Chapter 27

Meera peered at the stream rising from the bath as the two maids poured the hot water in. The sound echoed in the lavish washroom while the reflection of the bath shimmered against the walls and mirrors.

Inside her chest, Meera's heart carried on it's broken rhythm, beating very so slowly with exhaustion and melancholy. Standing by the foot of the bath, she felt her body sway. The deep frown on her lip was heavier then her heart and it was beginning to drag her face down.

"This must all be very different for you," Venna said, her voice a gentle whisper that seemed to hang in the steam-laden air.

Meera, with great effort, lifted her gaze to meet Venna's eyes. The young girl's sunken eyes and hollow cheeks mirrored the heaviness of Meera's heart. Venna's words, spoken with a keen perception, hinted at an empathy that Meera desperately needed.

"You miss your family," Venna continued, her words unraveling the unspoken emotions that Meera struggled to contain. "This is a strange place for you."

Meera, grappling with her own exhaustion, forced a fragile smile. "I've always known I would one day leave my homeland."

"So you were prepared for this."

The mention of preparation triggered memories of Eryx's betrayal, causing Meera's heart to tighten in pain. "No. I was not prepared for this."

Venna's eyes narrowed, sensing the depth of Meera's emotions. She opened her mouth to inquire further, but the distant voices from the meeting room in the grand chamber captured her attention. Venna looked over her shoulder and left the washroom, Meera trailing behind her. Three soldiers had arrived with Meera's belongings. They carried the trunks in along with the small woven basket in which Snow slept. Meera watched them with a heavy heart and wearied spirit.

"Oh!" Venna's brows raised. "Snow."

Meera stood back, observing the swift change in Venna's demeanor as the girl rushed up to the basket, her eyes lighting up with delight. Venna delicately scooped the small, furry animal out, cradling him to her chest and bestowing gentle kisses upon his tiny head.

"He's perfect," Venna exclaimed, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

Meera, intrigued by the revelation, couldn't help but wonder how Venna knew about Snow.

"How did you know..." Meera began to inquire.

"Eryx wrote to me almost every day while he was in Azmeera," Venna revealed, lifting Snow over her head playfully. "He told me all about you and Marcella and the sugar dumplings, and of course, June."

Meera's chest tightened, the memories of those sweet moments woven into Eryx's words bringing a bittersweet ache.

"I suggested he get you a kitten as your wedding gift," Venna continued, lowering Snow and turning toward Meera. "You liked it, right?"

"You know about the wedding?" Meera asked, her surprise evident.

Venna nodded, her expression now tinged with remorse.

"I'm surprised," Meera admitted, sinking down on the stool by the vanity. "I thought no one knew."

"I'm so sorry, Meera," Venna frowned. "Your anger is justified... but please know Eryx would never hurt you if he had any other way. He's not a bad person, at all. He's just..."

Meera swallowed the lump in her throat, attempting to hold onto the air in her lungs. "Does the Queen know?"

Venna shook her head. "No."

"I see," Meera responded, her heart now beating with great difficulty, the weight of her situation pressing heavily on her. The complexities of her newfound reality unfolded before her, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation.

"For what it's worth, Eryx is the kindest soul you will find in Voreios," Venna spoke quietly. The softness in her voice carried a touch of sympathy, as if she understood the weight Meera carried on her shoulders. "Everyone else here... well, let's just say we're not like your family."

"You seem to know a lot about my family," Meera observed.

"I told you," Venna smiled. "Eryx wrote to me every day."

"What did he tell you?"

"He told me you like to dance," Venna chuckled. "He told me you have a bad habit of sneaking out of the palace. I'm sure that's why he has you staying with me. He also told me that you would do anything for Azmeera."

Meera sat listening, her thoughts entangled in a complex web of emotions. She wished she could find solace in the knowledge that Eryx had been attentive and had shared pieces of her life. Yet, nothing soothed the cuts in her heart or mind.

