Heart Over Sword-Chapter 262: Lyvarian Court Drama (3)

With Evanna’s hand placed on Edric’s arm, she felt a lot more stares directed at her. It did not help with the growing feeling that everything was crumbling to pieces around her. Although her first impression of Edric was not great, she was grateful for his assistance. He kept her grounded as he led her to a balcony beside the great hall.

Evanna inhaled deeply, enjoying the feel of the cold air filling her lungs as she stepped upon the balcony that overlooked the valley between the mountains. The view was breathtaking. To her right, she could also see a partial view of the banquet. Courtiers were dancing and feasting.

It was cold. She should have expected it, especially with the sheer, lightweight material of her dress that barely covered her body.

Evanna’s shoulders sagged down upon the new weight of a coat plonked on top of her shoulders. She looked behind her, wide-eyed at Edric’s action.

Edric’s eyes narrowed. "*I am not that much of a prick.*

Evanna couldn’t help but arch her eyebrow. Edric’s lips quirked at that.

"*If you need any assistance in returning, I will wait in the corridor.*" Edric bowed his head once more and started to leave.

"*That is unnecessary.*" Evanna started to take the coat off her shoulders, but Edric shook his head, making her pause. Without another word, he left her there.

The princess turned back to the mountains. This balcony wasn’t safe, but she could see why it was her mother’s spot. Pulling the coat tighter over her shoulders, Evnana took slow steps as the king and queen’s words returned to her.

Selvin was her father. The previous king, who she believed to be her uncle. It didn’t make sense, though. How could he be? The years of her parents, of the king and Loraven meeting every two weeks. And why?

Why would they make her biological father a secret? Evanna bit the inside of her cheek as she thought of the purpose of such a ruse. IF it was indeed a ruse.

Would she be protected if Osian pretended to be her father? If anything, it put targets on their backs. Or was it because nobody would believe Selvin and her mother married and she fell pregnant with his child before his death? There had to be a reason why Loraven never returned to Lyvaria.

Evanna released a long sigh. She couldn’t possibly know unless she heard it straight from her mother or from more than a few sources. She was sure Fiza was still in the palace.

"That was a long sigh."

Evanna’s head whipped to the side so quickly at the familiar newcomer’s voice. She glared at the Demon Prince, her muscles tensing the more he walked onto the balcony. His golden eyes shone like luminescent coins under the moonlight.

That dark golden hair was fresh and clean, pulled back in its usual knot at the back of his head. His stubble along his jaw and cheeks accentuated his bone structure, and the scar she left on his lip made his features look more intimidating. Unlike Evanna and her company, the Demon Prince did not change into colourful elven attire; no, his was all black.

Evanna didn’t notice earlier. She was too astonished at seeing him beside her to notice his clothing.

"You have come a long way, Evanna," Conrad added as he stopped before her, his broad and tall frame towering over her.

"So have you," Evanna replied, her tone clipped as her hands gripped the jacket around her shoulders.

"Are you okay?" Conrad asked, his expression full of concern.

Evanna scoffed, stepping away from him and looking at the snowy mountains again. "Am I okay..." she mumbled under her breath.

"I overheard..." Conrad trailed off; he didn’t need to explain more; the princess knew what he was referring to.

Even he needed a moment to collect himself at the table. If Evanna was Selvin’s daughter, Selvin’s legitimate daughter, then she had more right to the throne of Dunhurst. That was if they did not have a rule against women ruling. But if Evanna were to marry him, the next northern king, she would have even more power and allies just because she was a legitimate child to the crown.

Conrad may have kept a straight face as his thoughts raced about Evanna and her bloodline, but he knew one person at that table could see through his act. The elven prince knew something was wrong. Of course, he would, from the way he was watching Evanna so closely and then observing Conrad’s reaction once she left the hall.

Arawn was very observant. Conrad was surprised he wasn’t here before him. But he merely watched as Conrad left moments after in search of Evanna.

"Of course you did." Evanna looked over her shoulder when she heard his footsteps approaching. "Conrad, why are you here?"

She did not wish to speak to him about the possibility Osian was not her father but her deceased uncle, the previous king.

"Are you not pleased to see me?" He tried teasing, but it fell on deaf ears.

