Chapter 17

Zeya stormed into the master cabin, her eyes ablaze with fury as she confronted Eryx about the shocking proposal he had made to Meera. "Are you out of your mind?" she shouted, the tension in the room palpable.

"If it makes you feel any better, she said no," Eryx calmly offered, sitting in a chair with an air of nonchalance that only seemed to infuriate Zeya further.

"Eryx..." Zeya tried to steady her breathing, her almond eyes shimmering with an energy that hinted at her struggle to maintain control. "What are you doing? Why would you propose to her? You know the rules. You of all people know the rules! You can't marry her!"

"What else am I supposed to do?" Eryx sighed. "She won't leave Azmeera. This was the only thing I could think of."

"She's an untrained girl," Zeya reminded him, her frustration evident. "And we have a ship full of Vorean trained soldiers. Not to mention two wolves. We can knock her out and sail to Voreios."

"That's kidnapping," Eryx retorted.

"Who cares?" Zeya shot back.

"Ozmen will," Eryx said, maintaining a level-headed demeanor. "I think he will care enough to come looking for her."

"I'll deal with him," Zeya declared, her anger unabated.

"And then what?" Eryx leaned back in his chair, his tone challenging. "What's next after we kidnap her and deal with her family? How do you plan on convincing her to trust us to teach her anything?"

"Not by marrying her!" Zeya slammed her hands down on the oak table before them. "Have you thought about Dawn? What will this do to her?"

"I'll speak to her in person when we go back," Eryx replied.

"You mean when you go back with your new wife!" Zeya sneered, her eyes narrowing. "That's how you will break the news to her? You bastard."

"Dawn is much smarter than you give her credit for, Zeya," Eryx countered. "She knows what my priorities and my duties are."

"Okay, fine. You'll convince Dawn. But what about the council?" Zeya challenged.

Eryx's jaw tensed, and Zeya caught the subtle change. Leaning across the table, she locked eyes with Eryx. "Oh, you haven't thought of that part, have you?" she mocked.

"Once I explain the situation," Eryx took a deep breath, "they will understand."

"They won't," Zeya shook her head. "Your father and the council will tear you to pieces if you do this."

"I've already written to my father," Eryx announced. "I've explained what I'm about to do."

"And you really think they will agree?" Zeya asked skeptically. "You really think they will overlook this disastrous catastrophe?"

"Get her married to someone else if it's that important!" Zeya suggested, her arms gesturing wildly in frustration. The idea hung in the air, unsettling the atmosphere in the cabin.

The muscles in Eryx's jaw flickered once again, a subtle sign of his irritation. He looked up through his dark lashes, and a storm brewed in his eyes.

"No," he responded firmly.

"Why not?" Zeya pressed, her voice echoing the urgency of her plea.

"Because she's my mate and my responsibility," Eryx stated firmly, a tightness constricting his chest. The weight of his duty, the years spent training to protect Meera, now manifested as a possessive need to safeguard her from anyone else.

The idea of Meera marrying someone else, of another man claiming a role that he had considered solely his, fueled a surge of resentment. Eryx had spent his entire life preparing to be the guardian of Meera's safety, and the notion of another taking that place stirred an unsettling tightness deep within him.

"Yes, but you can't do this to her," Zeya pleaded, her eyes silently begging Eryx to acknowledge the forbidden path he was considering. "You can't marry her, Eryx."

"I know what I'm doing, Zeya," Eryx asserted with firmness, the edges of his patience starting to erode. "Your job is not to question me. I am your Alpha."

Eryx's words resonated with authority, echoing around the room. Zeya, feeling the weight of his command, pressed her lips into a thin line, her defiant posture slowly giving way to a more subdued stance. In her eyes, however, a sadness welled up that tugged at Eryx's heart, momentarily puncturing the shield of his assertiveness.

"Zeya-" he began, a hint of regret already creeping into his tone.

"Congratulations on your wedding then, Alpha," Zeya interrupted with a mixture of bitterness and resignation. Her words hung in the air as she turned on her heels and walked out of the cabin.

Alone in his cabin, Eryx sank into a chair, the weight of the decisions he faced settling heavily on his shoulders. The air in the room was thick with contemplation, and the subtle creaking of the ship outside seemed to echo the turmoil within him. He ran a hand through his dark hair, frustration and concern etched on his face.

