9 Conversation
I look at him straight in the eyes.
Raven: You can train here.
Adam: ....Huh?!
He squeals. What? Was he expecting to fail that bad?
Raven: Lily will lead you to the dorms. I want you to meet me here tomorrow sharp at 4 in the morning.
Adam: 4 in the morning? isn't that... a wee bit early?
Raven:.... If you have a problem, you can skip the course and head back to where you came from.
Adam:..! No! I'll be there!
Lily leads him to the dorms after our conversation. I keep staring at his back until he is out of sight. He shows a lot of potential. But, even if I can get him to do vigorous training, it should take him about 2 months for him to be ready. I don't have that much time. What can I do? As I'm thinking of an answer, one of Jayden's servant calls out to me.
Servant: Chief Raven! The Prince demands your presence in his quarters!
His quarters? Why is he calling me to his room instead of his office? Even though I think it's strange, I drag my feet towards his room. While I'm walking towards his room, I notice most the staff and ministers I pass by, giving me dirty looks; as if to despise me. It's nothing new to me so I just ignore them and make my way to Jaiden's room. I reach there and knock on the door.
Raven: It's Raven.
Jayden:... Come in.
He replies in a serious tone which makes me nervous. What's all this about? I open the door and walk inside to see Jayden standing in the middle of the enormous room, his back faced towards me.
Raven: I heard you summoned me.
Jayden nods his head and turns around, his expression stern. I unintentionally gulp.
Jayden: It's barely been 20 minutes since you left my office and this is what I hear?
Raven: What are you talking about?
I try to remain composed despite his unusual attitude.
Jayden: Adam Clay; quite a charmer to look at, huh?
He takes a step towards me and I take a step back without realizing it. What's wrong with me? In all these years I've NEVER been intimidated my anyone let alone him like this, why now?
Raven: W-What does that have to do with anything?
I was trying to remain calm on front of him but, my cracking voice gives me away.
Jayden: Wouldn't you know? Interesting guy he is, captivating you like that.
Raven: Wha- Oh!
I'm about to ask him what makes him think that when my back hits the door. With nowhere to run, I look at him, worried.
Jayden: As my fiancee, there are a lot of things that you need to take under consideration and think before you say or do anything. Is that right?
Raven: Y-yes.
Jayden: Well then, I guess you don't understand it then at all.
He grabs my left hand and lifts it up.
Raven: What are you doing?!
My voice comes out higher pitched than I meant. Jayden looks at me expressionless and slips something on my finger. I glance towards my hand to see a red ruby studded ring on my ring finger. Is this an engagement ring?
Jayden: Raven Wood, what do you think classifies as cheating on your partner?
Raven: Cheating?!
What does he mean? All of a sudden, his expression changes and he fixes me with his puppy dog eyes.
Jayden: How do you think I'd feel if I got to know that someone else stole my fiancee's heart?
Raven:.....
WHAT?! He dares to joke with me like that?! If it wasn't for his position as the crown prince, I would've beaten the crap out of him right now!! Nobody dares to disrespect me like that! I glare at him, trembling with anger.
Jayden: Geez, why are always so hot headed?
Raven: Don't ever do that again.
He moves away from me. I can't believe I thought I was in serious trouble here.
Jayden: But on a serious note, the Northern perimeter is under-guarded.
His voice turns serious again as he seats himself on his luxury chair.
Raven: Under-guarded? That's impossible, I arranged 13 more guards there 2 days ago. There haven't been any negative reports.
Jayden: That's the information I got. You should go there and check the situation.
Raven: Noted.
I haven't got anything news of any inter border fights there or any missing complaints. The Northern perimeter connects Ozara to North Reignland. Both the kingdoms have been enemies ever since... It pains me to even think of that unfortunate incident.
That kingdom deserves to dissolve. One day, I'll make sure Ozara takes over North Reignland and makes the King and his sons pay for what they've done.
Raven: If there's nothing else-
Jayden: King Xavier and Queen Fiona along with their daughter Princess Sierra will be visiting Ozara for discussing political matters next week. I'll be holding a party for them and I need an escort. Do you understand?
I've been accompanying him for all the parties and functions over the years ever since we made the 'deal'. So it's obvious that he wants me to accompany him this time as well or King Xavier will try to match him with his daughter.
Raven: I'm not too sure about that. The examinations are approaching-
Jayden: 3 hours, please.
He looks at me earnestly. Ugh, he knows I have a soft spot for that face..! It's probably my only soft spot but whatever.
Raven:.. Fine. 3 hours and that's it.
Jayden: Thanks.
He beams at me and I sigh in return. I'm about to leave the room but stop.
Raven: Why did you call me to your room instead of your bureau?
Jayden: The maids were cleaning it and I needed some private time with my beautiful fiancee.
He winks at me and I inwardly cringe. Petty, little liar.
Raven:... I'll be taking my leave now.
Jayden: Heh.
I can hear him chuckling behind me but pay it no mind as I walk out. 'Beautiful', huh. If someone said that to 12 years ago, I'd probably believe them. Back then I was delicate, feminine and both my eyes were...
I touch my left eye that I always hide with my hair. This brown eye was once blue too. For whatever reason, when I fell into the ocean all those years, this eye changed its colour from blue to brown. It makes me look like a freak when I pull my hair back.
I don't have time to waste, I need to prepare the trainees so I can get out of here. I shake my head. I remove the ring from my finger and slip it in the same chain as the emerald pendant around my neck and tuck it in my shirt as I walk back to the training area briskly as always...
