Free Web NovelChapter 33: Chapter 33
Hera stood silently in a daze. Niko had really been in such an establishment.
"Thank you for your time, my lords," Iris said quickly. "But we’ll be leaving."
"Are you sure?" The man had a sleazy smile. "You could enjoy yourselves, you know."
"No, my lords," Iris replied, pulling Hera away from the door, "We have a lot of things to do." freewebnovel.cσ๓
The two of them briskly walked out of the establishment, warding off men and women alike who tried to approach them.
"It felt like we were in some sort of fever dream," Hera said, a little stunned as they walked to their carriage.
"Tell me about it," Iris replied. "All those really noble men and women. I’ve never been in such a place filled with so much depravity."
"And to think Niko frequents such a place," Hera said quietly.
Iris sighed. She couldn’t think of a reason to engage in these kinds of hobbies. It would be difficult to trust such a man.
"Don’t worry too much about it, Hera," Iris said. "We never really needed him, did we? We wanted to understand the empire’s high society and chose him as our guide. Plus, now, you wouldn’t have to worry about those rumours tarnishing your image."
Hera was silent as they rode back to the palace. As much as she had grown to like Niko, she didn’t think he was a saint who never did anything wrong. It would be a leap to think that he would be utterly loyal to her.
Even her father, whom she would consider the best husband and partner, had a few mistresses. But this, this was beyond his station or his person.
As they were reaching the palace, they saw Niko’s carriage. They looked at each other, uncertain about what would happen next. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
Niko was waiting in the anteroom, dressed majestically. He had a full head of curls with a few strands framing his face and wore an indigo outfit with gold rims.
"Hera," he chirped. "I was just looking for you."
"We looked for you as well," Iris retorted. "Unfortunately for us, we didn’t get the luxury of waiting somewhere decent."
Niko laughed awkwardly, "I’m sorry for completely missing you today. It was just such a hectic day."
"Spending time at the House of Callice most definitely can be considered hectic," Hera said.
His eyes widened in shock.
"Cat caught your tongue, My lord?" Iris sneered.
"It’s really not what you think, Hera..."
"Really? Because it certainly looked like...."
"Could you please allow me to speak to Hera, Lady Iris?" he said forcefully, "I don’t understand when you became her mouthpiece. She can speak for herself."
Iris glared at him.
"Like I was saying, it isn’t what you think, Hera. My father sent me to meet someone very important, and the only place we could meet up was in there."
Hera stared at him intently. "You really want me to believe that?" She asked. "The girls at that establishment said your name with so much ease, I doubt that they happened to meet you just once."
"I never said it was a one-time situation, Hera. We’ve met multiple times. And on all occasions, that was our meeting place.
Iris snorted. He was a really committed liar.
"Do you even know how much pressure I’ve been under lately, and you want me to believe all this nonsense?" Hera asked.
"I know it’s a hard concept to grasp, but I beg you, Hera, please trust me. Things are not what they seem."
Hera scoffed and folded her arms.
"What pressure have you been under?" she asked.
Hera looked at Iris; she was glaring at him. She did not trust him one bit, but she knew how she felt about the Penelope saga, and she shrugged.
Hera sighed. "It’s Penelope. She’s causing a lot of issues for me."
"Penelope?" He said, "How?"
"People have seen us walk together a lot these days. Naturally, they think a lot of things. But the princess has started to say things. Things that aren’t good for my reputation. I could face severe consequences if this reaches the King’s ear."
"Oh..." He said, "I’m so sorry, I didn’t know she said any of those things. I’ll try to talk to her."
"Thank you." She turned to Iris and gestured for them to go up to their room when Niko stopped her.
"But will it be so awful if those things she said were true?" Niko asked softly.
"I don’t understand, my lord," she said.
"Don’t act like you’ve been oblivious to my feelings, Hera," he said. "I like you. I want to be with you in every sense of the word."
"Nikolas, please," Hera pleaded, "do not do this right now."
"Where else would I say it, Hera? I would like you to know my intentions, plainly."
"You know my situation, Niko; whether or not you like me is irrelevant. The safety of my
Kingdom rests on me securing this alliance."
"I understand," Niko nodded. "But there’s always a possibility you do not get picked, is it not? Have me instead, keep me as an option, please."
Hera shut her eyes and sighed deeply. "I’ll think about it," she said.
Iris pushed between them and dragged Hera up the stairs.
"What was all of that?" Iris asked as soon as they shut the door behind them.
"What do you mean?" Hera asked.
"Do not play dumb with me, Hera, you know what I’m talking about."
Hera sprawled across the bed; he feet still rooted to the floor.
"Do I have to explain anything? You heard all of it."
"And what do you plan on saying?"
"I don’t know yet."
"What do you mean you don’t know. The obvious answer is to reject that lying scoundrel and be done with it."
"I have feelings for him, Iris, it’s not that easy."
Iris began to pace about the room. "Please, Hera, do not start."
"It’s the truth. He told the truth. The prince might not pick me. And, even if he does, it’ll be a loveless marriage."
"For heaven’s sake," Iris cursed. "Are you forgetting the part where he visits a glorified brothel? He’s never going to be faithful, Hera."
"No man is faithful," Hera retorted.
"Wow," Iris spat, " that’s your argument now? you’re to protecting him? "
"I haven’t decided yet, Iris, I just said I was confused."
"I already know your decision, Hera," Iris said, her tone grave, "and I know you’ll regret it."
