Don’t Teach an Eagle to Fly – 15. chapter

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He called the maids back in. Both of them assessed the situation at a glance and, without a word, took up the prepared garments. They knew what to do. Kaelan remained standing near the window. Satisfied now, without tension. And yet he noticed every one of her movements, every look, the way she tried not to show vulnerability. He saw how she tensed slightly when one of the women touched her too roughly. It was clear to him that if she wanted to, she could take the maid down even with her hands bound. He himself was wary of being with her when she was completely free. That was precisely why he stayed while they dressed her.

He braced his palm against the window frame and looked out. His thoughts split in several directions, but one path was clear. He had to set the terms.

Nirella did not move at all when they wrapped the corset around her torso and began to tighten it. Her face remained composed, though her muscles tightened beneath the maids’ hands. Kaelan watched her discreetly in the reflection of the glass. She lifted her chin slightly and her voice sounded clear, as if nothing at all had happened.

“What exactly do you want to trade me for?” she asked. Without anger, without fear. As if she were asking what would be served for supper. Kaelan did not answer at once. His fingers stayed clenched on the window frame and a strange unease stirred in his chest. He had not expected the question, not so soon. Not so directly.

“For peace,” he answered at last, dryly.

“So?”

He turned. The maids were fastening her belt, the final details. Her hair fell over her shoulders, her skin still faintly flushed. It had happened recently. Far too recently. And yet they already stood on opposite sides.

“An immediate end to all fighting. And of course the withdrawal of all your forces from our lands.”

“I assume you’ll decide for yourself which lands are yours, right?” she said. There was an ironic attack in her voice.

“Do yourself a favor, my dear. When you return home, find a source of information other than your father and his lackeys.”

She shook her head with a smirk. He hated when she did that to him with that expression of hers that said, “There is no point at all in talking to you about such nonsense.” Instead, he studied her appearance. Beautiful. Noble. Royal.

“I would like to see you with a crown on your head one day,” he admitted, a little sadly.

“What for? You clearly enjoy fucking women in restraints.”

He smiled slightly.

“Come on, admit it has flair!”

“It would have flair if those restraints were on your hands!” she shot back.

“You can dream about that, my dear.”

She did not reply, but she smiled in a strange way. The maids finished their work and withdrew with a bow.

“You will be a very interesting wife one day,” Kaelan remarked, ignoring how his own remark pricked at his heart. “I would like to meet your husband.”

“Well, you’ll have that honor in just a few moments,” she replied dryly.

Before he could voice his surprise, she explained.

“My father would never send such a delegation for me without him.”

“You’re betrothed?” He barely breathed.

“Not yet.”

“Hm. A military commander, right?”

“My father’s chief commander.” She nodded.

Kaelan tried very hard, but he could not resist:

“Has he had you already?”

She laughed with contempt.

“That is absolutely none of your business!”

“Watch your mouth before I make it my business!” he barked threateningly, fighting an incredible fit of jealousy.

She froze in shock, struck silent.

But it did not matter, because at that moment they came to announce that Tharan’s delegation had arrived and was already being seated in the hall.

Kaelan stepped in front of Nirella and took hold of her restraints.

“Those free hands at the meeting come with one condition.”

“You didn’t mention any.”

“I’m mentioning it now.”

She pressed her lips together, but waited.

“You must promise me that tonight you will return to this room of your own free will and let yourself be bound.”

“I have no chance of escaping from here,” she pointed out matter-of-factly.

“You don’t. But I don’t feel like fighting with a woman in front of guests.”

She nodded.

“That’s not a problem. I promise.”

The knot she had not been able to free herself from, he loosened in a few seconds. While she rubbed her chafed wrists and pulled her sleeves down over them, Kaelan took up a cloak. He draped it over her shoulders and fastened it at the front with a clasp. He looked into her eyes and stroked her shoulders.

“You are beautiful.”

Then, without a word, he opened the door and nodded to the servant. Two soldiers outside the chamber snapped to attention at once, though their gaze fell not on him, but on the woman in the cloak who came out with him. They noticed the change as well. She was no longer a captive in restraints, but a princess whose movement echoed through the marble with royal calm.

They crossed the gallery. Soft light was refracted in the glass of the high arches and their steps rang between walls covered in tapestries. Kaelan did not speak, but he offered her his arm at his side. The gesture surprised her, yet she accepted it without comment. She felt the tension in his muscles. He controlled every step, as if he were not leading someone, but protecting that person.