Thoughts of Meera consumed him, and the image of her face, troubled by the responsibilities she bore, lingered in his mind. A sense of responsibility gnawed at Eryx, the duty he had sworn to uphold, the destiny he had accepted. The tension in the room mirrored the tumultuous conflict within him as he grappled with the choices that lay ahead.

As he brooded in solitude, a knock echoed through the cabin. The door opened slowly, revealing a crew member.

"Prince Ozmen is here to see you, your grace," the soldier announced, standing respectfully at the entrance.

Eryx's gaze shifted from the depths of his contemplation to the messenger. He nodded, a sense of urgency cutting through the stillness. Rising from his seat, Eryx straightened his posture, his mind refocusing on the immediate matters at hand. With a determined breath, he left the cabin, ready to face the challenges that awaited him and, perhaps, to find a way to safeguard both Meera's well-being and the duties he held so dear.

As Eryx ascended to the deck, the muffled sounds of Meera's soft sobs reached his ears, causing a tightening sensation in his chest. A wave of irritation surged within him, almost instinctively, as he stepped into the scene unfolding before him. There, in a tight protective embrace, was Ozmen comforting Meera, her tear-streaked face buried against his chest.

Eryx's eyes narrowed, and the muscles in his jaw clenched with a subtle click. The sight stirred a disconcerting mix of emotions within him. He peered at them, his gaze penetrating the scene, and a tinge of confusion crept into his thoughts.

Why didn't Meera display such vulnerability around him? They were mates, after all, connected by a bond that transcended all else. Why did she always have her high walls raised with him? Did she not feel the pull of the bond?

As Eryx stood on the deck, caught in the storm of conflicting emotions, Ozmen, sensing his presence, looked up and gave him a small nod of acknowledgment.

"Eryx," Ozmen greeted him, his voice carrying a measured tone.

"Prince Ozmen," Eryx responded, clearing his throat in an attempt to draw Meera's attention. However, she stepped away from her cousin, turning her back toward Eryx, leaving him with no choice but to shift his focus to the man standing before him. "What brings you here?"

"I've come to take Meera home," Ozmen declared, his gaze steady.

Eryx's brows furrowed in confusion. "I don't understand. Home?"

"Yes," Ozmen nodded. "She can't stay here with you forever. I've arranged for her to stay at one of my estates past the high walls."

"What about your father?" Eryx inquired.

"The king's commands were to keep Meera away from palace grounds," Ozmen reminded him. "She will be staying on my land, not my father's."

"I see," Eryx nodded, his eyes unreadable. His gaze flickered toward Meera, who still kept her body turned away.

"Thank you for looking after her," Ozmen expressed with sincerity. "If there's anything I can do to repay you."

"Before you leave, I would like to speak to Meera," Eryx interjected, his tone firm.

Ozmen frowned, unhappy with the request. "May I ask why?"

"No," Eryx said casually. "You may not."

"Your grace, let me remind you that the situation she's in is partly because of you—" Ozmen began, but Meera cut him off.

"It's alright, Oz," Meera spoke up, her soft voice almost lost in the wind. The twilight sky swallowed up her words as she looked over her shoulder, gazing at Eryx for the first time since he had asked her to marry him earlier in the day. The vulnerability in her eyes stirred a mix of emotions within him, intensifying the internal struggle Eryx faced.

Ozmen looked from Eryx to Meera. His frown deepened as he stood in between them, feeling as if they had already completed half their conversation with their eyes.

"Very well," Ozmen sighed in resignation. "Hurry up. Marcella is waiting for you."

Meera acknowledged his words with a small nod, gracefully turning towards the captain's cabin. Eryx followed in silence, a solemn presence in her wake. Overhead, seagulls cried, returning home after a day spent soaring above the vast sea, with the sinking sun casting a warm glow on the horizon. The skies painted a canvas of purple and orange hues, stretching over the tranquil blue sea.

As Meera entered the room, Eryx stepped in after her, closing the door with a measured deliberateness. The ambient sounds of the ship were muffled, creating a cocoon of privacy within the cabin. Eryx waited patiently, allowing the subtle echoes of the sea to envelop them, as Meera turned to face him. The last rays of daylight filtered through the cabin window, casting a soft glow on the tension that lingered between them.

"Will you come with me?" Meera asked, her words hanging in the air with a subtle urgency.