"He admires that a lot about you," Venna continued. "He says you're just like him."

"I'm nothing like him," Meera denied immediately.

"I beg to differ," Venna said. "I think you two are a good match. You must be. You have to be. You're mates."

The innocent proclamation cut through Meera like a scalding hot dagger. She gripped the edge of the stool, anchoring herself to the present moment. The large bed behind Venna seemed to loom like a tomb, a silent invitation to escape the pain that consumed her. Meera couldn't fathom how she could ever feel okay again, trapped in a reality where the bonds of matrimony had become shackles of heartache.

"Oh, good."

Dawn's voice cut through the room, interrupting Meera's swirling thoughts as the girl entered, her gaze flitting towards the delivered trunks.

"I see everything has been delivered already," Dawn smiled. "Meera, I had the maids take the rest of your things to the tower. You won't be staying here for too long."

Meera stared at the beautiful girl, a tidal wave of emotions threatening to engulf her. The unbearable tightness in her chest intensified.

"Was there anything else you needed?" Dawn asked.

Meera shook her head, unable to trust her voice in that moment.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Dawn laughed. She sauntered into the room and came to a stop beside Meera. Her eyes lingered on her, as if assessing her, before lifting toward the mirror. With a heavy sigh, Dawn adjusted her hair and the necklace around her neck. "The Queen wanted me to make sure you were comfortable."

"You don't have to worry, Dawn," Venna chimed in. "I'm here."

"Yes," Dawn smiled politely, though it lacked genuine warmth. "But you wouldn't really know anything about this stuff, Venna. I'm sure Meera will need accommodations."

"Venna has been very helpful," Meera cleared her throat. "I have everything I need."

"Wonderful," Dawn smiled once more. "Oh, Venna. Look at my new necklace. It's it beautiful?"

Venna looked toward the girl admiring herself in the mirror, "It's pretty."

"I must say, Meera," Dawn's eyes admired her necklace as she spoke. "The craftsmanship of Azmeera is impeccable. This is the best gift I could have ever received. So thoughtful and such a lovely gesture. I am incredibly lucky."

Meera's eyes slowly lifted to the pale yellow diamond necklace around Dawn's neck. It was indeed a beautiful piece of jewelry. Only the most experienced craftsmen could have produced such a piece.

Meera's gaze remained fixated on the necklace, her eyes tracing the delicate contours of the pale yellow diamond with a mixture of awe and envy. The realization that it was a gift from Eryx sent a surge of bitterness through her blood and the taste lingered in the back of her throat.

As the room seemed to close in around her, Meera felt her insides twist and churn in knots of anguish. The hollowness in her chest deepened, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil within. She clung desperately to every ounce of strength, her fingernails digging into the fabric of her dress, anchoring her to the reality she wished to escape.

Curling up into a ball seemed like a tempting escape from the searing emotions, but Meera fought against the urge, her jaw clenched and body tensed. The spinning sensation in her head and the ringing in her ears mirrored the chaotic storm of thoughts and emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

When Meera dared to look up, she found Dawn's eyes locked onto hers. The small hint of a smirk playing at the corner of Dawn's lips felt like a dagger to Meera's wounded pride. Dawn's deliberate adjustment of the necklace and the graceful tucking of her dark hair behind her ears only fueled the flames of Meera's jealousy.

"It makes my eyes shine," Dawn declared with pride, her words cutting through Meera like a sharp blade. "At least that's what I was told."

Meera lowered her gaze, unable to bear the triumphant gleam in Dawn's eyes. Summoning every ounce of composure, she rose to her feet, her movements deliberate yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability. Without giving it much thought, Meera turned towards the bed, seeking refuge from the emotional storm that raged within her. Venna's concerned gaze followed her every step, the silent witness to the turmoil that threatened to consume Meera from within

"Meera...." Veena's voice softened as she took a small step closer, her eyes searching Meera's face for a response. The tension in the room thickened, and suddenly, Snow stretched and emitted a soft sound, drawing Dawn's attention.