"I will be here but a day, if not two, before returning to Dunhurst. And it will not be with you. So why go so far?" She held his gaze unwavering, waiting expectantly. They were mostly always truthful with each other. She did not expect any less now.

Conrad took another step towards her. Evanna did not move. There was no more space on the balcony, and even if there was, she would not back away like the prince was a threat to her, nor would she allow herself to be trapped against a wall or nearly fall to her death because of him. Both required him to be in close contact with her.

"I told you," Conrad’s voice dropped, deepening with the intensity of his eyes. "I want a queen, an empress, someone strong and someone I love."

"You don’t know the meaning of that word." Evanna’s eyes narrowed before she looked to the floor. She did not want to fight with him, nor did she want to hurt his feelings, even after everything that had happened between them.

She flicked her gaze back to meet his. "Do not waste your precious time chasing after me. As you do, your enemies grow stronger. Your father and brother will already be wary of your influence and power. Return to Hatherland..."

Evanna couldn’t make herself say, ’Return to Hatherland and follow with your plans. Commit treason, kill the king.’ Even thinking it made a chill run down her spine. She knew they were horrid to Conrad, and he wanted power, but it was still something she couldn’t comprehend.

But it was Conrad’s path. A path she would not follow him down.

Conrad took one final step to Evanna, making her a little wary of what he would do next. "This is why I need you. This," he tapped on the side of her temple as he leaned towards her. "Anyone could give me an heir, but you could rule equally by my side."

His hand slid down to cup the side of her face. Evanna was frozen for a second, believing he might try to kiss her, but he looked hesitant. Her hand moved to his, and she gently pulled it away from her face. "I am not yours. Nor will I ever be."

Conrad began to speak, but she interrupted him abruptly. "I forgave you. This is not about rebuilding trust, and I am not living in the past. Neither should you... My heart belongs to Prince Arawn."

Hurt washed over his face like he’d been shot in the heart with an arrow. He staggered back a few steps, visibly shaken, and pressed his hand to his forehead. She’d never expressed herself so openly before about feelings, especially about a man. A man that was not him.

A pang of guilt enveloped Evanna as she witnessed Conrad’s hurt expression, something she had never seen before. Then she reminded herself that there was nothing to feel guilty about. She was in love with Arawn, and there was nothing to feel sorry for. It was for the best, she told Conrad and hoped this would finally put an end to his pursuit of her.

Conrad’s hand slowly wiped down his face, his expression hardening as he gazed at her, his eyes burning. "Your heart might belong to him, but there will be a marriage between us. I have made it so." His voice was harsh as an icy countenance fell over him.

Evanna scoffed. The Demon Prince was putting on his Demon act, expecting his intimidation to make her tremble and accept his words. "I do not accept. And when I return to Dunhurst, I will make it so..."

Conrad’s deep, dark chuckle made her trail off. There was a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Much like your schemes, I do not only have one plan.." He stepped towards her, and she almost stepped back, feeling his aura crash over her. She fought against the feeling. freewёbnoνel-com

"You need the gem... And I have it." He reached out, this time his hand rough on her chin. "I made a deal with King Nuvian days before your arrival."

Evanna’s heart sank, and ice coursed through her veins, making her face grow pale. "You would really do that to me, Conrad? You would wave my mother’s love before me as a bargaining chip?"

His hardened expression slipped for a moment at the wobble of her lip and tears in her eyes. But he wouldn’t be shaken about this. Not when he was so close. "I have done what is needed. I’m not a good man. But with you by my side, you can keep me in check."

This was all so much to take in. First, her best friend died, then her father might be her uncle, and now this. Evanna moved her head to the side out of his tight grip and glared at him.

"You will make me hate you."

"But you will be by my side. Time heals-"

"This wound would not heal. It would fester," Evanna snapped, feeling enraged by the prince before her. Something snapped, and the darker force inside of her burst free. She locked onto his gaze and zeroed in on his mind. "You will not go through with this, Conrad. You will give me the gem!"

Her gift blew over him with force so strong he stepped back.

"Sweetheart... That doesn’t work on me," He smirked. "That was really something, though."

Evanna felt the beginning of a nosebleed and realised she must have depleted her powers. Conrad extended a handkerchief to her, but she snatched it away from him while maintaining an intense glare.

"Her gift might not work. But mine does."

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