His Forsaken Luna-Chapter 59: Khave (2)

Kharis’ mouth dropped open, unable to deny my question yet still shocked that I didn’t hold back. Tilting my head, I add, "Didn’t you call Faidon heartless-"

"That’s two out of so many!" Kharis interrupts with a wave of his hand as if we weren’t discussing the Alpha Prince’s character or his shadows.

"Alright... I won’t judge..." I trail off after seeing Kharis’ arched eyebrow. "Anymore."

This wasn’t exactly what I wanted to discuss. But I was not lying. Despite knowing so much about Eryx’s past actions, I kept an open mind toward the Southern Weres. There had been small moments between us that had been chipping away at me, like when we were ice skating or the times the Alpha Prince comforted me.

He seemed softer, kinder, warmer. I won’t deny that it did mess with my mind somewhat, but I still had to remain vigilant. He was blackmailing me.

Kharis still stared at me like he didn’t believe me and said, "Once power is gained, it is hard to keep. You cannot be kind to everyone lest they walk all over you. You only know what you have been told from rumours and reports from your people about Alpha Prince Eryx. Like what we have heard about you... Not all rumours and reports have been true."

I did not expect words of wisdom from the likes of Kharis and first thing in the morning without any tea or this ’khave’ in my body. "You are right. But is there a reason why you are pushing this so hard? I must admit... it does make me suspicious of you." I meant to say it in jest, but my tone wasn’t right, and Kharis’ eyes widened.

He waved his hands. "I just want us all to get along! So I can return to where it’s warm, you know?!"

"Pfft." I shook my head at his panic.

The door to the study opened, and Cohnal entered with a large purple-dyed pouch in his hands. "Is he disturbing you, Your Highness?" He glared in Kharis’ direction.

"No, he is a delight," I smile.

"See!" Kharis grinned, gesturing towards me with his hand. Pointing and gesturing were considered rude, but I felt no offence by the Were.

"Really?" Cohnal didn’t look convinced. He came forward and placed the purple-dyed pouch on the desk. Whatever was inside clinked as it was placed down.

Cohnal started unravelling it and removed a round copper tray with two matching copper cups on saucers and a small, long-handled pot, copper too, all with matching simple floral designs. I leaned forward, staring at the designs and the steam wafting from the small pot with the long handle.

A rich and sweet smell permeated the air. Inhaling the scent alone invigorated the senses. "Is this... Khave?" I look to Cohnal and Kharis.

Kharis grins, and Cohnal nods once before stepping away as though to leave. "Will you not join us?" I don’t know when I started to become so sociable, but I felt guilty about forcing him here with this tray to then only leave.

He is a Beta. I’m surprised he accepted Kharis’ order. Or did that work differently in Sun and Fury too?

Cohnal bows his head, placing a hand on his chest. "Thank you for the invitation, Your Highness, but I cannot stay. I do hope you enjoy the khave."

I nod back as Kharis scoffs at his Beta. "You still sound like a sap. Stop with the formalities. The Princess hasn’t scolded me, you know."

Cohnal glared at him as he backed away to the door. "That is because Her Highness is being kind to a guest. Do not get it twisted." His words were then followed by more scolding in Solfyran before he bowed again and closed the door behind him.

Kharis huffed and began pouring the Khave from the small pot into the two cups, then gestured for me to take one. "Careful, Princess. It might burn your tongue."

I brought the cup to my lips at the same time Kharis did and took a tentative sip. My eyes widened as flavours burst along my tongue and senses. If there was poison in this, I wouldn’t even blink or care!

My hand covered my mouth as I gazed into the cup like it might hold the key to everything. It was so different from what I’d been brought up with. I always drank tea even though I could barely stomach it. Well, maybe it was the poisoned drinks I’d had from Deyanira over the years, and my taste buds had since been destroyed.

Not now, though. This was so rich with flavour that I wanted to sink into a seat and close my eyes to enjoy it more. Even my heart thumped quickly.

Kharis chuckled, and I glanced up to see him watching me. "Ah, I feel bad. Eryx missed such a treat."

"The khave?" I question, dumbfounded. Did he not drink this in his kingdom?

Kharis smirked. "Yes... The khave..."

I sensed he was implying more, but I paid little mind as I embraced this riveting flavour, sipping on the khave, careful not to drink the hot liquid too quickly. A small smile I couldn’t contain tugged on my lips as I sat back in my chair, hands curled around the cup, enjoying the warmth and aroma of the drink.

"This really is delicious," I murmur, smelling the brew again.

"Would I lie to you?" Kharis smirked, and I paused, putting the cup to my lips. I wouldn’t know. I didn’t actually know this man. He was a joy to be around, but there had been a moment earlier when he’d been logical and straight to the point, and all his charm and smiles dropped.

Kharis was one of Eryx’s men. Maybe he had been sent to me to make me drop my guard? For what reason I couldn’t fathom as of yet. I was still trying to stay above water with the current situations.

There was still the other possibility, which was entirely normal—Kharis wasn’t always such a fun-loving guy. No one could possibly be so bright and happy all the time.

Once the khave was all gone, Kharis placed the empty cups on their saucers and tied up the bag around the copper ensemble. He rose, holding the purple bag, looking down at me with a soft gaze. "No rumours have spread about what happened yesterday... Although..."

I froze, unable to blink as I stared back at the Southern Were. "There are many rumours now about how close the Alpha Prince from Sun and Fury and Princess of Ice and Claws have been getting close."

I blew out a breath and glared at him. "I thought you were going to tell me something important."

Kharis grinned, turning away in a flourish. "Is it not important that rumours circulate about your love?"

My eyes narrowed.

Ugh. It is better than a war breaking out between kingdoms. I am fortunate that Eryx did not desire for news of the assassination attempt to spread. The setup could have ignited a war. Maybe the Prince does wish for peace. The Alpha Prince who killed his siblings to be Alpha Heir? Surely not.

No, he has his own agenda and this doesn’t fall into his schemes.

"Has the rumours caused a stir among the nobles?" I question instead.

"Those peacocks always seem to be so startled." Kharis snorted. "What doesn’t stir them? I expected all Northern Weres to be as barbaric as they are in battle and pillaging our lands."

"Pillaging?" My head snaps back to him as I frown. "We do not pillage."

Kharis stares back at me, eyes hard. "I do not lie, Princess."

I look down, unable to hold his stare. We always fought with the Southern Weres over the border. I do not doubt Kharis believes my warriors have raided the Sun and Fury lands, but he is mistaken. We have only ever protected ourselves.

It is the Southern Weres who have hungered for more territory. I do not understand why, though. They have made it quite clear whilst being in the palace that they do not favour our winter.

His words and what little I have seen of the Southern Weres makes me wonder more about the constant ongoing fights. For now, at least, while their Alpha Prince is in our territory, there is peace among our lands.