54. Chapter 54

Chapter fifty-four

L ate morning light streamed in through the balcony doors. Feeling around, it was obvious the bed was empty of Nik. Glancing at the clock, Haven found she had just enough time to get ready for training. She would likely have to sprint in order to make it on time but that was better than arriving late.

A delicious ache pulsed between her thighs as she sat up. Haven smiled to herself, they definitely had some things to figure out but last night helped make things clearer. Nik may not believe he was worthy of being by her side but she'd do whatever he needed to help prove he was. Whether through marriage or more mind blowing sex.

Haven did not need Nik by her side, she knew that much, but the idea of him alone in his self loathing hurt something inside her Haven couldn't begin to describe. She wanted to help him heal, either for her or for himself.

Haven got ready in record time, slipping a crystal into her pocket to cover her scent before she left. She didn't mind if everyone she came across could scent Nik but she had a feeling he would.

The walk through the kitchens to grab breakfast and then to meet Tasha was quiet. It was early enough that not everyone was out of bed. Those that were, smiled and offered polite waves to Haven. Since finding out who she was, so far, most everyone had been respectful. She had a feeling if she actually went through with the wedding that that would change.

Finishing the last of the roll from breakfast, Haven stopped directly behind where Tasha was standing, waiting for the woman to turn and greet her like she always did.

"Is it true?" Tasha questioned, without even turning around.

"Is what true?" Haven asked.

Tasha finally turned to face Haven, the expression on her face more dire than usual.

"That you're getting married? To Nikolas DaMarrel?"

Haven rolled her eyes, of course people were already gossiping. At least Tasha wasn't being rude about it, like she suspected many others would.

"Where did you hear that?" Haven asked, avoiding answering Tasha's question.

"Some of the higher ranking staff have been talking. Apparently the crown regent is bringing in a priest and having a spot out in the woods prepared for an event that's taking place tomorrow night. A seamstress has also been ordered to fit a marriage gown with your measurements. I've shut down the rumors as much as I could but people won't believe it until you take your place on the throne six days from now, unwed."

"Well that's unlikely" Haven remarked under her breath. Tasha, of course, caught the words.

"Haven Grace Montali Rionach!" Tasha used her stern voice, setting off the warning bells in Havens head that told her to run very fast and very far from an angry Tasha. Tasha even used Havens new name, unsettling Haven further. It was slightly weird, in the human realm she'd thought her name was Haven Grace Moore. Turns out, her parents changed their names to better hide in the human realm. At first she hadn't known what to think about her new name but as time went on, Haven found she quite liked it.

Remembering that Tasha was standing in front of her, pissed off, Haven tried to defend herself,

"I had no choice!" She told her trainer, "His father threatened my friends, my family and then me!"

Tasha's gaze softened slightly, "Why don't you tell the council. They will likely throw him in the dungeon where he can be tried by a court of law."

Haven wished she'd thought of that before making her deal. Although she knew the crown regent wouldn't have simply let her go last night.

"I wish that were possible now. Even if I did, I would still have to marry Nik." Haven held up her hand to show Tasha the new scar where the deal magic had taken hold. Tasha gasped,

"That bastard!" She exclaimed, grabbing ahold of Havens hand and running a finger over the two inch long mark.

"I know. I'm not entirely sure Nik will even show tomorrow night. He's very against the whole thing." Haven stated. She was slightly nervous about what might happen if she showed and Nik didn't. Would the magic binding the deal harm her? She couldn't be sure but she had a feeling Nik would not let her deal with something like that on her own if he could help it.

Tasha ignored most of Havens statement to ask,

"You call him Nik? Is something more going on there?"

Haven could feel her blush rise to her cheeks as memories of last night, along with a couple others flashed through her mind.

"Ah ha!" Tasha exclaimed, "There is something happening. Is that why you come to training using a scent crystal sometimes?"

In seconds flat, Tasha had gone from her angry teacher to gossipy friend. Haven knew she'd never speak a word to anyone about whatever she was told so it felt safe to tell Tasha the truth,

"There is something going on. I don't know exactly what, but we did sleep together last night."

Tasha gasped,

"I knew it! I've seen him spying on our training occasionally. At first I thought he was checking out the competition, possibly for his father, but after a while I started suspecting something else was going on. He's never exactly wanted the throne, anyone with two eyes and enough sense knows that. I figured if his father wasn't making him report back with your progress then he was likely spying for personal reasons."

Havens blush spread, she had also noticed Nik spying on her sessions with Tasha and Elanor, she just didn't know anyone else had.

"So you are getting married then?" Tasha asked, calmer than when she'd asked a few minutes before .

Haven nodded, "I think so. I know I've been forced into it by his father but I am a little excited. Nik means something to me, I've denied it for awhile and while I probably wouldn't jump straight into marriage I am looking forward to getting to know him more."

Tasha nodded, accepting Havens feelings.

"How do you feel about him possibly becoming king?"

Haven thought for a second before responding,

"I've done enough research to know that he won't have much ruling power unless I abdicate mine to him and I think he'll like that. And as much as my training and lessons have prepared me, I'm looking forward to having a partner in this whole thing. Nik knows all the ins and outs about ruling and I'm pretty certain he would help me when I needed it."

"You know you don't need him." Tasha told her, injecting strength into her voice.

"I know," Haven responded, "I know that I could be a truly great ruler all on my own. I have everything I could ever need right inside me, but I've always believed that there is nothing wrong with wanting a little help or accepting it when needed."

Tasha smiled, "You have figured out something that many take years to learn, if they ever do. It is not a weakness to ask or to need help. In fact, it can even make you stronger. All of the best rulers in our history knew when to ask for a helping hand and when they needed to stand on their own. I think you truly have the makings of a great ruler Haven and I can't wait to see more of the Queen you are becoming."

Haven smiled, a strong powerful smile that felt like it was taking up her entire face. She loved that Tasha seemed to support her no matter what. Especially since she knew everyone else wouldn't feel the same way.