Dawn turned, her gaze shifting towards the two girls and the furry intruder. A curious smile played on her lips as she approached, her eyes fixed on Snow.

"What is that?" she inquired with a gentle chuckle. "Did you find a new pet, Venna?"

Venna shook her head. "No. This is Snow. He was Eryx's gift to Meera."

Dawn's movements stilled, and a flicker of surprise crossed her features. Meera, sensing the confusion in Dawn's gaze, held her breath. The air seemed to hum with unspoken tension as the three girls exchanged glances.

"What?" Venna laughed. "I don't understand."

Feeling a surge of protectiveness, Meera gently took Snow from Venna's hands and cradled him against her chest. Her hands encircled the small creature protectively as she turned to face Dawn, a determined expression on her face.

"Eryx got you a kitten?" Dawn questioned, her discomfort evident in the subtle shift of her posture.

Meera nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Yes."

Dawn's discomfort deepened, her expression betraying a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Why... Why would he do that?"

"I think you should speak to Eryx," Meera said politely.

Dawn's eyes filled with more confusion, "Why?"

Meera wanted to gloat in the look of envy she saw flickered across Dawn's face. But she couldn't find satisfaction in the moment. The knowledge of the heartbreak that awaited Dawn cast a shadow over her triumph. In a perfect world, she wished their circumstances were different, yearning for a reality where she didn't have to live through such a nightmare.

"It's best if you hear from him," Meera wanted the ground to open up and swollow her.

As Meera calmly explained, Dawn's eyes involuntarily drifted toward the ring adorning Meera's finger. The glint of the gemstone caught Dawn's attention, and as her gaze focused on the intricate details, her eyes widened in realization. A quiet gasp escaped her lips, laden with astonishment and a hint of disbelief.

When Dawn looked up, her gaze met Meera's, and the atmosphere seemed to crackle with an unspoken tension. The room held its breath as Dawn's eyes mirrored her shock.

In a swift, almost instinctual motion, Dawn turned on her heels and rushed out of the room, leaving a stunned silence in her wake. The sound of her footsteps echoed down the hallway, disappearing into the distance. Meera's hand instinctively reached for the ring on her finger, her fingers tracing the contours of the gemstone.

"Are you sure that was the right thing to do?" Venna asked.

"Ask your brother," Meera responded as she turned away.

______________________

In honor of the elemental, King Hemming and Queen Tulla had gone out of their way to arrange a lavish welcome dinner. All of the high lords and royal houses of Voreios were invited to set their eyes upon Meera. She was everything they had hoped her to be and more. Not only was Meera the water elemental, but she was of royal blood. She was pleasing to the eyes and her polished mannerism made her the perfect fit of Queen Tulla's high society.

The palace was transformed with candles and crystal chandeliers, all of which produced light that reflected off the black stone and shimmered like stars against the midnight sky. If Azmeera was the kingdom beneath the sun then Voreios was the kingdom of the night.

The guests all gathered and chattered with their wine and watchful eyes. Their voices filled the grand hall and mingled with the orchestra. Meera could feel their gaze roam over her, picking her a part as if she was an unearthly being. Whenever she caught their gaze, they smiled politely but the hungry glint in them made her shiver.

Meera would have given anything to be able to go back to her chamber and turn in for the night. She wanted nothing more than to be left alone with her thoughts and aching heart. Every second, every interaction left her feeling more and more drained. It was painful to smile, to make conversation and to respond to questions. Many times her eyes welled up with tears and her throat tightened, but Meera pushed on.

She was the Princess of Azmeera before all else. Her disobedience and lack of social etiquette would reflect poorly on her upbringing. She was a princess and she swore to do her duties, not matter how difficult it was. Meera had been stolen from her homeland, but she would die before she let anyone question or raise a finger toward Azmeera.

With a heavy stone over her heart and all her emotions pushed to the back of her mind where she locked them away for the night, Meera forged on. She greeted all the guests with a pleasant smile, thanked them for their well wishes and faked her happiness until it began to choke her.

