The first time.
1066 Words
CHAPTER 09
In the same day
Hiden walked along the corridor leading to Alia's room. He had a very specific idea in mind and intended to carry it out. He was going to show the Harringtons that he, the heir son, was a fine tactician and not a barbarian as one might think.
He looked at his watch and then went to the lady's door. At first, he listened carefully and then, reassured that she was inside, he knocked.
- ‶Who is it?" asked the girl behind the door.
- ‶It's Sir Hiden, Miss," he introduced himself in a deceptively cordial tone.
The door opened to reveal the silver-haired she-wolf.
- Good morning, Miss. Did you sleep well?
- ‶Yes," she replied dryly.
- May I have a moment to talk with you?
- I'm all ears.
The vampire realized that it would be difficult for him to connect with her, but he didn't give up.
- I know we got off on the wrong foot. So, I want to apologize for the way I behaved towards you.
- ‶You should apologize to Ryan," she replied icily.
It was easy to see that Alia did not want to have any discussion with him. However, he did not discourage her.
- I intend to do it well. Don't worry, he lied.
- It's all right. Is that all, "Sir"?
- No. I must also tell you that you are as beautiful as our mother, if not more beautiful.
He moved closer to her and arched his back to be at her height. They were so close that they could touch.
- ‶Ryan doesn't deserve you," he whispered. He's just a weakling who will make you suffer. Ask him what happened to one of the slaves five years ago. Her name was Aliya.
He saw himself propelled to the wall behind him.
- Ryan is not weak and it is you who does not deserve it. If for you, not being a legitimate child and having a weak constitution is a sign of weakness, you are wrong. Ryan is stronger than you will ever be. I'm not going to ask him anything because I trust him.
With that, she slammed the door.
Hiden stood up, a slight smile on his face. He still winced when he saw his tuxedo crumpled. He would have to change it.
On the other side of the door, Alia was seething with anger. In her opinion, the elder Harrington had no scruples.
"He was the one acting like a perfect monster with his brother and now he wants to play the good prince? By the wolves of heaven, what a hypocrite! Does he really think I'm going to sympathize with him?" she thought.
The hybrid grunted and sat down angrily on the ground. She was angry. She didn't believe this man. Still, her mind kept playing tricks on her, making her remember his last sentence. Her natural curiosity led her to wonder what had happened between Ryan and this so-called slave. This was then the priority in her thoughts.
Alia left her room a few minutes later and went to the kitchen to get her meal specially made for her. Since her arrival, she preferred to eat there rather than in the dining room where she would be alone and uncomfortable. Besides, she was afraid to meet the king there.
She sat down at one of the small tables. One of the slaves came and brought her meal, which consisted of only beef. When he served her, she spoke to him but received no answer.
- Please, do you know a certain Aliya?
Still no answer. So she held her by the wrist.
- ‶I don't know who she is. Excuse me," she replied, freeing herself from his grip.
Despite the fact that she trusted Ryan, this story was bothering her. In the end, she finished her meat rather quickly and resolved to go for a walk with Ryan.
"And at the same time, ask him who Aliya can be. I hope it's nothing serious." At that thought, a lump knotted in her throat. A bad feeling gripped her heart as she walked down the dark hallway.
- You got here fast. I didn't think I'd see you for another hour.
He was sitting at his desk with a pen in his hand. He seemed to be writing a text.
- Yes. That's because I had an idea. Would you like to come for a walk with me?
- Do you think it's a good idea? It might be dangerous out there. I mean, maybe the wolves will try to get at you the first chance they get," he remarked, reluctantly.
- Don't worry. We won't go far. I promise.
She saw him put his quill on a pile of paper in front of him.
- Forgive me.
Her eyebrows furrowed.
- What do I have to forgive you for?
- I'm not strong enough to protect you, but you always look after me. You even stood up to Hiden... I feel so weak. I can't even protect the one I love. On the contrary, it is she who comes to my rescue. Sometimes I think I don't deserve you.
Memories of his discussion with Hiden came back to him. It wasn't just the oldest child in the family who thought he was insignificant; Ryan also had a low opinion of himself. The sight made him feel bad.
"I promised to protect you from everyone, no matter what. But, I didn't think that I also had to protect you from yourself, to give you back so that you wouldn't be ashamed of yourself anymore."
Alia then felt guilty and the intention to ask about the famous Aliya took the water. She thought that this must be a way for Hiden to stir up trouble between her and her friend.
She knelt down beside him and took his hands.
- You are not weak, Ryan. You are. You're strong because of who you are.
- No, I'm not. I just...
- Just hear me out. What I like about you is your sweetness and that innocent look you have all the time. If you were to change and become some kind of Hercules, I would be disappointed. Besides, I don't doubt that you can become physically stronger…
- Writer
