ARIA:
Daneesha had given me good advice on giving Lyall space. But how could I do that when he had promised to see me and failed?
How could I live through the whole of today without seeing him? I mean, it was already dark and the Palace was very quiet now. I was the only one awake, it seemed.

I kept tossing from one side to the other, sitting up each time I heard a sound and hoping it was Lyall sneaking into my room. I gripped my sheets hard, trying not to think too much. I forced myself to sleep. I shut my eyes tightly and willed myself to sleep.
My eyes flew open at the sound of footsteps coming down from the corridor and this time, I didn't hesitate to fly out of my bed, over to the door. I leaned into it, pressing my ear into the wooden surface and waiting for a slight knock or Lyall's soft whisper. Maybe the sound of the door quietly clicking open.
But no sound came.
Digging my fingers into my palm, I held back from pulling the door open. It wasn't Lyall, I told myself. He wouldn't have walked past if he was the one.
Unable to control the urge to just stay back, I yanked the door open and stuck my head out, only to see that the corridor was empty.
Frowning, I wondered who it was and how they had walked past so fast. Just as I was about to shut the door, I heard the sound of footsteps thudding against the steps. They were taking the other side of the staircase.

I slipped out of the room, unable to hold back anymore. With the intent that whoever had walked past was Lyall, I matched all the way over to the other side of the hall, making my way over the steps most maids used.
I knew it was limited to other people of higher ranks than the palace staff but I knew Lyall could pass through there.
So I followed, my feet sinking into the plush carpet that lined the corridor. Thankfully, I was barefooted so there was no need for me to tread carefully. I kept walking until I got to the other corner.
I made a turn and bumped right into a hard body before staggering backwards and immediately looking up to see it was none other than Mason.

I was not only disappointed. I was angry that I'd followed after this person, thinking it was Lyall. Now, he was going to say something nasty.
"We meet again," Mason spoke, his voice laced with amusement and sarcasm. He gave me a once over and shook his head. "You're out to take a walk again?"
I took a step back and shook my head. "No, I am not. Why are you out by this time?"
"Couldn't sleep," He slipped his hand into his pocket. "You?"
"I don't think that is any of your business," I cross one arm over the other. "Have a good night."
Just as I turned to walk away from me, he stopped me. "I'm sorry, Aria."
With raised brows and a surprised laugh, I turned to look at him. "You're sorry for what exactly?"
"You know," He laughed. "I was rude to you countless times and said a few words that must have really hurt badly."
"I'm glad you know you did," I smiled. "Apology accepted."
"Just like that?" He laughed.
I cocked my head to the side with raised brows. "Yes, just like that. Or do you have an issue with me accepting your apology?"
"Not really," He scratched his head. "It just came really easy. You know, I thought you were going to stay mad at me like my brother does. He never forgives me for whatever I do to him. I'm sure he hasn't forgotten when I pushed him off a horse years ago."
"I don't think he should forget that," I replied, my eyes bulging out. "Pushing someone off a horse is the worst thing you can do."
"I shouldn't have told you that. Well, I'll go on my way." I nodded. "And before you go, I'd suggest you give him a little space."
"Lyall?"
He nodded. "Yes. Sheila isn't really happy about the sudden development and I know I shouldn't be talking to you about this like it's my business, I'm just concerned about her. I don't know if anyone sees it but I see how you both are terribly attracted to each other. It's like you both share a bond but I can't tell."
I stilled at his last statement. The last thing anyone needed to know was the fact that I shared a mate bond with Lyall. No one needed to know and Mason was already starting to catch the hints. That meant we needed to be careful.
Even on my part, I knew I had to be discreet now. This whole attraction and need for Lyall had to subside. With one nod, I watched him walk away.
Leaning against the wall, I let out a heavy sigh and looked up to the ceiling, wondering when all of this was going to make sense or...end.
I pulled away from the wall and walked back to the room with Mason's words ringing in my head.
He was right. Absolutely right.
Daneesha was awake when I got in and she stood up as soon as she saw me. "Where were you? With him?"
I shook my head. "No. I wanted to take a walk to clear my head."
I noticed the relief that crept into her expression. "I'm glad that man didn't touch you again. I don't like that he uses you more than he should."
"Neither am I," I lied before climbing into bed. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Daneesha."
I watched her slip into her room before my eyes fluttered closed.
*****
"No! Don't come close!" Daneesha yelled at the man who had rats caged up.
We were seated close to the fountain under a parasol and watching people walk past as they went about their duties. Seeing Daneesha this scared amused the hell out of me.
I stood up from the cane chair and walked over to the cage before crouching before the cage. Six albino rats were scurrying from side to side, squeaking and clamouring for space.
"Why didn't they get rabbits?" Daneesha grimaced. "What does a rat do?"
"Apparently, the King's Uncle would be here soon and his wife loves to have rats around so they can bite her nails."
"That's...not pleasant." Daneesha used a more suitable word than disgusting and I almost burst into laughter at the fact that she'd tried not saying that word in order not to be implicated.
"The King's Uncle?" I asked with raised brows. The man nodded before lifting the cage and walking away. Why didn't he tell me? I mean, I had a right to know, right? I might be a mistress before other people but in the dark, I was his mate. I was the woman he loved.
I tried not to get angry over the fact that he hadn't come to see me like he promised yesterday by holding onto Mason's words but that coupled with the fact that he had his relatives visiting without telling me angered me the most.
I tried to stay calm while Daneesha got into a conversation with one of the maids but the frown on my face said otherwise. I was not only pissed. I was sad and feeling like I didn't matter.
This wasn't the first time he'd made me feel that way and hell no, this wasn't entitlement. I had every right to know whatever was going on in his life. I was his mate for crying out loud and it didn't matter if I was legally married to him or not.
"Are you good, Aria?"
I whipped my head to see Daneesha standing behind me. I nodded immediately with a forced smile. "Yes. I'm just thinking of a few things."
"You should speak to the King. You need to know if you'd be appearing when his family visits so as to prevent any sort of embarrassment."
"You're right," I placed my hand on her arm. "Thank you."
I hadn't seen Lyall all morning and the urge to ask anyone had overcome me but I knew best than to do that. So I waited, hoping I would catch a glimpse of him.
But I didn't. That alone was more than frustrating.
Daneesha started to gossip about a fight that had broken out at the servants' quarters but I didn't care the least.
Just then, I found him walking towards the Palace's courtroom with several men behind him. I pushed to my feet immediately, stopping when he turned in my direction like he knew I was there.
He stared at me for a while before turning and walking away.
No smile, no nod of acknowledgement. Nothing.