Tethered To The Six Princes Of Sylvarra

Chapter 14

“It’s time to go; the meeting with the king is over.” Eryndor whispered to me, his side eyes calculating as he watched everyone who had eyes on us.

Until I felt someone approaching us as we turned to walk from the hall. Rhysand walked boldly, his chest rising, his height powerfully intimidating, and a strand of his curled dark hair fell to one side of his eyes.

Eryndor felt his movements like a threat, his breath rising like he was about to pick a fight with him, but strangely Rhysand didn’t seem to pay attention to him; his intense eyes were locked on mine.

“I’m giving you exactly two weeks to know how to use that power of yours. If you don’t, I’m coming to kill you myself if you still happen to be alive, hopefully.” His intimidating, warning tone made my stomach flip with sudden sickness.

I swallowed hard, my gaze lowering as his words settled deep into my chest like a cold stone. Without another glance, Rhysand turned and began walking away from the hall, his presence still thick in the air around us.

How was I even sure I’d be alive by then? With the way those women looked at me, like I was a threat they couldn’t wait to silence, it felt like they were already plotting my death.

“Let’s just say I’ll be the quiet devil watching from the shadows, Sorenna.” His voice was smooth, almost too calm, as he stepped closer. “Pleasure meeting you. You don’t look half as dangerous as they make you seem.” A faint smirk touched his lips. “I’m Prince Charlyz.”

Looking at him, I was almost compelled—there was something about his smile. Rare, yet unforgettable the moment it touched his face.

He turned away, walking out of the hall with quiet confidence, his silver garments shimmering like they carried the weight of royalty itself. I couldn’t pull my eyes from his tall, lean frame.

My heart felt heavy full of admiration, a flicker of fear, and the strange comfort of being seen. Too many emotions rushed through me all at once.

I had ridden enough of an emotional storm for the past few days. I needed stillness. A moment to breathe. A break to piece myself back together.

Eryndor guided me gently out of the hall, his presence quiet but steady. When we reached the horses, he offered his hand, supporting me as I mounted first.

He climbed up behind me, his arms a silent shield around my waist. With a gentle nudge, we rode into the wind toward the Trueborn Court, leaving behind the eyes, the tension, and the weight of the hall.

*

“If it helps you feel safer… You’re welcome to stay in my quarters for now, Sorenna,” Eryndor said, his silvery gray eyes gleaming with quiet warmth.

I nodded gently, tucking a strand of my golden hair behind my ear.

“I need a bath,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper as I bit my lip, steadying myself.

After the meeting with the king and standing before all those who seemed to want me dead, I think the only thing that could quiet my thoughts now was the comfort of warm water and silence.

“I could walk you to the bathing pool. It’s warm, much different from the glass bath you used the other night,” Eryndor said as he turned his back to me. I heard the soft glug of wine being poured into two glasses.

When he faced me again, he held one out. “This will also help calm your thoughts.”

He sipped from his glass slowly, his silvery-gray eyes lingering on me with a quiet intensity.

I took the wine with a small nod, my heart strangely at ease in his presence. I had chosen him… And for now, he seemed like the safest choice.

The alcohol burned harshly down my throat as I gulped it in one go. I winced slightly, and I still hadn’t learned to stomach the sharp sting of wine. I wondered if I ever would.

Eryndor downed his drink with practiced ease, then turned toward the door.

Without a word, he led the way, his stride purposeful as he guided me through the quiet corridors toward the bathing pool.

Climbing the six shallow steps nestled at the far end of his chamber, I reached the bathing pool, soft steam curling upward into the air like whispers.

The water shimmered a pale green, so clear I could see the marble bottom. Scarlet rose petals floated lazily across the surface, perfuming the air with something sweet and almost dizzying.

“I’m sure you’ll love it,” Eryndor murmured behind me, his voice as smooth as silk. I glanced over my shoulder at him, my vision already beginning to blur. I gave him a slow nod, silently asking him to leave so I could undress in peace.