"Princess," Hemming, who had been guiding Meera around, called her attention toward an older nobleman who waited eagerly to introduce himself. Meera walked over and placed her hand in the man's.

"This is Jove Lwendor," Hemming introduced. "He's my third cousin and the richest merchant in all of the four kingdoms."

"It's an honor to make your accountant, your grace," the man, Jove, bowed his head and placed a kiss upon Meera's hand.

"How do you do, Lord Lwendor?" Meera asked with a smile smile on her face.

"Much better now that you are in Voreios," Jove chuckled. "We can rest assured and sleep well at night knowing we have a match."

"A match?" Meera arched her brow.

"You and Eryx," Hemming explained. "A wolf and an elemental."

"I see," Meera pushed aside the tightness in her chest.

"May I introduce you to my son, your grace," Jove motioned to the young man standing beside him. "Joaquin Lwendor."

Meera turned her attention to the man and pushed a smile onto her face. It seemed that everyone in Voreios were keen on introducing her to their sons, nephews, and brothers. Every introduction left her feeling ill to her stomach and the ring around her finger seemed to be tightening as if her hands were swelling up.

"Princess," Joaquin stepped forward and bowed his head. "It's an honor to meet you."

"How do you do?" Meera muttered, a phrase she had uttered over a hundred times that evening.

"Joaquin has been in Azmeera for the past year," Jove declared. "He returned right before Eryx departed. Had we known you were in Azmeera, we could have had him escort you."

"Nonsense," Hemming rolled his eyes and placed a hand on Meera's elbow to guide her away. "He wouldn't have known she's the elemental. He's not a wolf."

"One second, your grace," Jove stepped forward, blocking Meera's path as Hemmings motioned toward the other guests waiting. "In your honor, we have brought a small gift. If you accept, it would mean a great deal to us."

"I'm sure," Hemming said, unimpressed.

Meera stood and watched as Joaquin pulled a small black box out of the breast pocket of his coat. Jove beamed with pride as he opened the box to reveal a luxurious diamond necklace that could have easily outshined the one Dawn had been flaunting all evening. Meera gazed upon it with her eyes slightly open. She had never been given such an extravagant gift.

"I am honored, Lord Lwendor," she said. "But this is entirely too much. I can not accept such a gift."

"Oh, but you must," Joaquin insisted. "It was made for you. To be worn by someone else would be a shame."

"I..." Meera hesitated as he began to remove the necklace.

"May I?" Joaquin asked.

Not knowing how to refuse without seeming disrespectful, Meera smiled. She turned and pushed her hair to one side. Joaquin stepped forward and draped the heavy necklace around her neck, pausing as all the surrounding guests turned their attention towards them. Meera heard the whispers intensify as he let the diamond rest upon her collarbones and began to fasten the chain.

"You look marvelous," Jove said.

Meera smiled at the man. She reached up and touched the tear-drop diamond pendant that hung from a rope of smaller blue diamonds. The gemstone was cold to the touch against her skin. She felt it's weight anchor her to the floor as everyone around her peered in awe.

As Joaquin finished, Meera sensed an unexpected heat spreading across her skin, igniting a subtle flush that colored her cheeks. Instinctively, her lashes lifted, and she found Eryx's penetrating gaze fixed upon her from across the room.

The intensity in his eyes was unmistakable, guarded yet filled with a simmering rage that spoke volumes. A small, almost imperceptible click echoed in Eryx's jaw, a physical manifestation of the tension brewing within him. His gaze bore into Meera, cutting through the space between them like an unspoken warning, signaling a silent storm on the horizon.

Meera felt the weight of his stare like a searing brand, every inch of her body responding to the fervor emanating from Eryx's gaze. The room seemed to shrink in the wake of his scrutiny, and the air hung heavy with an unspoken tension.

