Buff, Natters, MissMeganJane – You are my heroes. :) And Buff, I try :)
Disclaimer – I still own nothing.
Chapter 4 ~ Cover up in the third degree
Eveska lay beside the sleeping form of the Prince, trying to piece together what had just happened. Well, in physical terms, she knew what had just happened, and knew very well that such a primitive and brutal act had never before meant what it just had. What was this connection? How was it possible? A thousand other thoughts spun through her mind, but one thought came to the forefront – She had to get out of there and fast. Make Jakeem think she had done it. But she couldn't. Not now. They needed to be as far away from the palace as humanly possible before Jakeem discovered the truth. She knew he would send someone else to do the job, and beat her within an inch of her life, but it didn't matter now.
And that's what scared her the most. Bring on the beatings, the ridicule, the utter humiliation among her tribe. None of it mattered now. Her few brief moments of bliss, of pure happiness, would be what saw her though the rest of her days.
But the simple fact remained – For him to live, she had to escape now.
Eveska slid out from under the Prince's protective arm, donning the thin costume that had put her brother up in arms in the first place. She glanced down at him once more, his features sharp in the rising moonlight. Grabbing the sapphire comb from the bed, she turned to take a step, only to feel herself stopped by some invisible force. She turned back slowly, climbing on the edge of the soft bed to place one final kiss on his lips. Less satisfied than before, she leapt off the bed, taking a few steps before a very real force stopped her. She turned quickly to catch the mischievous glint flashing in the eyes of the Prince, who had a firm hold of one of the veils falling from her waist.
"Where are you off to in such a rush?" he asked quietly.
"Your Highness, I –"
"Call me Rizq," he said. "A man can only take so much 'Your Highness' for one day before he starts to lose his mind and forget his own name." Eveska smiled, but it was short lived as each passing moment endangered his life further.
"Rizq, I have to go."
"That's it?"
"My brother will be waiting for me. He's probably already wondering what's become of me." *And why there's not any blood on me,* she thought. Rizq looked at her quizzically, sitting up slowly.
"Yes, I guess we mustn't keep your brother waiting." He tossed the covers aside, reaching for his strewn clothing. "Hold a moment, and I'll walk with you."
"No!" Eveska cried out, causing the Prince to turn suddenly. "I mean, you really needn't put yourself out. I'm quite capable of walking myself out."
He wanted to question the outburst, but thought better of it. Perhaps it was simply a family thing. "Well, can I see you again? Tonight?" She felt her heart sink into the pit of her stomach, trying to hold back the strange sensation of tears prickling her eyes.
"I...I can't," she said, turning to run from the room. Rizq leapt over the bed, catching up to her as her hand landed on the handle of the door. He grabbed her arm, pulling her back to him.
"Eveska, what is it? Is it your brother?"
"Yes...and no..." She pulled away from him, covering her face to hide the weakness escaping. She sank to her knees, her Prince following suit.
"Eveska, my rose, look at me," he said, pulling her hands from her face, gently wiping the tears away with his thumb. "I've had dozens of suitresses come though, from princesses to high priestesses, you name it. But none of them have been able to place me under the spell that you have. Please. Tell me I can see you again." She made the terrible mistake of looking into his eyes; the very strength within her body draining away.
"I...I will try." She sniffled slightly before picking herself up off the floor, trying to muster what remained of her strewn dignity. She forced a smile, turning to the closed door. "I promise," she added before slipping out into the dark hall.