Eryx, caught off guard by her unexpected request, looked up at her with eyes reflecting a mixture of confusion and slight shock.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Meera inquired, her eyes searching his face for an answer.

"You want me to come with you to Ozmen's house?" Eryx clarified, seeking confirmation.

"Yes," Meera nodded, a determined glint in her eyes.

Eryx tried to conceal the slight delight that danced within him. "Why?" he asked, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"I'm not stupid, Eryx," Meera rolled her eyes. "I love my cousin, and he could never hurt me. But I also did just tell him I can control water."

A spark of realization lit up Eryx's eyes. "You don't trust him," he concluded, understanding the unspoken implications. "You think this might be a trap."

Meera took in a deep breath as if the weight of her suspicions had left her exhausted. "Am I a terrible person for thinking that way? It might not even be true."

"You're not a terrible human being," Eryx reassured her, admiration in his gaze. "You're brilliant, Your Highness."

Meera looked down at her hands, unable to gaze into Eryx's eyes without feeling her chest tighten.

"It's only natural to be cautious, especially when it comes to matters of safety," Eryx said to which Meera nodded her head.

"Yes," she said. "And this way, you can also speak to him about what you proposed earlier."

The dimming light outside cast a gentle glow upon them, painting the cabin in hues of amber and dusky blue. As the last ray of the sun began to sink, Eryx found himself captivated by Meera's delicate beauty, unable to tear his gaze away from the intricate details that had eluded him before.

"I would like to hear your answer before I speak to anyone, M," Eryx said, his voice a soft murmur amid the fading daylight.

Meera slowly lifted her lashes, revealing brown eyes that seemed worn out yet possessed an undeniable power—a power that made Eryx yearn for the warmth of home.

Eryx, in the soft glow of the cabin, noticed the subtle details that had previously escaped him. The way her eyes held a certain weariness, yet sparkled with resilience. The rosy tint of her cheeks, kissed by the sun's embrace, hinted at a vulnerability that only added to her allure. Meera's dark hair, a cascade of silken strands, seemed to frame her like a portrait of strength and beauty.

As he continued to peer at her in silence, Eryx marveled at how someone could embody such strength yet appear so delicately beautiful. In the dwindling light, the realization dawned upon him, and he wondered why he hadn't noticed all these small details about her before—details that now made her beauty all the more captivating.

"Yes," Meera breathed the word as the last ray of sunlight slipped away from the word.

In the darkness of the cabin, as the last remnants of daylight slipped away from the world, Eryx felt a subtle shift in the air. The soft glow of the cabin lanterns cast shadows on Meera's face, and the tension that had lingered dissipated like mist under the moonlight. A moment of quiet realization settled within him, a feeling that he finally had a handle on the intricacies of the situation.

Eryx met her gaze, the shadows dancing in the corners of the cabin as he spoke, "I will speak to Ozmen tonight and ask for your hand in marriage."

As he uttered those words, a sense of purpose filled Eryx. In that fleeting moment of agreement, surrounded by the quiet darkness, he felt a newfound assurance that he could navigate the complexities ahead. The subtle glow of the lanterns framed Meera's face, and Eryx couldn't help but marvel at the delicate strength that radiated from her in the shadows—a strength that mirrored the newfound resolve in his own heart.

____________________

Ivory Tower has been a lavish gift from the king and queen of Azmeera to their son the day he became prince. The estate, a magnificent gift, boasted terracotta-tiled roofs that gleamed warmly under the Azmeeran sun during the day. Lush courtyards adorned with tall palm trees and intricate fountains greeted visitors at every corner, creating a sense of tranquility and grandeur.

Queen Irish's personal touch adorned every inch of the estate. The interiors of Ivory Tower were a masterpiece of luxury and refinement. The finest silk sheets adorned the beds, their smoothness promising comfort and indulgence. Blackwood furniture, meticulously crafted, stood as a testament to the kingdom's skilled artisans. Handwoven rugs adorned the floors, each thread telling a story of craftsmanship and tradition. Colorful oil lamps, strategically placed, illuminated the rooms with a soft, warm glow, casting a mesmerizing play of light and shadow on the intricately decorated walls.

In her younger days, Meera had cherished visits to Ivory Tower, reveling in the enchanting atmosphere created by her mother's artistic vision. The estate had been a playground of beauty and sophistication. However, as time unfolded, Ivory Tower underwent a transformation. Ozmen, realizing the freedom it offered him, turned it into his personal theater for the good life.