As Eryx's intense gaze lingered on Meera, his mother approached him from behind, her graceful steps echoing the disapproval etched on her beautiful face. Her eyes narrowed with displeasure, creating a pinched expression that spoiled her regal features. Meera, sensing the shift in atmosphere, felt her insides constrict as the weight of Tulla's disapproving gaze bore down on her.

Tulla placed a firm hand upon Eryx's arm, delicately guiding his attention away from Meera. There was a quick, subtle motion, an attempt to redirect the trajectory of his intense stare. Tulla waited until Eryx turned to face her before allowing the storm of anger and disbelief to manifest on her own features.

Her face transformed, the lines of disappointment etched into one of palpable fury and disbelief. Every so often, her eyes flickered towards Meera, each glance laden with condemnation that Meera felt like daggers piercing through her. The Queen's disapproval seemed to hang in the air, a tangible force that added an uncomfortable weight to the room.

The tension escalated as Dawn joined the conversation, the air thickening with unspoken words. Eryx, visibly frustrated and irratated, pinched the bridge of his nose, attempting to navigate the delicate situation. The tension on his shoulders could be seen from miles away as he spoke to his mother and Dawn. Meera watched quietly before Joaquin's voice interrupted her.

"Your grace?" Joaquin waited.

Meera turned to find him waiting for an answer. She looked around and noticed he was waiting for a dance. Every inch of her being wanted to fall to the ground and sob like a child. She did not wish to dance. She did not wish to be anywhere but in the confine sof her own chamber. But as Jove and Joaquin waited, she found the strength to turn off her thoughts and emotions. Lifting her hand, she placed it in Joaquin's.

"Oh, don't go breaking my heart now, Princess."

Meera paused as Andrick stepped forward and came to stand beside Joaquin. His presence overshadowed the young man, making him almost invisible beside Andrick's tall figure and wide shoulders. Meera watched as the prince playfully, yet aggressively, patted Joaquin's back and urged him to step aside.

"Princess Meera had promised me this dance," he announced. "I apologize, Lwendor. But you must wait for your turn."

Joaquin turned toward Meera, his eyes seeking justice. But before Meera could speak, Hemming urged Andrick to take Meera to the dance floor.

"Right this way, Princess," Andrick took Meera's hand and guided her away. Once out of everyone's earshot, he lowered his mouth to Meera's ear and whispered. "Or should I refer to you as sister-in-law?"

"Is lying a family trait?" Meera raised her brow as he turned her around and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I don't recall promising you anything."

"I did you a favor," Andrick smiled. "Joaquin is an awful dancer. He has nimble butter fingers that tend to find their way into places they shouldn't be in."

Meera's eyes narrowed, "Is that another lie?"

"You're more then welcome to test out your theory after this dance," Andrick laughed.

"I think I've danced enough for the rest of the year," Meera muttered.

"What was that?" Andrick arched his brow.

"Nothing," Meera shook her head. Her feet swayed automatically as Andrick led her through the steps and peered at her with an amused expression on his face.

Curiosity got the better of her, prompting her to remark, "Are you always this jolly?"

"Only when I get under my brother's skin," Andrick declared with a mischievous grin.

"Which one?" Meera inquired.

"There's only one who can't take his eyes off of you," Andrick's response was laden with implications. Well, maybe now two."

Following his nod towards the edge of the dance floor, Meera's gaze shifted to where Eryx stood, flanked by his mother and Dawn. The sight of her and Andrick dancing sent a jolt of irritation through Eryx's veins. Tulla and Dawn continued their vigorous head-shaking and disapproving taunts, creating a visible rift of disapproval that surrounded him.

Eryx's jaw clenched, his expression revealing a storm of conflicting emotions. The intensity of his gaze bore into Meera and Andrick, betraying a mixture of irritation and something deeper that simmered beneath the surface. The dance floor seemed to blur around Eryx as he stood between his mother and Dawn, their disapproving gestures and taunts providing an unwelcome backdrop to the scene that unfolded before him. Once again, Meera felt the weight of his gaze, heavy and dominating.

