The Prince and His Princess

Between Fire and Silence

Lila’s POV

After breakfast, I slipped away to try calling Moira. I needed to let her know we’d made it safely. The call didn’t go through, so I left a voicemail: short, to the point—just that I was okay, and to call back when she could. I wanted a shower more than anything, but the only clothes I had were that one wrinkled dress from the ride in. I had no intention of leaving the room, so I figured clean pajamas would have to do.

The bathroom was small but surprisingly modern, a stark contrast to the rest of the palace. It had a fancy digital control panel I couldn’t figure out, but I managed to get the water warm, at least. Jets lined the shower walls—I assumed it had more settings, but I didn’t care. The fruity, expensive-smelling soap was enough to make me feel almost human again.

Wrapped in a towel, I stepped back into the bedroom, rummaging through my bag for I screamed. Tobi was standing in the middle of the room.

“Sorry!” he said, spinning to face the wall immediately.

“Don’t you ever knock?” I shouted, my pulse hammering in my chest.

“I did! But you didn’t answer. I couldn’t stand out in that hallway forever,” he said, his tone unusually soft.

I grabbed a clean oversized t-shirt and underwear, dressing quickly. I probably should have gone back into the bathroom, but... what was the point?

“You can turn around now,” I said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Tobi crossed the room slowly, kneeling in front of me. His hands rested gently on my knees.

“Please, Lila.” His voice cracked slightly. “I know you’re not ready to forgive me. I get that. But I need you to come to my chambers. With me.”

A tear rolled down his cheek. I reached out instinctively, brushing it away. His eyes fluttered shut, leaning into my touch like it anchored him.

“Do you want me there because you miss me?” I asked, “Or because of the article this morning?”

His eyes snapped open, locking with mine. My heart lurched.

“Can’t it be both?” he asked, his hands rubbing small, comforting circles into my calves.

It felt really good—too good. I tried to hide it.

“Fine, I’ll come,” I muttered. “But it doesn’t change anything.”

“Great. Let’s go now.” He stood and grabbed my suitcase.

“I can’t walk the halls like this, can I?” I said, holding out my soaked pajama shirt.

“No... okay. One sec.”

He dashed out and returned within seconds holding a bundle of fabric.

“I borrowed it from Mariah,” he said, breathless. “She said it just goes over your head—no assistance needed.”

I hesitated, taking the light green dress from him. It was simple, thankfully—not flashy or lacey. I turned around.

“Don’t look.” He turned toward the wall again. I swapped the wet shirt for the dress. It actually fit—not perfectly, but well enough. I pulled my damp hair back into a loose bun and pinned it.

“Can I turn around yet?” he asked.

“Sure.” I laughed despite myself.

“That’s the best sound in the world,” Tobi said softly, his smile breaking through. “Your laughter.”

He picked up my suitcase, and I followed him out. The walk back to his chambers felt longer than before. The halls weren’t empty like when we’d arrived. I could feel eyes on us. Or maybe I was just paranoid now that I knew there was a “source” lurking somewhere in the palace. By the time we reached the bedroom, my nerves were shredded.

“Wh-where are you taking my things?” I asked as Tobi walked off with my suitcase.

“Just putting them in the wardrobe. You can unpack whenever you want,” he said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. He looked at me, and I instinctively backed away, putting distance between us.

“You don’t need to be scared, Lila,” he said, taking a slow step forward.

“I’m not scared,” I lied. “I just think it would be wise if I kept my distance.”

He flinched, and the hurt on his face made my stomach twist.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” he said quietly.

“And I know you think that. But experience has taught me otherwise.” The bitterness came out before I could stop it. He took a full step back, giving me space.

“I should go,” he muttered. “I need to be there when Oscar meets my father.”

I didn’t reply. I didn’t even look at him. The moment the door clicked shut, I collapsed onto the couch and passed out.

Tobi’s POV

She’s in my room again. That was something. A small victory.

Sure, she looked like she wanted to run the moment I got close—but she was here. The old Lila still peeked through sometimes. The way she laughed when I teased her... it was like a crack in the armor. I had to believe that, in time, she’d let herself trust me again.

I’d gotten Lila to change rooms. That was something, right? Okay, sure—she’d looked terrified of me by the end, but that would pass. It had to pass. I’d seen glimpses of her—the real her—breaking through the walls she’d built. I had to remind her she was safe. With me.

