Elara's POV
"Take a look at his back." I said when I finally got myself under control. If I was back at Selthera, I might have knelt at the base of the Queen's stone castle and refused to move until she granted me audience and I could rail about the injustice of her punishment. I couldn't even put a call through to her, not even I could demand a portion of her time. My heart beat faster as the feeling of being stuck in a cage became overwhelming and I forced myself to focus. The prince turned and my aunt frowned and peered closer at his back.
"These runes... they look vaguely familiar...!" Her sharp intake of air made my hackles rise and I stomped closer, a shiver of dread rustling through me despite myself.
"What is it?" I asked.
"I've seen these runes before but... never on a human body though." She whispered, her voice tinged with horror. The dread increased. My aunt was a collector and a researcher. She travelled far and wide and collected knowledge like some humans collected money. Even the Witch Queen often consulted with her when she was confounded by something. She had seen so many things in her two hundred years of life and never once had I ever seen her face drain of color.
"Where did you see them?" The prince asked but in that commanding way of his and I nearly groaned. If he kept on talking like we were all his subjects, ready to do his bidding, he might find himself transformed into a toad by my aunt and unlike the fabled human fairytale, not a single damsel's kiss would reverse her powerful magic. I opened my mouth to smoothen his command but my aunt was not even looking at either of us, like she didn't even hear his command. She looked troubled, her frown deepening imperceptibly.
"Verity?" I asked and she snapped back to attention.
"You are Prince..?"
"Kian." He replied.
"Prince Kian, where did you get these runes?" She asked.
"I was born with them." He said and if it was possible, her face paled further.
"Verity, what are those runes?" I demanded, more disturbed by the second. I wasn't sure of it before, but it felt more and more like I stepped into some real nasty business here.
"Has it always been like this? Or has it grown?"
"Yes, I hear it was just at my neck when I was born. It grew to cover my back." He replied, eyes narrowing at her. "My father called a few witches discretely to look at it when I was little but none ever figured out what it was. But you know don't you? What is it?"
"What kind of dreams do you usually have?" She asked again and the prince shrugged.
"I rarely sleep and I rarely dream." He replied casually, too casually I observed, looking between them.
"And when you do dream? What do you see?" Verity persisted.
"Crazy things. I see alot of fire, there are screams... I don't sleep often." He shifted on his feet, uncomfortable for the first time since I met him. "What does this all mean?"
"Elara dear, I have to go. I must check out a few things."
"Wait! What of the runes-" I lurched forward, trying to keep her pale image with us but she ended it, disappearing like smoke and leaving only empty space where she formerly stood. I glanced at the Prince who looked like he was deep in thought, a line of worry on his brow.
"That was... not hasty at all. Judging by her expression before you left, I'd say you are dying, Royal Asshole. I'm willing to bet you don't even have a year left." All things considered, this was a welcome development. I may not even have to lift a finger, just sip my whiskey and watch as the dark magic in his blood killed him off. It was even remarkable that he survived this long,
The worry disappeared from his brow, replaced by annoyance as he glared at me.
"This has been on my back since birth and I'm not dead yet am I?" He bared his teeth at me in a feral smile. "And you had better pray I survive the year or have you forgotten? If I die you die, Witch."
My shit-eating grin died and I glared at him. He was right. I forgot and remembering how thoroughly the Witch Queen screwed me over once again sent a growl ripping from my throat. I had to keep this bastard alive for five years... and after that he was fair game.
"I will make you regret accepting this deal." I promised him and he gave me a shitty grin right back.
"You are welcome to try."
Such arrogance, a year was nothing. I could certainly bid my time until the day came when he was no longer protected from me.
"I will have your most opulent chambers, and my attendants must be of quiet disposition." I said finally and turned to leave.
"When will we hear back from her?" He asked and I shrugged.
"When she is ready." I replied. It could be hours or it could be days, even weeks before we hear from her again. I didn't bother trying to reconnect our call because I knew she wouldn't answer.
"My chambers will be on the opposite wing from yours." I continued.
"No." He replied and I glanced at him.
"Did you say something?" My voice dared him to repeat it.
"Your chambers will be directly opposite my own where I can keep a close watch on you." He said and I laughed.
"Do you think yourself capable of policing a witch's movements?" I asked.
"I'll damn well try." He replied and I nodded.
"Fine, as long as you can provide the blood I need every day. Any human male will do."
"What?" He blurted and stared at me with growing revulsion.
"No? You can also spare your people and offer yourself in their stead." I cooed, relishing the stain of horror in those proud eyes.
"What?!" He was obviously astounded. "You actually drink human blood?" He asked.
I didn't. That particular fable originated from people that watched witches tear their enemies throat out with their teeth. We didn't need the blood for sustenance but the expression on his face was pure gold.
"I'll take the far wing." I concluded.
"You will not hunt my people like rats!" He snarled and I stilled.
I bit my lips to keep from pointing out that they were truly like rats, these fragile tiresome creatures that were obsessed with their own self-importance.
"You'll take me instead." He said with utmost reluctance and I huffed a laugh.
"Such a matyr." I replied. "Be ready for me at midnight then." I said and left, hiding the wicked smile that tilted my lips.