"You've sent a shock wave through our family, my dear princess," Andrick spoke, pulling Meera's attention back to himself.

"What do you mean?" Meera asked with a deep frown.

"My mother is not happy with your marriage to Eryx," Andrick said. "Of course, she will never except it. No one will. It's forbidden."

"But it happened," Meera felt her insides tremble. "The wedding took place before Poseidon. The queen's acceptance won't invalidate it."

"Oh, don't go around speaking like that in front of my mother now," Andrick laughed. "She will have your head on a spike. She has been grooming Dawn to be Eryx's wife for the longest. In her eyes, only Dawn can be her replacement. A purebred Vorean."

"And what about Eryx?" Meera asked. "What does he want?"

"Eryx is my parent's soldier and heir," Andrick said. "Not their son. He will do what is expected of him."

"That seems unfair," Meera frowned. "He's his own person too. Surly, he has his own needs and desires."

The corner of Andrick's mouth curled up, forming a crooked grin that eerily mirrored his older brother. Meera's breath caught in her throat, a subtle unease settling as the prince tilted his head to one side.

"Tell me, Princess," Andrick grinned. "Did Eryx share his needs and desires with you on your wedding night?"

Meera stilled. Her stomach dropped and she felt her cheeks flush with an intense uncomfortable heat.

"Rumor has it that you two consummate your marriage," Andrick whispered in her ear. "How was it, princess?"

As Andrick's whispered words reached Meera's ears, a sudden shock gripped her, freezing her in place. Ice seemed to crystallize in her blood, sending a cold shiver through her entire being. Her heart pounded wildly, threatening to burst out of her chest as discomfort surged through her. Andrick's chuckle only intensified the feeling of unease that had taken hold of her.

Meera's eyes remained fixed on Andrick, wide and filled with a mix of shock and emotions that threatened to overflow. Her mind fought desperately for her body to step away, to distance herself from the unwelcome intrusion. Andrick's intrusive gaze roamed over her face and down her figure, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. The urge to push him away and escape the situation clawed at her, but the shock had paralyzed her, leaving her standing like a frightened deer caught in the gaze of a predator.

Just when Meera felt on the brink of crumbling on the dance floor, a familiar presence intervened. Eryx, moving purposefully through the crowd, closed the distance with long, determined strides. He reached Meera, his hands gripping her shoulders as he pulled her away from Andrick. With a forceful shove, Eryx pushed his brother back, his eyes darkening with simmering rage.

"What did you do?" Eryx's voice, uneven and filled with restrained fury, cut through the air as he addressed Andrick. The tension between the brothers warned of a storm on the verge of breaking, and Meera, still reeling from the shock, found herself stepping closer to Eryx.

"Nothing," Andrick held up his hands defensively, but the cocky grin on his face said otherwise. "We were just dancing."

"Eryx, please," Tulla rushed up to the trio and hissed. "Don't create a scene."

Ignoring his mother, Eryx turned to Meera. He cupped her face, directing her gaze toward him as he assessed the distress in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" He asked. "Did he misbehave with you?"

"Misbehave?" Andrick's eyes widened. "We were just dancing!"

"Shut up," Eryx warned his brother. "I'm not speaking to you."

"That's enough," Tulla scolded her sons. "There are people around."

"Tell him," Andrick complained. "He's the one acting as if I'm a criminal."

"I know you a little too well, Andrick," Eryx's eyes narrowed. "Your reputation precedes you."

"Mother!" Andrick's gasped. "You hear this?"

"Eryx, that's no way to speak to your brothe-"

"Fuck this," Eryx said, shocking his mother as he took Meera's hand and turned toward the exit.

"How dare you speak to me like that?" Tulla's fury-filled eyes focused in on her son. "You're blowing things out of proportion. Have you been away for too long? You're speaking to your mother and brother."

