Treasure in chains - Part Two
Hiii ! Here’s the second part of my commission from @miss-tc-nova , I hope you will enjoy it once again ! I do plan on making art on this chapter later on but I don’t really have the time for it rn so please bear with me.
Part - One
There are far too many bodies in this room for my liking. Pointless chatter idles among attendants who don’t seem to understand how economics actually work, even though this entire event is meant to brainstorm ideas to boost the Sunset Savanna’s standings. In fact, most of them seem more concerned with their networking opportunities than better the lives of the citizens.
As part of a prominent trade family and now the royal family as well, I’ve been extended an invitation to this paltry assembly. My father was more than happy to accept on my behalf and is schmoozing his heart out dragging my brother from one group to the next. Normally, he wouldn’t even bother bringing me along, but as the official holder of the invitation, he encouraged me to come. But I’m not having a great time.
Before me stands a man more in favor of talking at me than hearing whatever ideas I may have. I wouldn’t mind so much if he wasn’t such a prat, however, he’s not the first even just today. Honestly, if I lost my head at every self-righteous businessman, then my father would’ve had me admitted a long time ago.
“From what I understand, the Scalding Sands are also quite susceptible to drought.” Oh look, he knows the most basic thing about my country.
“That’s right,” I answer bluntly. “The deserts are vast and our sovereign family does what they can to regulate the water to support the citizens.”
A gnarled hand scratches at his chin thoughtfully. “I suppose as a merchant’s daughter you wouldn’t have much knowledge on the matter then.”
My insides seethe.
“Which is a shame. The Sunset Savanna is expected to endure a strong drought this year.”
“Why not consider trade for the crops you’re unable to grow this year? I know the Sunset Savanna has a significant pool of resources.”
He seems almost insulted. “Because that would scar the land irreparably.”
My brows furrow. “Surely there are parts of the country that could be spared to support its people.”
“No no no,” he chides. I could just sock him. “This land was enough for our ancestors to thrive as it is. We should not mar it with our presence any more than we already have.” Then he beams as if he’s actually got something to be proud of. “Our traditions have always seen us through trying times and kept our nation united. I’m sure it will be no different this time.”
Biting my tongue is proving difficult today. “Tradition is all well and good, but when your citizens are suffering, it’s certainly worth reconsidering your priorities.”
The geezer scowls. “Our traditions make us who we are and our citizens have pride in our culture.”
“And that’s great, but what good is pride if you’re dead?”
The man flinches as if I’ve struck him. “I beg your pardon?!”
This level of stupidity is almost criminal. “I’m not saying discard everything you value, but these people are depending on you to take care of them. How will your ‘beautiful land’ keep your people from succumbing to the poverty plaguing them now? What power will you have if they’re all gone? If your people are weak and suffering, how will they serve you? How will their struggling keep you from succumbing from the same fate?”
“Our people are not— ”
“There are literal ‘poor provinces’ of the city. There are people boiling weeds and working three to four jobs to make ends meet. Look me in the eye and tell me I’m wrong.”
The way his nose scrunches is as if he’s smelling his own bull crap.
“Your ideas sound as ludicrous and unorthodox as Prince Leona’s.”
My ears burn to think Leona might share similar views, but this man somehow infuriates me even more.
“If putting the welfare of the people first seems ‘ludicrous and unorthodox’ then perhaps this country could do with more people like Prince Leona.” Knowing that my tolerance is wearing thin, I decide this is the best time to bow out. “Now unless you have an argument actually worth sharing, I must excuse myself from this conversation.”
The man remains speechless as I turn and stride away. At first, my gaze draws me towards the beverage table, perhaps seeking a drink that could soothe my frustrations. I know better, however. There are others like that man at this assembly and I cannot stand another conversation with a single one of them.
My detour takes me to the back of the drinks table, eyes glancing around. As expected, my escape through the nearest door goes purely unnoticed. Deliberate strides carry me away from the hall towards my bedroom, in which I take refuge.
