Bride Of The Beast

Meeting the friend

Eilis stood up from his seat. “Raven, come with me. There's someone I'd like you to meet.”

I stood up quickly, knowing this was an opportunity to leave Aria’s presence.

I followed him as he led me towards the densest part of the crowd. He walked towards a man leaning casually near one of the marble pillars. The man was looking too relaxed for someone standing in the king’s celebration hall.

Tall, broad-shouldered, blond hair pulled back at the nape of his neck. Gold eyes flicked toward us and brightened immediately as they landed on Eilís.

“About time,” the man said, grinning. “I was starting to think you’d abandoned me for court politics.”

Eilís snorted. “Camden, behave.”

Camden’s grin widened as his gaze slid to me.

“This,” Eilís said, and there was a subtle shift in his voice, “is Raven.”

Camden inclined his head respectfully. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I raised an eyebrow to match his energy. “Only good things, I hope.”

He laughed, “Depends on who you ask. Which tells me you’re doing something right.”

That earned a surprised smile from me. “Then I’m relieved.” Camden was an easy man to talk to, it seemed.

Eilís watched the exchange closely, “Raven,” he continued, “this is Camden South, Captain of the royal guard. And,” he added dryly, “a persistent nuisance.”

Camden placed a hand over his heart. “Devastating.”

I hid my smile behind a polite nod. “It’s a pleasure.”

“The pleasure’s mine,” Camden said. “Truly, anyone who can survive this place with their sanity intact has my respect.”

I just smiled back, not knowing what to say.

Camden studied me for another moment, then nodded to himself, as if confirming something. “You’ll do fine,” he said simply. “Just don’t let them convince you otherwise.”

Eilís glanced between us. “I need to speak with someone,” he said reluctantly. “I’ll be back.”

I watched Eilis go, shocked he'd left me with his friend. Why would he do that? I turned back to Camden, ready to think of an excuse to leave.

“You're good at pretending.” Camden stated before I could say anything. “But your body and expressions give you away.” He smiled.

My heart seized. He knew, he knew what I was.

I kept my face turned toward the hall, my expression a frozen mask of polite interest, but the silk of the dress suddenly felt like a shroud.

“I'm going to assume Eilis knows, since you already have the bite.” Camden didn’t move, he just stood there, watching the dancers as if he hadn’t just dropped a metaphorical bomb at my feet.

“You’re holding your breath,” he added. “If you faint, I’ll have to carry you out of here, and Eilís will likely challenge me to a duel for touching his ‘bride.’ It’ll be a whole mess, just breathe.”

I forced a shallow inhale,“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I managed to say, my voice sounding thin.

“Of course you don’t,” he replied easily, he pushed off the pillar, straightening his tunic.

“I’ve trained men for ten years,” he said, “I know how they stand when they’re trying to look small. I know how they move when they’re used to carrying weight on their hips instead of their skirts. You’re good, but you’re not perfect.”

“Your scent of Honeysuckle and woodsmoke might be the only thing keeping people from being too suspicious.” He tilted his head, saying the words like it was an assessment.

Should I be glad that my almost feminine scent is saving me? He gave a small, mocking bow, “Enjoy the wine. It’s from the southern vineyards. A bit heavy, but… sturdy.”

Then, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving me standing there with the weight of what he just dropped.

I looked down at my hands. They were shaking. I clasped them together, hiding them in the folds of the fabric.

What would Camden do about this news? Was I in trouble?

Eilis reappeared at my side not long after. He frowned, looking around. “Where did Camden go?”

I swallowed down my fear. “I don't know, he just left.”

Eilis wasn't convinced. “Why are you pale?”

“He knows.” I whispered.

“Know what?”

“He knows what I really am.” The fear didn't let me roll my eyes as I wanted to. Did I need to explain what Camden knows?

Eilis appeared surprised but not scared or agitated. “I knew it wouldn't get past him.”

What was going on? “Aren't you scared he'll tattle? You said he was a royal guard.” I almost shouted.

“Yes.” Eilis replied. “ A royal guard who's loyal to me.”

“Just because you're friends?”

Eilis bristled. “Don't be paranoid, you should be more worried about your ‘sister’ coming than Camden knowing about our secret.”

That snapped me back to reality. Yes, if Camden really was going to tattle he wouldn't have had a conversation. Yes, I should be more worried about my sister.

I should be thinking of ways to stop her from staying, who knew exactly what she was coming here to do.

“Since Camden now knows of our secret, I can seek his help.” Eilis said, turning his head to look for Camden.

When he saw Camden standing near a table he waved. Camden nodded and started walking towards us. He met my eyes and smirked and I was dying to punch that smirk right off his face. Apparently he brought that out in me.

“How can I help you, your highness?” He chuckled when Eilis smacked him on the head.

“Why'd you have to behave like a nuisance?”

“It was fun seeing the look on his…her face.” Camden gave me a look at his slip up.

“Ignore him.” Eilis told me. “He's doing it on purpose.” To Camden. “I knew I couldn't keep it a secret from you but it was worth the shot.”

Camden snorted. “Like you wouldn't have eventually told me yours—”

“Your highness.” A servant bowed to Eilis, his voice barely audible. “Her highness.” He looked at me. “Has a guest waiting for her in your quarters.”

Oh no…Mirabel.