"My brother who has upset my elemental," Eryx growled. "The only reason he's not bleeding on the blood right now is because he's my brother."

"Eryx, that's enough," Tulla warned. "What has gotten into you? And let go of Meera's hand this instant. You'll upset Dawn."

"She's my mate," Eryx said, pulling Meera closer. "Drew knew what she was signing up for."

Before Tulla could utter another word, Eryx turned and walked Meera off the dance floor. His big hand gripped her hand tightly as he guided her through the crowd and lead her into the corridor where the sounds of the party hushed behind heavy closed doors.

Meera instantly shut her eyes as the doors closed behind her. She could finally breathe once again. The intense heat on her face let her know Eryx was waiting for her to open her eyes. But Meera could not find the courage to face him. She felt the corners of her eyes water as her bottom lip began to quiver.

"M," Eryx stepped forward.

"Don't," Meera held up a hand. "Don't call me that. And don't come near me."

"What did he say to you?" Eryx asked, his voice carrying a trace of pain.

Meera slowly opened her eyes, the internal storm of emotions evident in her gaze. Her heart squeezed with a complex mix of anger, disappointment, and sorrow as her eyes met Eryx's intense stare. Her face contorted with frustration, and hot tears spilled down her cheeks.

"He complimented your taste in jewelry," Meera wiped away her tears, resolute in her refusal to cry or show vulnerability. "Dawn looks absolutely beautiful with her diamonds. I can only imagine how angelic she will look on the day of your wedding."

Eryx's brows furrowed in confusion, his eyes searching Meera's as if struggling to comprehend her words.

"What do you plan on getting her for her big day?" Meera continued, a bitterness creeping into her tone. "I think a snake would suit her stunning eyes."

"What are you talking about?" Eryx questioned a genuine perplexity coloring his voice. "What jewelry? What diamonds?"

"Forget it," Meera sighed in defeat, turning to leave. "How do I go back to my chambers? Why do all these halls look the same?"

"Meera," Eryx grabbed her elbow and pulled her back. "What are you talking about? Did Dawn say something to you?"

"Eryx?" The frozen tension between them broke as Dawn stepped out of the grand hall. Her big blue eyes widened with concern as she took in the scene, her gaze shifting from Meera to where Eryx held her elbow.

"What's wrong?" Dawn rushed forward. "Meera, are you crying? Did something happen? Are you hurt?"

Meera stared at Dawn in utter confusion, unable to reconcile the sudden change in demeanor from their earlier encounter when Dawn had maliciously dangled the diamond necklace in front of her.

"Eryx, is she okay?" Dawn looked toward Eryx, who still stared at Meera.

"Give us a minute," Eryx said, easing his hold on Meera's arm and taking a step back.

"Yes, of course," Dawn nodded like a good obedient girl. She looked at Meera with a deep frown and her eyes oozing with concern.

"Meera, talk to me," Eryx said. "What are you talking about?"

"Eryx, I think she's still tired from her journey," Dawn insisted. "Maybe we should let her rest. That must be too much. Everything is happening so fast. This can't be healthy for a person."

Eryx couldn't look away from Meera. And Meera couldn't look away from Dawn.

"She's not just your responsibility," Dawn said. "I'm worried about her too. Let's let her rest. We can talk in the morning."

Meera's skepticism lingered like a shadow as she faced Dawn's sudden transformation from antagonist to picture-perfect wife for Eryx. The memory of Dawn flaunting her necklace and mocking Meera in front of the mirror remained vivid in her mind, making it challenging to trust the sudden display of friendliness.

"What would you like, Meera?" Dawn asked. "How can I help you?"

Suppressing her disbelief, Meera took a deep breath, offering a smile that concealed the wariness beneath. "You're right, Dawn. I feel exhausted. It's been such a long journey. I feel as if I've fallen from Mount Olympus," she said, her words carrying a layered meaning that only Eryx could fully comprehend.