The once serene haven became a stage for extravagant parties, where dancing girls twirled under the moonlit sky, and fountains flowed with wine, hidden away from the watchful eyes of the king and queen.

But as Ozmen's carriage rolled into the courtyard of Ivory Tower, Meera peered out of the small window, taking note of the seemingly empty home. Except for a few servants bustling about and two guests standing at the gate, the grand estate appeared eerily quiet. The grandeur of Ivory Tower stood in stark contrast to its current subdued atmosphere.

"M?" Eryx's voice broke her contemplation, and she looked up to find him waiting at the foot of the carriage. Eryx extended his hand, a silent invitation for Meera to disembark. Meanwhile, Ozmen gracefully shed his cloak, handing it to a waiting servant.

"Thank you, your grace," Ozmen acknowledged with a nod, stepping towards Eryx. "I appreciate the escort back."

"My pleasure," Eryx replied, assisting Meera in descending from the carriage. "I hate to overstay my welcome, but I'm afraid I have some urgent matter to discuss with you."

"Can it wait until morning?" Ozmen inquired, his attention shifting to Meera. "I'm sure Meera would like to settle in and get some sleep."

"Meera is free to go," Eryx declared, his gaze unwavering. "I need a word with you, Ozmen."

Curiosity etched Ozmen's face as his eyes flickered between Eryx and Meera. Before any explanation could be offered, Marcella's voice cut through the air.

"Meera!"

The warm evening air carried Marcella's voice, filled with relief and joy. The group turned to see her rushing forward, her silhouette outlined against the night. As she embraced her cousin, Marcella's arms enveloped Meera, and the two girls immediately began to weep.

"I'm so sorry, Marcy," Meera whispered softly through her tears. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

"It's alright," Marcella replied, wiping her own tears before helping Meera. "You're here now. And we'll all figure it out together."

Feeling the warmth of family enveloping her, Meera took a deep breath, a profound sense of relief washing over her. The truth was out, and the burden she had carried in silence was replaced by the embrace of those who loved her unconditionally.

"I can finally breathe," Meera admitted, her voice steadier now. "I was so afraid of how you'd react."

Marcella smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting understanding. "We love you, Meera. No secret could change that."

"And as long as I shall live and breathe," Ozmen joined in. "No one will dare harm you."

As they stood in the courtyard of Ivory Tower, surrounded by the timeless beauty of their ancestral home, Meera felt the pressure inside her chest ease. The walls of silence had crumbled, replaced by the open embrace of family. Meera sobbed, feeling her heavy heart peek out of it's shell for the first time in days if not weeks.

"Marcella," Ozmen looked towards his sister. "Take her inside. Prince Eryx and I need to talk."

"Yes," Marcella agreed, turning towards Meera. "Let's go, Meera."

Meera, however, took a deep breath and turned towards Eryx, her gaze locking with his. The unspoken tension lingered in the air as Marcella waited for her cousin.

"Meera?" Marcella prompted, her tone gentle.

"This way, your grace," Ozmen intervened, positioning himself before Meera, leading the way towards the meeting room.

"Meera, come on," Marcella tugged at her cousin's hand, urging her to follow. The men walked away, leaving the two women standing alone in the courtyard.

"I need to know what he says," Meera spoke urgently, pulling Marcella back.

"No," Marcella shook her head with disapproval. "You need to rest and wash. And maybe eat something too. You look pale."

"Marcella," Meera turned to face her cousin, her eyes serious and urgent. "Eryx is about to ask Ozmen for my hand in marriage."

Marcella gasped, her shock palpable. "What?"

"I need to know what he says."

"How do you know this?" Marcella whispered as Meera grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards the meeting room.

"Because he asked me to marry him," Meera confessed, stopping by the window to the room and crouching down.

"No," Marcella gasped once more, joining Meera on the floor. "I don't understand. He's engaged!"

"That's why I need to find out what he's planning," Meera explained, placing her hands on the ledge and daring to peek into the room where Eryx and Ozmen engaged in a conversation that could change the course of Meera's life. The courtyard held its breath, awaiting the revelation that unfolded behind the closed doors of Ivory Tower.

"What are they saying?" Marcella asked.