Without hesitation, once the door clicks shut behind me, I tear off the restrictive dress and stuffy heels in favor of something more breathable—more suited to sneaking out.
Shawl in hand, I scurry towards the balcony. Below lies the entirety of Sunrise City, bustling about without any care for the nobility discussing business rather than the very people that support their lifestyles. Well, if I’m to be excluded and looked down upon, then I might as well do the same.
Tying the shawl around my shoulders, I slip onto the railing and swing my feet over the edge. Just before those magic words can be uttered, the door opens and my heart skips. For a moment, I stare at the lion who stares back. It seems we both had the same idea of ditching the assembly.
Leona is first to break the silence. “What are you doing?”
There’s no use lying to him of all people. “What does it look like I’m doing? I’m not going back into that hall.”
Harlequin eyes scrutinize me for a moment before he pulls off the necktie. Confused, I simply stare while trying to understand what his plan is. Then, with his own shawl secured, Leona approaches.
“Let’s go.”
The sound falls from my mouth. “What?!”
“I’m coming with you,” he says obviously.
“Uh, no. Absolutely not.”
“If you leave without me, I’ll send the guards after you.”
My nose scrunches in outrage. “You wouldn’t.”
A predator’s grin slips his face. “Try me.”
“Leona, I don’t think I can carry both of us.”
“What do you mean ‘carry us’?”
A hand waves over the balcony. “I was just going to fly off and wander the city until the assembly was over. I can’t carry you too. I can barely handle you laying on top of me.”
“We really need to get you into the guard and get some muscle on you.” He’s unfazed by my scowl. “And how the hell are you flyin’ out of here?”
“That’s my Unique Magic. I get temporary wings and can fly.”
Lips twist in thought. “Look, if you can just glide us down into the yard, I can get us the rest of the way out.”
“Really?”
“Or are you too wimpy to do even that?”
That’s a challenge I should not take. I should just accept that I’ve been caught and head back to the assembly. My consolation then would at least that Leona too would suffer. But then I’d be suffering and those people are just insufferable.
“Fine,” I huff, planting my feet back on the balcony. “But if we get caught, it was your idea.”
“I wouldn’t have thought about it if you weren’t already attempting it.”
“Shut it.” Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes. Magic swells and swirls in my chest, a warmth growing between my shoulders. “I sing the master’s words, yet my heart whispers its own—grant me wings of my own making. Crimson Plume.”
A cloak of shimmer red dances around me, swimming and glittering until it falls behind me in the shape of massive wings.
“Alright, come here.”
“How are you gonna—”
There’s no time for nitpicking as whatever plan I come up with. Instead, I barrel into the man, arms around his chest, and launch us into the air. Admittedly, the gasp of surprise is a nice bit of retribution for his teasing. Even amidst my concentration, a smile slips my lips at the feel of his hands desperately clinging to my back.
With Leona hold on for dear life, all I really have to focus on is getting us as far from the palace as I can. Eyes set on the wall, a determination sets in. if I can get us over the gate, that’ll be most of the job done—we’ll just have to make our way into the city.
“What are you doing?!” he hisses.
“Shhh!” Though I have no muscles in these wings, I can feel my energy and magic rapidly draining from the strain to support them.
“We’re gonna hit the wall!”
“Quiet!” At this point, even I’m not certain we’ll clear it, but it’s too late now.
“ISIS!”
One last burst of magic flaps the wings, giving us the precious height needed to sail over the structure. As soon as we clear it, my magic disintegrates, instantly dropping us to the ground. Leona lets go, landing on his back while I hit the ground stumbling until I too meet the dirt. Even so, I let out a laugh of adrenaline.
Leona is less amused. “Why the hell did I think you would do what I told you?”
“What’s wrong, Leo?” I giggle as I sit up. “I thought you enjoyed flying.”
“That was not flying,” he snaps. “That was a crash.”To my surprise, Leona offers a helping hand to pull me back to my feet.