Eryx's frown deepened, acutely aware of his role in Meera's exhaustion. As Meera continued, she maintained her composure while pinning Dawn with a sharp gaze. "I would love it if you could have someone draw me a bath," she requested. "And please, have them use dried lavender. Oh, and can you also have my nightgown ironed? And the blankets too. It's awfully chilly in here."

Dawn's face tightened but she managed to crack a smile, "Certain. Anything else?"

"Yes," Meera smiled. "Please do not call me Meera. I am your senior, by age and rank."

"My apologies," Dawn looked as if the smile on her face caused her physical pain. "Princess."

"Thank you, Dawn," Meera smiled. "You may go prepare my bath. And Eryx?"

Eryx arched his brow as Meera shifted her attention to him.

"Please walk me back to my room," Meera held out her hand.

The corner of Eryx's mouth twitched with amusement as he stepped forward, "Yes, Princess."

With a stiffness that could have competed with hardwood floors, Dawn turned and walked off. As soon as she disappeared out of sight, Meera pulled away from Eryx.

"So you're all two-faced here?" She asked.

"M," Eryx sighed.

"Stop calling me that!" Meera scowled. "And how dare you tell Venna about everything that happened in Azmeera? Was it all a big joke to you? Did you enjoy laughing behind my back?"

"It was not a joke," Eryx said. "Venna wanted to know about you?"

"Why?"

"Because you're my mate!"

"I hate being your mate," Meera blurted out.

"Don't say that," Eryx said. "Don't disrespect the Moon Goddess."

Meera's eyes widened in shock, "Wow, you're a hypocrite too? What have I done to be rewarded with such a partner?"

"Meera," Eryx voice was laced with a warning.

"If you can't respect the vows we took before my god, then why should I respect the bond created by your goddess?"

"Because it's not as fragile as your wedding vows," Eryx stepped forward, going toe to toe with Meera as she glared up at him. "It's a sacred bond."

"Do you hear yourself right now?" Meera questioned. "How can you be so self-absorbed to think your values and traditions are more important than mine?"

"Meera," Eryx took in a deep breath to compose himself. He gently grabbed Meera's shoulder, wanting to ground her and gain her full attention. When he spoke, his voice was calmer and each word was deliberate. "Marriage was a construct created by man. It can be formed and broken at will. But mates......our bond is eternal. In every lifetime, I will be yours. Nothing in this world can break our bond. Does that mean nothing to you?"

Meera peered up at him as her eyes watered, "In every lifetime you'll be mine...."

Eryx nodded, his face pained, "Yes."

"Haven't you lied to me enough?" Meera asked, her eyes broken and her face stained with tears.

"Please, Meera..." Eryx begged, lowering his forehead to her and inhaling her scent. "Try and understand."

"What's the worst that can happen if I don't understand?" Meera asked.

"It's forbidden," Eryx said, his eyes closed as he tried to be patient with Meera. "Please, Meera. I'm begging you. Let this go and focus on your training."

"I can't...." Meera whispered, tears rolling down her face. "I don't know how to."

Using all his strength, Eryx resolutely pulled back from Meera. The pain etched on her face mirrored the turmoil within him, but he knew that his actions, however agonizing, were necessary. If he truly wanted Meera to move on from her feelings for him, he had to be the one to set boundaries and stay away. The realization crushed his chest and squeezed his insides, but Eryx understood that it was the right course of action.

"No, please..." Meera pleaded, her attempt to hold onto his hand reflecting the desperation in her eyes. The heartbreak evident in her gaze struck Eryx like a physical blow, but he steeled himself against the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. With a deliberate step back, he removed his arm from around her, creating a painful distance between them.

"I'll walk you back to your room," Eryx declared, his voice void of any discernible emotion. Despite the turmoil within, he stood before her with the perfect posture of a disciplined soldier, a facade that concealed the inner conflict and heartache. The sacrifice he made for both their sakes, though painful, underscored his commitment to doing what he believed was right, even if it meant suppressing his own feelings. 

What do you think?