Chapter 8

“Lyra, would you like to come for a walk with me?” I look up from my book to see Prince Alekai closing his laptop and smiling at me. I hesitate for a moment before agreeing, marking my spot in the novel with a leather bookmark and setting it on the table beside me. Ever since his secret apology that I have a feeling I was not supposed to hear, the Prince has been very kind to me. The only thing he did for the last three nights was hold me as we drifted off to sleep. Sometimes I would stay up later than the Prince, wondering what his plans were or just watching the moonlit sky from the windows. I never experienced the pain from the first night again, and his change in attitude made me question his motives.

“Where are we going?” I ask, getting up from the armchair and following him to the door.

“I figured I could give you a tour of the palace, so you don’t get lost in here,” is his reply. I try to walk behind him at a respectful distance as we exit the room, something I’ve seen other pets do, but Prince Alekai takes my hand in his and pulls me to his side.

“I can’t give you a proper tour if you are behind me, Songbird.” His voice is deep and husky, causing my heart to skip a beat. I nod and stay by his side, realizing my hand is still held in his. I question why he is so gentle with me now, considering his rough treatment the first day. It confuses me whenever I expect him to be harsh when I am instead met with patience and a gentle hand. The tour around the palace starts on the third floor. He explains that this floor is for us and us only, that other than a few trusted maids, no one else is allowed to enter without our permission. To say that I am shocked is an understatement. By my understanding of his words, I have control of this floor, and no one else is allowed upstairs without my permission.

“Does this mean I could have people removed from this floor if I don’t want them here?” I ask tentatively.

“Yes, Lyra, this is your home too now, and I want you to be comfortable.” He chuckles, pulling me closer to his body and kissing my forehead.

“You can even have a room renovated here for your own use, and if you don’t want me to enter it, I won't.” He continues. I have to admit, the offer is very tempting to me. He shows me three empty rooms, each with a floor-to-ceiling window, and a thought comes to mind when I see two are side by side, only separated by a wall.

“Could we renovate these two?” I ask tentatively, an idea coming to mind. I wanted a kitchen of my own, one where I could cook and bake to my heart's content without being watched by others. Maybe I could convince Ali and some others from the kitchen to join me and teach me new recipes.

“Whatever you want, Songbird, but on one condition.” I frown, wondering what his conditions are and wait for the Prince to continue.

“I want you to call me by my name. Everyone else is formal towards me, including you. Can you call me Alekai, please?” It’s a simple request, and I pause to think about it. I prefer to call him Prince Alekai or His Highness to keep a distance between us, seeing as the man literally bought me for his own pleasure. Calling him by his name now would make our relationship more intimate as if I agree with what he has done to me. But at the same time, the thought of having my own space away from him is tempting. With my mind made up and his expectant gaze on me, I take a deep breath and look into his eyes.

“Okay, Alekai.” My answer is quiet, but I know he's heard me by the huge grin on his face and the way he hugs me tight. I blush, thinking his reaction is childish yet cute at the same time, as I hug Alekai back. It seems like I will be getting my own space as soon as I draw up a few plans for the rooms.

“Let me know what you want to do with these rooms in a few days, and I will get everything ready for you.” I nod at his words, and the tour continues on. The atmosphere between us now seems warmer and lighter. Maybe we can come to an understanding soon, and I can regain my freedom. The tour continues as he leads me up the stairs to the fifth floor, explaining that this is where the King and Queen usually sleep, and he will one day have to move up here, but he prefers the third floor to himself and will most likely turn the fifth floor into rooms for his children. We only stand by the stairs, not wanting to intrude on his parents' domain, and he brings me down to the fourth floor. This floor is usually designated for guests and extended family members. We explore the floor as he lets me walk into many of the rooms, where I realize they are designed similarly. I quickly get bored of it, and we walk down the stairs to the second floor.

“This floor is usually reserved for meetings. The congress chambers and offices are here as well as the library and other rooms meant to help rule our country.” Alekai explains, leading me down the halls and mentioning that we have to be quiet as many people work here, including the captain of the guard. He leads me to the end of the hall, where the doors are wide open. I gasp at the sight of an immense library. Floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books of every shape and size fill the room, with bright lighting from windows and many light fixtures to offer an ideal area for reading. Chairs, tables, and lounge areas are spaced out amongst the shelves for others to use, and I smile at the idea of coming here to spend my days.

“I take it you like to read,” Alekai chuckles.

“When I am not cooking, painting or singing, I am reading. I love books since they can take you to anywhere you want and escape reality.” I answer honestly, running my fingers along the spines of books and trying to figure out where to start reading.

“You can come back and read any time you want.” Alekai chuckles, following me as I explore the library.

“Would I be punished if I miss curfew because I got lost in a book?” I ask, challenging his curfew rule. I see him frown, turning to look away from me, and I take his silence as my answer. If I miss curfew then I will surely be punished.

“The curfew is there for your safety. It’s a rule for all pets, not just you. At nine, if anyone other than royal family members, guards or maids roam the palace, they get beheaded. My grandfather set this rule when I was just a child and his current pet at the time tried to use me as leverage for her freedom. She was killed. I don’t want that happening to you. Being mine doesn’t save you from that rule.” I freeze at his explanation and turn to look at Alekai, seeing the unease in his eyes at the memory. It must have been traumatic for him. It turns out the rule was set to protect the royal family lineage, and by telling me, it’s his way of protecting me.

“So, if I get caught in here reading…?”

“You’ll be killed without a second thought.” He answers immediately. I smile sadly and walk to where he stands, wrapping my arms around his waist and comforting the man before me.

“I’ll listen to the rule then and be back by nine,” I assure Alekai, feeling his tense body relax as he returns the hug.

“As long as you are on the third floor or with me, you’ll be safe. I promise you this.” His words spread a sense of warmth and security through me, knowing deep down that this is a promise Alekai would keep. I think I am finally starting to understand the man before me, and maybe I can let my guard down and get to know him back.