His Forsaken Luna-Chapter 61: Like Stardust (2)

She shines brighter than any star or moon.

I despise the way they look at her.

Touch and lose your fingers.

Look, and that sight might be the last you see.

They are nothing. She is everything.

Everything to the plan, nothing more...

⋆⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺⋆

Standing at the top of the stairs before the Grand Ballroom, my hand rested in the crook of Eryx’s arm. We looked quite the pair. One in starlight and the other in black and gold, the lighter colour matching mine. Unlike the masquerade night, Eryx wore attire seemingly more like from his own land.

If not for the small gem dangling from a cord around his throat, I would question how he was able to walk around with so few layers on. He wore a high-collared black leather tunic tailored with sharp, commanding lines. The padded shoulders gleamed a light shimmer of gold along the darkness extending down to his mid-thigh.

Gold chains gracefully drape across his chest and cascade along his waist symmetrically. Crystal-like beads and pendants like stars, rings and other celestial designs dangle along the material. A thick belt cinches his waist, embossed in golden filigree, extending into vertical pleats down the belt into a pleated skirt, stopping mid-thigh.

Loose sirwal trousers follow down to his boots. His hair was left dishevelled, but it also seemed to be styled that way. The Alpha Prince of Sun and Fury looked exotic compared to everyone else in the hall. It was certainly a statement that glued everyone’s eyes on us.

Eryx grumbled. "If I’d known everyone would look at you like so, I would not have dressed you up."

"Is that a compliment?" I question, tilting my head to look up at the man they were truly staring at.

"I want to hide you away from everyone," he continues, his sharp eyes flicking back to the masses down the long stairs.

"Hmmm, I’d prefer my freedom, thank you very much," I state, then lean closer to him and whisper. "It is you they stare at, Your Highness."

Eryx frowned down at me. "Clearly, it is not." His hand cups my cheek as his gaze lowers. "Have I told you just how exquisite you look tonight?"

"Two compliments," I whisper breathily, his touch inciting sparks along my cheek and lowering along my chest. "What have you done with the Barbaric Alpha Prince everyone knows?"

Eryx scoffed. "I have been told to be on my best behaviour."

"Told?" My brow arches. "You... An Alpha..."

Eryx smirked, dropping his hand. "Cohnal does have his ways..." His eyes twinkled at the mention of his Beta, and I found myself mirroring his expression. I haven’t known them a long time, but it is clear they are close, and Cohnal, Beta or not, could scold his Alpha Prince without repercussions.

Was that normal? Or did I expect the worst because of their reputation?

Someone behind us cleared their throat, nudging us to go down into the throes of the nobility. I looked behind me, my cheeks heating, when I realised Theo stood behind us in his servant’s attire, chin tilted slightly down, but it was clear he’d been watching our interaction. Eryx guided me down before I could say anything to him, and I faced forward again, ensuring I didn’t trip down the stairs in these heels.

As soon as we were on the floor, I sighed in relief. Not everyone was watching us now. Oh, I could still feel eyes burning into me, but not everyone could see us on the same level as them now. Well, mostly, Eryx was such a giant that he stood out even without his good looks and choice of clothes.

Strolling forward as a pair, many watched but did not interact with us. They backed away, creating a path for us. I preferred it. Whenever I had to attend these gatherings, Deyanira or her posse would cause scenes where I would be left humiliated, or it worked in the Queen Mother’s favour.

"What is the purpose of this Eryx?" I ask quietly, aware the Alpha Prince will not explain the intricate details of us in public.

Before he could answer, someone called out my name. "Ida." My head snaps up at my brother’s voice.

Alaric is scowling at us. Is it because I am not wearing the dress he sent?

"Your Majesty." I bow my head, aware that Eryx does not do the same courtesy.

Alaric doesn’t comment on it even while others glare in his direction. My brother wears a navy blue suit with white fur draped over one shoulder, a silver chain holding it to his body. I feel tiny standing beside Eryx and Alaric.

He steps closer, the scowl not leaving his face as he looks between us, behind us and searches our surroundings. "Where is Sir Soren?"

I freeze at the question. Eryx goes deadly still, those green eyes locked on Alaric, sharp, almost trying to dissect him for answers.

"He has been called away," I murmur, my voice a little too quiet, unwillingly answering my brother.

Alaric’s head snaps back to me. "He is your knight-"

"He cannot decline a royal command," I interrupt softly, even while my heart squeezes and pounds aggressively against my chest. It was a sickening feeling.

Alaric straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he registered what I said. "Mother took him?"

I bow my head.

"I’m surprised it has taken you this long to notice your beloved sister has been without a guard for so long," Eryx says, his voice deeper, eyes shimmering a little.

What did that mean?

Alaric glared at him. "What is that supposed to mean, Southerner?"

"Maybe you should take better care of your sister-"

"Woah." I step between them. "Let’s calm down here." I look between them and the rigidness of their bodies.

Alaric glowers down at me. "This guy? Really?"

"I mean...." There wasn’t much choice in the matter, but I cannot say that. "Eryx is just being protective-"

"Eryx?" Alaric demands, looking behind me at the Were who is close to my back. "And I am not protective?"

"You could do better." Eryx leans closer, head lowering a little so they are eye to eye. His body is warming my own from behind.

"Enough!" I snap before anything else can be said.

Didn’t Eryx want peace? This was no way to go about it!