Page 19 of Lost Heir
“Your Highness,” Tessa began, her voice steady and sure, “I am honored to meet you. My duty is to ensure your safety, a responsibility I accept with all seriousness.”
Her declaration, sincere and forthright, momentarilyeased the tension coiled within me. “Thank you, Tessa.” The gravity of her role—a protector in the guise of a court lady—sank in. “I must admit, I'm surprised you'd accept what many might see as a lesser position.”
Tessa's response was immediate. She lifted her head and met my gaze directly. “To serve and protect you, Princess, is no demotion in my eyes. It's a privilege I embrace wholeheartedly.”
Her words, infused with a sense of honor and duty, offered a sliver of comfort. “Then I am grateful for your service.” I offered her a genuine smile, a small gesture of appreciation for the warrior who had willingly stepped out of the shadows to be my shield.
As darkness enshroudedthe Eastern palace, marking the end of my first day back in Valoria, the surreal nature of my return settled over me. Accompanied by Tessa, my new protector and chief lady-in-waiting, I explored the familiar yet altered corridors of my childhood home, introducing myself to the new faces assigned to attend me. Freed for the moment from my mother's scrutinizing gaze, I found a semblance of peace.
“Your bed has been made, Your Highness,” Tessa announced, deftly turning down the covers of my large bed, her movements efficient yet gentle. “Would you like me to brush your hair before bed?”
I picked up the hairbrush and positioned myself in front of the vanity mirror, a simple act of normalcy. “No, it’s fine, Tessa. I haven’t had these sorts of luxuries in ten years. It will take a while for me to adapt. But in all honesty, I hope I don’t,” I admitted softly, running the brush through my hair.
Tessa paused, her reflection joining mine in the mirror as she knelt beside me, her presence comforting yet unobtrusive. “Why, Your Highness?”
As I met her gaze in the mirror, a silent understanding passed between us. “I don’t want to forget.”
“Forget what?”
“Forget what’s normal,” I confessed, the brush pausing mid-stroke. “Here, living in the palace where you’re waited on hand and foot, it’s not normal. Everyday citizens don’t live this way. For the last ten yearsIdidn’t live this way. I’d rather do things on my own the way I’ve gotten used to.”
Tessa let out a soft sigh, her understanding clear. “I understand, Your Highness,” she cautioned, her voice low. “I just hope you’re aware that Her Majesty would not agree. Within the confines of these chamber walls, your wishes are paramount. However, beyond them, adherence to royal customs is advisable to avoid Her Majesty’s ire.”
In the hushed ambiance of my chamber lit only by the soft glow of bedside candles, I placed the brush aside and turned to acknowledge Tessa's presence. Her silhouette was framed by the warm light, her expression a blend of duty and concern. “You’re right. Thank you for the reminder,” I conceded, feeling the weight of her advice settle over me.
“Ready to change into your nightgown?” she inquired, moving gracefully towards the wardrobe, her hands poised to select the fabric of my repose.
“Yes,” I agreed, my fingers working at the clasps of my dress. With a fluid motion born of necessity, the dress pooled at my feet, a whisper of silk against the cool stone floor. Gathering it, I draped it over the vanity chair.
Viktor's voice, muffled by the chamber doors, intruded upon the tranquility. “Your Highness?” he called, his tone respectful yet urgent.
“I’m undressing!” I called back. Tessa, understanding the delicate timing, assisted me into the soft embrace of my nightgown, its fabric a gentle caress against my skin. “Come in!”
The doors opened and Viktor poked his head inside. “You have a visitor, Your Highness.”
I frowned. “This late at night? Is it Selene?”
He shook his head. “It’s the guest from the Northern palace,” he whispered.
My eyes widened and I turned to Tessa. “Please give us a moment.”
Her hesitation was palpable, her loyalty clashing with her duty. “Are you sure, Your Highness?” she questioned.
“Yes. I’ll call for you if I need you. Thank you,” I said. She left with a backward glance that spoke volumes of her concern.
After a few seconds, the doors opened wider and a cloaked figure stepped inside, shutting the doors behind him. He paused for a moment before turning around to face me. Pulling back his hood, Ronan stood before me, a mischievous smirk splayed across his face.
“What are you doing here?” I hissed so Viktor and Tessa wouldn’t hear me.
He shrugged. “I thought I’d pay you a visit.” He slowly walked around my chambers, looking around as he sized me up and down, taking in my pink silk nightgown. “Cute nighty,” he said as he walked around me.
I wrapped my arms around myself. “This is inappropriate, Ronan,” I stated, a vain attempt to marshal some semblance of propriety.
He snorted. “As if I haven’t seen all of you already.”
My face flushed and I avoided eye contact. “Ronan,” I warned.
His laughter, rich and unapologetic, filled the room. “Okay, I’ll stop,” he whispered as he hovered behind me, his chest to my back. “I’ve just missed you.” His lips grazed the shell of my ear, making me shiver.