"I don't know," Meera clicked her tongue and whispered. "I can't hear anything.......shhhh, someone's coming."

Marcella and Meera clung to one another and pressed their backs against the wall. Above them, the window opened and the scent of pine and cederwood filled Meera's nose.

"Much better," Eryx muttered.

Meera looked up and found his eyes watching her hiding. A small playful smirked played on his lips as he turned and settled down on the ledge before clearing his throat.

"I..." Ozmen's voice flowed through the open window. Marcella and Meera sat as still as deers in the forest as they listened to every word spoken between the two men.

"I don't understand," Ozmen said. "You want to marry Meera? But you're engaged and so is she."

"Don't tell me you still think Henry will make a good husband for her," Eryx chuckled. "He wouldn't know the first time about handling someone like her. And now that you know about Meera's abilities, do you think she will be safe with him?"

"No," Meera could hear the reality of their situation settling down on Ozmen as he spoke. "I suppose not."

"This is the best course of action for her sake," Eryx explained. "People are talking about her. Her powers are getting stronger. It's only a matter of time before someone discovers what she can do."

Marcella's fearful eyes turned towards Meera. The girls pulled each other closer as Eryx continued.

"If we were to marry, no one would question her reputation," he added. "And I can assure you, Meera will be much safer in Voreios. She'll be seen as a blessing in my kingdom."

"I get all that but one question still remains," Ozmen shook his head. "You're engaged, Eryx. You have someone waiting for you when you get back."

"Dawn and I have an understanding of what our roles are in this world," Eryx explained. "She is sensible and highly intelligent. She will understand my decision. You don't need to worry about her."

"What about your parents?"

"I've written to my father," Eryx said. "Helios will return with an answer tomorrow."

Ozmen slowly nodded. His eyes were lost and his brows knit together. The young prince found himself knee-deep in decisions he never thought he would have to make.

"Ozmen," Eryx spoke slowly. "I know you care for her. I give you my word that I will lay down my life for Meera. I will never let anything happen to her."

"I...." Ozmen took in a deep breath and then sighed. "I need to think this through."

"Of course," Eryx nodded.

"And I need to speak to Meera before anything else."

"She's right here."

Meera let out an involuntary yelp as Eryx reached down, seizing her arm, and effortlessly pulled her back onto her feet. As they emerged outside the window, Ozmen's eyes widened at the unexpected interruption

"Oh, for god's sake!" Ozmen clicked his tongue in annoyance. "The queens of eavesdropping!"

"It was her idea," Marcella quickly pointed towards Meera with a sly grin.

"I don't care!" Ozmen scolded. "You're supposed to be inside. The men are talking!"

Meera, undeterred by the scolding, shot back, "Well, if the men were raised properly, they would have invited me to the room when discussing my future."

She raised an eyebrow, daring anyone to challenge her. Eryx chuckled and turned towards Ozmen.

"You think Henry could digest that?" Eryx asked, challenging Ozmen's resistance.

Ozmen rolled his eyes, his frustration evident. "I don't want to hear it."

"Oz," Marcella interjected, addressing her brother. "What Eryx is saying makes sense."

"I can't make a decision without thinking-" Ozmen began.

"The world is not fair to us women," Marcella declared with a hint of defiance. "No one bats an eye when you bring girls here to entertain you for days and nights. But for Meera, June, and me, it's a harsh reality. Our reputation sits on the tip of a needle, a needle sharp enough to puncture all of our reputations."

"I understand that, Marcy," Ozmen sighed. "But I need to make sure I'm making the right call."

"Why not ask me what I think?" Meera spoke up, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and determination. "After all, you are discussing my life."

Ozmen, overwhelmed and tired, pinched the bridge of his nose. He muttered under his breath and shook his head, leaving the rest to wonder what he was uttering. After a few moments, he took in a deep breath and looked up.

"What do you say?" he asked Meera. "Would you like to marry Eryx?"

Meera felt her heart tumble inside her chest. Her gaze flickered towards Eryx, perched on the window's edge, his elbow resting on the hilt of his sword. The moonlight enhanced the softness of his dark curls, and his silvery gaze, mirroring the moon's rays, remained fixed on her.

"Yes," Meera said. 

What are your thoughts on Eryx? I'm curious because usually, I can tell what you guys think of the MMC, but I can't sense the vibes this time.