After all, I was in his chambers, safe. No one would come for me here. Not the tattooed princes. Not the dangerous ladies who wanted me dead.

“Go… I want to strip,” I said, my voice soft but coaxing, as I waved him off.

But then the floor tilted.

A sharp jolt of imbalance rushed through me. My stomach churned. The wine… I hadn’t realized how quickly it would take hold. Panic stirred inside me. Not here. Not now. I didn’t even know how to swim when I was drunk. If I fell in…

I tried to step back, to steady myself, but my dress tangled around my thighs as I tugged it down. My heel caught the edge of the step, and the world tipped…

Splash.

The cold embrace of the water swallowed me. Half-naked and dazed, I flailed with no rhythm, my limbs heavy. My heart pounded.

“s**t… Did that little sip get you high already?” Eryndor's voice cut through the haze, followed by the splash of him diving in.

Through half-lidded eyes, I saw him…shirtless now, only his pants clinging to him as he wrapped an arm around me, pulling me up.

“W…what are… y-you doin’ he…re?” My voice slurred, my lips trembling with cold and confusion. The heat of the bath couldn’t warm the sudden uncertainty in my chest.

He only smiled flirtatiously, his silvery gray eyes unreadable as he steadied me in his arms.

“You seemed to need help… else you’d drown,” he murmured, voice low and smooth, almost amused.

I felt his arm tighten subtly around my waist, holding me just above the surface. My head lolled slightly, senses dulled and scattered. I tried to push off the wet fabric clinging to me, fingers trembling as I fumbled with the straps of my dress.

Eryndor didn’t stop me.

He didn’t offer help either. He just watched closely, his breath steady and his expression unreadable as I stripped myself bare in the warm water.

I could barely stand upright, my limbs too weak, the steam clouding my mind. But I felt something firm, pressing, deliberately poke against me.

My eyes fluttered half-open, sluggish. “W-what… is that?” I stuttered, trying to push away from him, but my body felt numb and weak. I could barely push his chest; it felt like rock.

His lips curved into a knowing smile, soft and dangerously kind. “Tell me you don’t know what that is, Sorenna,” he whispered, his voice laced with false concern. “You’re shaking. Maybe I should hold you tighter…”

I blinked, my heart trying to panic but too numbed to act on it.

“Relax,” he whispered, inching closer, “I’ll take care of you…”

He leaned closer, his breath grazing the edge of my ear. “You’re too beautiful to be so tense, Sorenna. You deserve to feel… safe. Free.”

His words were smooth, dangerously kind. And yet, they coiled around me like vines, warm and strangely comforting.

I wanted to say no. I wanted to leave the pool. But my body wouldn’t move the way I needed it to. And my thoughts were torn. I didn’t feel like myself… I didn’t feel in control.

“You could be mine, Sorenna,” he murmured, brushing a damp strand of hair from my cheek. “If you wanted… you’d never have to fear anything again. No one would dare harm you.”

I closed my eyes for a second too long. Not because I wanted him but because I didn’t know what I wanted. I was tired. Disoriented. I had fought so much today… and now I felt like I was slipping.

I only knew… that perhaps I wanted to be his lady, and I would be safe from every threat, and he would be mine.

He was handsome after all, and … ah.. uhm.. he slammed my back against the wall of the pool, and inside the warm bath, he gently lifted my legs up, my back supporting my body, he thrust himself into me and began to hit me hard inside my core.

“Uhm… ahmm… I… I think I want to be yours,” I mumbled, my words slurring softly as I leaned into his chest. “I trust you… I mean, I…I think I do. You’re the only one who’s been kind… who makes me feel safe. Maybe… maybe I could be your lady.”

“Good... very great… that’s it, my lady.” He quickened his pace inside me, catching my lips with his teeth in his mouth, and I felt him fill my entire core and thrust into me until he brought my legs tied around his neck, giving him full access to my exposed body.

M…my body… It started shaking in his arms, and right then, I knew I’d made a choice… to bond with him. I just… I hope it was the right one.