Chapter Eight
1188 Words
I ignored Aislinn's reprimand as I returned to the castle. If I couldn't be out there helping physically, then I would do everything in my power to help from home; to do that, I needed information.
"Aislinn," I turned to her, cutting her off mid-sentence. She huffed and crossed her arms, clearly irritated that I hadn't been listening to her.
"Yes, Ruby?"
"Where is the note that was left when my brother was taken?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly, trying to decipher what I was up to. "Why?"
"I need to study it. There was a scent left behind on it and I wanted to take it to the healer and see what she could tell me. I also need to get into the royal library."
Her eyebrows raised. Clearly, she hadn't been expecting that. She looked around, checking to make sure we were alone.
"I'm supposed to keep focused on ruling, Ruby. We have to act like everything is normal so we don't gain suspicion."
I scoffed as my temper rose, and my eyes flashed red.
"That's Princess Ruby," I stated. She shrunk back from the angry, dark aura that was seeping out of me, clearly hurt at what I was implying. "A good ruler wouldn't sit idly by while her family is in danger."
I wasn't about to back down on this. I could feel it deep within-something wasn't right. Maddox needed me.
And as much as I hated to admit it, I needed him.
It was like we were two sides to the same coin. Where he went, I would always be there. He kept me grounded and I kept him safe.
Except that I'd failed on that part.
Hurt panged through my body and my aura diminished almost immediately.
"Please, Aislinn," I whispered, looking at my feet. "I have to help him."
She put her small hand on my back, offering me a little bit of comfort.
"I understand, Princess Ruby. I felt the same way when your mother was in danger all those years ago."
I sniffled and leaned into her. "Just Ruby, please. I'm sorry I tried to dominate you."
She chuckled and rubbed little circles into my back. Aislinn was a part of my family, and I never wanted to intentionally hurt her.
"Tell you what," she began as she straightened me up and wiped beneath my eyes. She continued to preen around me and make me presentable as she spoke.
"I'll get the letter and the key to the private library. I don't have access to the restricted section. Only your mother can grant that, but it's a start. We can set an appointment with Madame Angel at the clinic for tomorrow. That way, no one would suspect a thing. But in the meantime, you need to attend to the royal duties. Jonah will be here shortly to be your guard and escort. He will accompany you everywhere you go and can provide some guidance for you."
I groaned. "No, not Jonah!"
I had never really gotten along with the head warrior. Second only to Anton, his power and strength were unimaginable, but the title made him cocky and bold. Even on the best of days, we despised each other. Aislinn laughed.
"You two are more alike than you know. Give him a chance, I think you'd like him."
I rolled my eyes. That's Aislinn for you. Always the matchmaker.
"You know I'm not looking for a mate right now," I began.
"Hush. You don't look for a mate. They come to you when you're ready." Her eyes shone with emotion and I knew she was thinking of Anton. No doubt she was missing him right now.
Footsteps in the hallway had me breaking apart from Aislinn and squaring my shoulders. Jonah's scent hit me as he came into view. He'd grown a bit since the last time I saw him, standing at a menacing six foot three. His dark brown hair was buzzed close to his head and his brown eyes were as cold as ever.
"Excuse me, Aislinn," he began. "It's time that I escort the Princess to the throne room." His eyes slid over to me and I could see the disdain. I schooled my features, not letting him get to me.
"Of course," Aislinn replied. "I'll see you in your quarters before dinner." She turned to me, a stern look in her eye. I nodded my head almost imperceptibly, letting her know I wouldn't breathe a word about what we were discussing. With that, she took her leave down the hallway. When she was out of earshot, Jonah finally looked at me again.
"Babysitting duty wasn't really what I had in mind for the rest of the week."
I rolled my eyes, tired of him already.
"Let's just go and get this over with," I grumbled and began walking.
"You seriously think you can address your people wearing dirty training clothes?" He stuck his nose in the air and took a slight step away from me.
I ground my teeth and kept walking. "If I'm going to be ruling until they get back, I'll be doing it my way."
Jonah scoffed. "You aren't actually ruling, you know. It's only a charade. Everyone knows this isn't your forte," he taunted in a mocking voice.
My temper, which had been simmering just under the surface, flared to life as I spun on him.
"You think I don't know that?! I'd much rather be out there, tracking, helping, doing whatever I can. But instead, I'm stuck here pretending. I don't need you reminding me of that every second! Despite what either of us wants, my parents left the kingdom in my care, and I'll be damned if I let it fall. So do me a favor, shut your mouth, and get me to the throne room so we can get this over with."
He eyed me for a moment but said nothing. I took his silence as compliance and stomped the rest of the way there. At the large mahogany doors, I paused for a moment to collect myself. With a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders and raised my head. Jonah moved to open the doors for me, but one look had him pulling his hand back.
I grabbed the handles and flung them open, striding confidently to my seat.
If I was going to be forced to do this, I would at least do it well.
The other members of the kingdom gave me dark looks as I walked in, clearly not impressed with my less-than-polished appearance. I said nothing as I took my seat, not letting them break down my walls.
This was my kingdom. If I had to remind them of that, I would.
I faced the crowd of commoners who were lined up to air their grievances. They eyed me skeptically, and I decided I would prove to them that I could be a good princess.
I would prove it to myself.
"Announcing Princess Ruby," Jonah called out, standing still beside me. I nodded at him and looked to the first person in line.
"Begin."
- Writer
