.
I bit down on a laugh. He was desperate for Selene’s attention, but she simply ignored him. “Everything is fine, Your Highness, but I appreciate the thought.”
Marcellus cleared his throat, his eyes fixed on Selene. “If … um, if you’re free, I’d like to see if I can have some of your time,” he asked.
Selene finally looked at him and sighed. “It’s fifty glint an hour. Can you afford me?”
Marcellus nodded enthusiastically. “Yes!” he exclaimed as he pulled out a pouch filled with coins.
It was a silly question for her to ask. He was a prince, after all. He could afford anything. But I could tell she was annoyed by his presence.
Selene’s eyes narrowed slightly and she pursed her lips in thought. It wasn’t about the money, of course; it was the principle. She was asserting her control over the situation, reminding both of us—particularly him—of her agency in this establishment.
I nudged her. “Just play some music for him and maybe a dance or two … nothing else,” I whispered.
She sighed. “I’ll give you one hour,” she relented, her tone cool.
Marcellus, looking like a child who’d just been granted his favorite candy, nodded eagerly. “That would be great. Thank you!”
Selene cast me a brief, searching look, as if silently asking if everything was okay. I offered a reassuring nod, silently asking her to play along for now. She gracefully extended her arm and indicated that Marcellus should lead the way. He hesitated for a split second, likely not used to such forwardness, before taking her delicate hand in his and leading her towards a private chamber.
I was conflicted by a mixture of emotions as they disappeared down the corridor. On one hand, it was almost comical to see the Prince of Valoria so enamored and out of his depth with someone so far beneath his station. On the other hand, it was a painful realization of the complexity of the world we now inhabited.
I sat back in my chair and took another drink as I watched the girls dance on stage. When I heard Selene begin to play the lute in her private chambers, I smiled. I would love for her to have an opportunity with Marcellus, but I knew there was no chance in this lifetime.
I tossed back the rest of the wine and was about to leave when Madam Rose approached my table. With her hands tapping a rhythm on her skirt, her bright red nails appeared more like crimson-tipped claws. I sighed heavily as she strutted my way and paused in front of my table.
“Well, well, look who we have here! If it isn’t the infamous healer of the Central Plains. I hope you’re not here to cause trouble?” she simpered.
I snorted. “As long as everyone behaves, there shouldn’t be any trouble,” I countered, flicking my attention to one of the dancers and trying to dismiss the madam.
Madam Rose glanced between me and the dancer with a knowing smirk. “I can always find you a male escort to accompany you for the night,” she offered. “I’m quite flexible in that aspect.”