Oscar and I made our way to Father’s office for his so-called “meeting.” Henry had to stay behind. Mother had made it clear—Oscar was to be pardoned. Father wouldn’t dare defy her. So why were we playing this charade? We sat in stiff silence across from him. Father leaned back in his chair, smirking like a cat about to pounce.

“My wife tells me I’m to clear you of all charges,” he said to Oscar.

“Yes, sir,” Oscar replied, his voice soft as he stared at his hands.

It felt wrong seeing Oscar like this—subdued, nervous. He had always struck me as a natural leader.

“And why should I?” Father asked, casually sipping his drink.

Oscar met his gaze. “With all respect, Your Majesty, I haven’t come to beg for forgiveness. If you won’t clear my name, I ask only that you allow my mate and me to leave Aruyios in peace.”

“No!” I growled, unable to help myself.

Father turned his amused stare on me. “What’s it to you if the criminal leaves?”

I clenched my jaw. I couldn’t tell him the truth—that Lila would go with Oscar. That I’d lose her all over again.

“Enough of your games,” I muttered. I stood, crossed to the desk, and pulled the land deeds and the royal seal toward me. I flipped through the pages, scrawled my signature across the release order, and handed Oscar a cheque. “This land is too far from the capital. Find something closer.” I slammed the parchment down in front of Father’s stunned face.

“I don’t care what it costs. Just find something closer,” I said, turning for the door. “Come on, Oscar. He’s just keeping us here for his own entertainment.”

Oscar followed me out in stunned silence.

“Tobi!”

I turned at the sound of Oscar’s voice behind me.

“You didn’t need to do that,” he said, catching up.

“It was nothing,” I replied, kicking at a loose stone near my feet.

“How is our girl?” he asked.

I sighed, my chest tightening. “I don’t know. Some moments she’s fine. Others… she won’t come near me. She’s constantly shifting between fear and sadness, and it’s tearing me apart.” I stared out at the horizon, unable to meet his eyes.

“Lila will come back to us,” he said quietly.

“I hope you’re right.”

I took a breath, trying to lighten the mood. “Come on. You’re not locked in that room anymore. There’s a boxing gym in the lower levels if you’re keen.”

Oscar’s eyes lit up. “You know I can’t say no to that.”

The gym was one of my favorite places in the palace—clean, modern, and mine. Down here, I wasn’t a prince. I was just a guy trying to keep his sanity. Oscar marveled at the space: walls lined with weights, mirrored panels, three elevated rings for sparring, and rows of punching bags.

“There’s spare gear over there,” I pointed out. “Help yourself.”

“Damn, I wish I wasn’t in this suit,” Oscar muttered with a grin.

“Come back anytime.”

A few others were already working out—some lifting, others chatting in corners. I gave Oscar the grand tour, proud of what I’d built.

And then I heard it. A voice—low and mocking—cutting through the air like a blade.

“Well, she’s human, apparently. Probably just after his fortune.”

I didn’t think. I lunged.

I was on the guy before he could blink—fist after fist connecting with his face. His nose cracked under the pressure, blood splattering the mat.

“Don’t ever talk about my mate again,” I growled, slamming him down.

Arms clamped around my shoulders—Oscar and Matthew trying to pull me off.

“ANYONE ELSE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?” I roared, thrashing.

“Tobi, relax—he’s just a kid!” Matthew tried to reason.

“GET OFF ME!” I threw Matthew backward, hearing him crash against the floor. The gym went dead quiet.

“What the hell was that?” Matthew barked, getting to his feet and brushing off his shirt.

“They should know better than to gossip about my mate,” I snarled.

Matthew glared. “The whole palace knows she’s here, but no one’s seen her. People are going to talk.”

Oscar stepped forward, sharp and protective. “Leave Lila out of this.”

“What’s it got to do with you?” Matthew snapped.

“Just my loyalty to my princess,” Oscar replied firmly.

That made my chest swell. Even if he didn’t care for our customs, Oscar acknowledged Lila as his princess. That meant everything.

Matthew sighed. “Look, you’ve been gone for two years. You come back with a mystery girl, and no formal introduction? Let people see her. Tonight, the Alphas of Bloodrose and Ironfur are here with their Lunas. Have dinner. Make it an unofficial welcome.”

I hesitated, considering. It was a good idea.

“Oscar, what do you think?”

“Nah, not for me,” he said, though he smiled. “I’ll be back down here.”

I nodded, grateful. Things with Matthew felt different now. Before I left, he’d been like my unofficial beta. Now? I wasn’t sure. Maybe we’d changed. Maybe everything had.