Chapter 8
1166 Words
The next day, Onyx was summoned to the king’s office. By the time he arrived, King Bayu was sitting on the large oak chair behind his desk and Princess Lili was launching in the plush velvet chair beside him.
“Come in, Lord Bell. Sit.” King Bayu said, gesturing towards one of the wooden chairs across from his desk.
“Good morning, my king, my lady.” He bowed before taking his seat.
“First order of business, you will need to move into the palace by the end of the day,” King Bayu began, “And cease your employment in the kitchen. You will begin your royal training immediately. There is a room being prepared for you on the royal floor, down the hall from Lili’s.”
Onyx was taken aback. He knew that things were going to change, he just wasn’t prepared for how quickly it would all happen.
“You and Lili will spend the first week getting to know each other properly before the royal duties will commence.” King Bayu continued,
“Oh, a week? How generous.” Lili interrupted with a sour expression.
Bayu sighed and turned towards his niece.
“Something to say?”
“Yes,” She replied bluntly, “Lord Bell and I were raised in the same castle, this is true, but we have no experiences with one another. We will take as much time as is required to get to know each other before he’s thrust into his own royal duties and certainly before we are thrust into our joint responsibilities.” She said matter-of-factly.
“The people will expect a mating ceremony.” Uncle Bayu said,
“And they will have one, when their princess and future prince is ready for it.” She replied.
The word hit Onyx like a brick wall. Prince.
“What say you, Lord Bell?” King Bayu suddenly said, looking towards Onyx who had been silent throughout the conversation.
“I’m happy to serve however I’m needed and will obey my mate’s wishes.” He answered smartly.
Bayu threw back his head and laughed whole heartily.
“Smart man,” He chuckled, “As you wish, Lili.” He conceded, as he so often did, to his niece.
Lili smiled smugly.
“Thank you, Uncle.”
“But, you must make a clear and obvious effort. There will be an end to this courting period, Lili, and you will need to hold a mating ceremony. We cannot keep the realm waiting forever.” He added with a stern look.
“Yes, fine.” Lili waved his concerns off.
“Lord Bell, your family will also be taken care of. Should your father wish, he will not be required to work any longer and will be provided with the best accommodations; either a home of his own or an apartment on the royal floor.” King Bayu said, turning his attention back to Onyx.
Onyx laughed at the idea of his father accepting a hand-out from the king of the Fae himself.
“Thank you, your grace, that is very generous of you. I will pass the offer along to my father, however I am quite sure he will choose to continue his work. He takes great pride in being the realm’s chief.” Onyx said,
“I understand. Your official title, for now, will be Lord Bell. Once you two have an official ceremony, you will become the crown prince.” Bayu continued, “You’ll find a new wardrobe ready for you in your room.”
Onyx looked over his clothes. He was wearing his usual uniform: silk dress pants and a button up coat. He looked like any other servant in the palace.
“Yes, sir.” He nodded, not sure what else to say.
“Come on.” Lili sighed, standing up and effectively ending the meeting.
One of her guards scurried to open the office door for her as she moved swiftly across the room. Onyx stood slowly and looked towards the king, afraid to leave without being properly dismissed. Bayu chuckled and waved his hand,
“You better get moving.” He said,
Onyx bowed and hurried after the princess, who was already out the door and moving down the hallway.
She had two guards flanking her and Onyx had to fight his way through them to get to her side.
“You’re going to have to speak up if you’re going to keep up.” Lili said suddenly, catching Onyx’s attention, “A quiet future king won’t do.”
“Yes, your grace.” Onyx mumbled.
Lili sighed and stopped abruptly, nearly causing Onyx to fall over his feat at the sudden stop. The guards behind them were so used to her erratic behavior that they didn't even react, they simply sidestepped the couple and stood on either side of the hallway, waiting for them to be on the move again.
“My name is Lili. I am your mate and you should address me as Lili.” She said, sounding annoyed.
Onyx took a deep breath and finally began to relax, inhaling the calming scent of his mate. He studied her mischievous eyes and warm face, gathering his thoughts before he spoke,
“But, you are also my princess.” He spoke in a voice that did not come from a place of loyalty but from somewhere else.
His eyes devoured her body, looking her up and down before coming to rest on her face. He stepped forward so their bodies were only inches from each other and their height difference became painfully obvious. The top of her head only reached up to his chin, so she had to look up stubbornly to meet his gaze. He lifted his hand and brushed a stray curl from her face, grazing the back of his knuckles across her cheek,
“My Lili.” He whispered.
Lili shuttered at the contact and felt herself immediately catch fire. Desire twisted inside her chest and stomach, her cheeks flaming a deep red color. She cleared her throat awkwardly and took a step back, needing to get control of herself.
“Come.” She said in a strained voice, turning away from him to continue down the hallway.
He laughed at her reaction but followed after her obediently.
“If I were a jealous man, I might take offense to the men following you around all day.” Onyx said after a moment of silence.
Lili rolled her eyes and barely spared her guards a glance.
“Get used to it. You’ll have your own shadows soon enough.” She said, “This way.” She led the way up the steps.
They entered the royal wing of the palace and she opened one of the heavy looking walnut doors. Inside was exactly what you’d think a royal chamber would look like. Dark woods, velvet reds, navy blues, satin greens, masculine woodwork, and a roaring fireplace.
- Writer