“Quit complaining. You’re out, aren’t you?” Brushing down my clothes, I smile. “And with less effort on your part. You should be thrilled. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go wander and enjoy the rest of my day.”
I make it a whole two steps before Leona snags the back of my shawl. “Hold it. We’re not splitting up.”
Tugging out of his grip, I glare. “What? You suddenly want to spend time with me?”
“Not even a little. But if you get caught runnin’ around on your own, then they’re gonna come lookin’ for me too. So you’re comin’ with me.”
“I very much think not. I did not fly us both out of the palace just to do what you want.”
His lip curls in disdain. “Look I’m not thrilled about it either, but I’d be less thrilled to be hauled back inside.” There’s no shame on that face. “And if I’m caught, I’m definitely ratting you out.”
Eyes narrow at him. “You’re evil.”
“Yeah yeah. Whatever. Now c’mon. There’s a couple things I wanna check out and then we can do whatever you want for a bit.”
In protest, my arms fold. “No. We’ll do one thing you want and then one thing I want.” Round ears flicker with annoyance, so I tack on, “If you don’t, I’ll walk back to the palace myself—” It’s my turn to wear his devious grin. “—and I’ll send the guards after you.”
Leona sighs. “I guess it’s not all feathers in that skull of yours. Fine. Whatever. Now let’s go before a patrol sees us.”
True to his word, the lion allows every other activity to be one of my choosing. Surprisingly, the outing is rather mundane as far as couples go. If I didn’t know what kind of man he was, I’d almost say this was a palatable date. He’s actually kind of polite and tolerable—far preferable to the stuffy assembly we were supposed to be at.
“How much longer before the assembly ends?” I ask as we amble the sidewalk.
He finds the answer in his phone screen. “Two hours.”
“Why are they so long?” I grumble.
“So they can schmooze and drink for as long as they can.”
The lion freezes in his tracks. I look back just in time for the hood of my shawl to be jerked over my eyes.
“What are you--!” That question dies on my tongue when, without warning, I’m jerked into the nearest alley by my arm. My back meets the wall, gaze lifting to his face where thoughts flicker rapidly behind his eyes.
“Sh sh shh!” he hushes, hand over my mouth. “There are guards—Sanaa probably sent them.”
He peeks just around the corner.
“What do we do?” I whisper. If those guards even glance down here, we’ll be spotted and dragged back on the Queen’s orders for sure.
The next thing I know, soft, warm lips are pressed against my own. Hands immediately press to his chest in an attempt to shove the cat off, however, when his greater strength proves too much for me, all I can do is curl my fists around his shirt and endure.
A low, rumbling growl escapes him, snaring my attention. I suppose it’s less convincing when one party acts as if they’d rather be anywhere else. Playing along is my best course of action to prevent being escorted back to the palace. I’d rather not.
So I play the game.
Forcing the tension in me to release, I lean into him. His demands aren’t that dear considering the circumstance and I comply. Yet that pleased purr puts me on the offense, driving me to make my own demands. That baritone laugh floods my ears with molten lava.
The kiss breaks as swiftly as it began and my insides writhe at the sadistic gleam in those harlequin eyes. Knowing there’s a wave of embarrassment painting my face, I shove him back.
“What are you laughing at?!” I snap, shoving him away.
“What? Can’t I kiss my own wife?” That stupid, handsome smirk stokes the fire in my ears. “Besides, you seemed to be feeling it at the end there.”
He’s not wrong and I hate it.
“You’re actually not a bad kisser, even if you are a little bratty.” I really need that simper to go away. “Too bad you use that mouth to squawk instead.”
“Excuse you,” I growl.
“Thanks.” He’s getting smugger by the second. “Now c’mon. There’s a movie that seems kinda interesting and they won’t look for us there.”
Rolling my eyes, I follow the man, only to let a remark slip. “Only kinda interesting? You’ll be snoring before the preview are over.”
That laugh rattles my heart. “Then wake me up when it’s over.”
I heave a sigh. “Then you have to get the snacks.”
“Whatever you say, feathers"
