9. Chapter 9

OPHELIA

"Was it worth it?" Someone sneers from behind me as I step into the courtyard after a long, peaceful walk from Juliette's room. The sheer clink of diamonds and rubies alerts me to just who is behind me. I knew that my last few moments with Juliette wouldn't go unnoticed. Everyone is on runaway princess watch and while my brothers tried to shield my detour to her window, there are many that would bend to King William's will at the mere threat of punishment.

Climbing into her bedroom was a mistake but I won't apologize for the way she melted against me, the way she uttered my name, or the way she was able to relax and fall asleep. I didn't miss the dried tears on her cheeks or the lingering uncertainty in her expression. Queen Helvania put that there and I won't let it continue.

I let out a deep breath and turn around to face her. "Yes, it was. She's precious and deserves everything she desires."

The queen scoffs, two of her guards clad in armor standing behind her. "Desiring you is not a benefit to her crown. You should know better than to put your hands on royalty and yet you willingly did it. King William is furious to know that Kusovania can't follow simple rules."

I want to bite my tongue but I also don't want to lose. I give into temptation, knowing that I will pay for every last word coming from my mouth. Raising my head, I make eye contact with her, her shock growing as I disrespect the royal traditions. However, she is not my queen so I don't feel the need to treat her with the same respect I give Queen Daniela. "Queen Helvania, those rules are King William's, not Kusovania's. Princess Juliette has not publicly made her choice and therefore I am not in the wrong for spending time with her."

"Seriously? You must be an idiot to think so. I know for a fact that King William asked that no one touch her until she makes her choice."

"He did. However, Juliette is the owner of her body, not her father. She controls who touches and who does not. And an hour ago, it was I she wanted to touch her." Maybe I shouldn't have added that last piece but I want Queen Helvania to truly understand who has Juliette's heart. This obviously isn't what Seraphina meant by standing between King William and Juliette but it'll do.

Queen Helvania chuckles, shaking her head. She doesn't speak, though, and I realize that it's because she's said what she needed to. The added clink of jewels has me twisting around to see King William joining our small gathering in the courtyard and I hold my breath, waiting for his verdict now that he knows who was with his daughter.

I do well to bow my head and clasp my hands behind my back but I still catch the fury growing in his eyes. "You dared to touch my daughter when I asked you not to. You thought you were worthy of her? Or did you think that you would be able to defile my royal heir and somehow gain status? You are pathetic, as much of this country is. A peaceful country? No one has use for that. You need to be tough and strong. You need to be able to weather the storms." He tsks and kicks at the gravel by my feet. "Your vile hands touched my daughter and for what? You don't even have anything to offer her!"

I swallow and then let out a shuddering breath. "All I have to offer is my sword." Whether they take it away or ask me to fight, I would allow either to ensure Juliette's safety. All I want is to give her a choice. I need to be honest with myself, though. I have something else to offer that none of her other suitors do. "And my love for her and the desire to see her spread her wings. I want her to flourish, not live as a caged bird."

King William snorts. "Even that is laughable. But if that's all you have to offer, then I'll take it."

My head shoots up and I realize that his deal is nothing short of death. "What?"

"You beat my best men and I'll give you my daughter's hand. No, no, you started this. I told you hands off and you chose to disrespect me. If you want her so much, you'll show just how strong your love is by fighting for it. Tonight, if you survive, then I'll give you her hand at the gala tomorrow." He waves a hand and the two guards standing beside him come up to me with a silent apology before guiding me to my room.

I know a fight to the death when I see one but Kusovania outlawed them a few months after Queen Daniela took the throne. Unfortunately, Smunia hasn't rid themselves of such archaic trials and since it does not break any rules to enter into one, there is nothing that my country can do for me other than watch. While Queen Daniela could contest the fight's validity, the rules I've broken are Smunia's and as such I am to be punished by their royalty.

The need to see this through, to survive, burns hot in my soul. I might come out of that room crawling, barely living but I will give Juliette her choice. King William believes he is silencing what he thinks is a threat. Me? Challenge accepted.