Chapter 15

VALKYRIE

We’ve been sitting here for the past hour, finishing our meal. I can’t shake off this uneasy feeling. Ever since the incident earlier, Dimitri hasn’t left my side.

I try to remember what happened, but everyone tells me I had a bout of amnesia. Honestly, I can’t remember a thing.

But their relieved faces tell me they’re not lying. The problem now is that Dimitri won’t give me any space.

Mia tells me he’s been feeling guilty and worried. The brief amnesia episode has really shaken him up.

She shares how he stayed by my side, caring for me while the magic in the chambers was taking a toll on him.

Was he really that worried about me?

If that’s true, it makes me happy. But it also scares me. Dimitri can flip his mood in an instant and he can get mad at me. So, I’m scared of him.

I don’t want to be punished for something small. Or to upset him because I don’t meet his expectations.

Even though no one has said it, I know my role comes with a lot of expectations, not just as a queen but as someone who can stand by Dimitri.

“You’re quiet,” Dimitri observes as he sips some wine from his golden goblet.

“I’m not very hungry,” I mumble, poking at a small piece of meat.

“You need to eat more, Valkyrie. I need you to be healthy,” Dimitri insists.

Nodding silently, I eat.

“Valkyrie, there’s something I want to discuss with you,” Dimitri says, looking at me.

Feeling his gaze, I put my fork down and start fiddling with my fingers.

“Yes?” I mumble softly.

Dimitri stays silent, just looking at me. I’m sitting next to him, and even though the table is large, it feels like I’m too close to him.

Swallowing hard, I lift my gaze and see his golden eyes looking at me with sadness. Quickly averting my gaze, I clear my throat.

“Need more wine?” I offer nervously, trying to break the awkward silence.

Dimitri grabs my hand, stopping me. His touch sends a shiver of fear through my body.

“I’m sorry,” Dimitri blurts out, and I turn my head sharply.

Confused, I stare at him. Did I hear him wrong?

Pulling my hand away from his, I lower my head until my hair completely covers it.

“I said I’m sorry, Valkyrie,” Dimitri repeats, louder this time.

Biting my lips, I nod dumbly. I can’t find the words to respond because I wasn’t expecting an apology from him. This is a shock to me.

“Say something, Valkyrie,” Dimitri pleads, his voice cracking.

“It’s okay,” I whisper, “A king shouldn’t apologize to a slave. I should be the one apologizing.”

It’s true; Dimitri doesn’t need to apologize. Everything is my fault. I’m the one who always messes up. He had every right to be angry.

I’m the one who should have stayed inside and not gone out without his permission.

“Valkyrie? Why do you say that? I’m the one who hurt you,” Dimitri says. His voice sounds conflicted, and it unsettles me.

“It was just an accident, right?” I say, forcing a smile, “No need to apologize. I’m the one who’s sorry.”

With that, I put my napkin down and stand up to leave. Holding the hem of my dress, I try to leave quickly.

“Do you see me as someone who can’t apologize?” Dimitri asks, stopping me just as I’m about to open the door. “Are you that scared of me?”

Dimitri’s voice breaks, making my heart pound.

“What do you think of me?” Dimitri asks.

I don’t know how to answer. All I can tell him is what I’m thinking right now.

“You are a king. So whatever you do is right. And I’m just a slave,” I say, glancing over my shoulder. “I don’t deserve an apology from someone like you.”

Opening the door, I walk away from him. I can’t stay there any longer. It’s suffocating.

Deciding to head to the library, I spot Leo and Damian chatting near the garden. I want to say hello but stop when I overhear their conversation.

“What is Dimitri going to do with those dragon hearts?” Leo asks Damian, poking a hole with a stick.

“I think he’ll store them in the treasure cellar,” Damian replies. “Can’t believe Prince Zar traveled all this way just for some scales.”

“True. Now, have you seen Valkyrie?” Leo asks Damian. Why is he bringing me up?

“No… not since she got her memory back,” Damian sighs. “I feel guilty about what happened. It was my fault.”

Hearing Damian say that makes my chest ache. Finally, unable to hide any longer, I step out from behind the pillar. Damian and Leo look at me.

“Valkyrie?” Damian whispers.

“Hi,” I mumble to them. “C-can we talk, Damian?”

Leo looks at Damian, worried. Then, with a sigh, Damian asks Leo to give us some privacy.

“Here,” Damian says, offering his hand.

I take it, and we walk through the garden. We both walk in silence, each lost in our thoughts. The night is cool, and the moon is shining brightly.

“I’m sorry for what happened,” Damian whispers.

Squeezing his hand slightly, I smile up at him.

“No, Damian, it was my fault. It might seem unfair, but it was my fault. Everything. I should have stayed in the palace and waited for Dimitri’s permission,” I explain.

“But Dimitri did give you permission,” Damian says, catching me off guard.

“What do you mean?” I ask, confused.

“Dimitri knew you were coming. He saw the list of people going, and your name was right at the top. He was the one who showed up unannounced,” Damian tells me, his brow furrowed. He lets go of my hand, runs his fingers through his hair, and sighs, “Valkyrie, what happened wasn’t your fault. Dimitri got the wrong idea. I know I messed up, and you know it too. I crossed a line.”

Damian looks both frustrated and hurt. All I can do is clench my fists in anger.

“Dimitri had every right to be mad. You’re his mate, and we beasts have this instinct to protect what’s ours,” Damian says, his red eyes softening as they meet mine.

“All he did was protect his mate. Dimitri cares about you. You just can’t see it because he’s such a jerk,” Damian says, a smile playing on his lips.

That makes me giggle. It’s clear that Damian cares a lot for Dimitri.

“Thanks,” I say, my smile wide. “Thank you, Damian.” Damian takes my hand and lifts it to his lips.

“Always happy to help, my queen,” Damian says, a chuckle escaping his lips.

He walks me back to my chambers and wishes me a good night. I’m worn out, and my body is still sore.

As I’m about to close the chamber doors, a hand slips into the gap, preventing them from closing completely. Startled, I look at the intruder.

I saw this man earlier with Michael. He has an otherworldly look about him. But what I love the most are his icy blue eyes.

“Can I help you with something?” I ask.

“May I speak with you, Queen Valkyrie?” the stranger asks. “I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. I’m Prince Cian, Michael’s brother.”

Prince Cian? I had no idea Michael even had a brother. So if Cian’s his brother, does that mean Michael is royalty?

“May I? I promise I won’t take up much of your time,” Prince Cian says, his eyes pleading.

I nod and invite him in. I watch his back as he walks over to a chair and sits down. His hair is loosely tied back, and he looks exhausted.

I take a seat across from him, offering a shy smile.

“I just have a few questions for you,” Prince Cian says. “But before I ask, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What’s that?” I ask, intrigued.

“Don’t be scared, okay? Just listen carefully. Do you know who your mother was?” Prince Cian asks.

“My mother?” His question confuses me. “Why do you want to know?”

“I just need to know if you ever met her,” Prince Cian says, his interest piqued.

There’s a strange aura about him. It’s comforting, but it also makes me wary.

“I’m sorry, but I never got the chance to meet my mother. She died after I was born,” I say, my voice steady. I don’t know why he’s asking, but it piques my curiosity.

“Valkyrie, I’m your family. Michael and I, we’re your family. You’re not just my cousin, you’re also a princess. You’re royalty,” Prince Cian says, causing me to jump up in surprise.

What is he talking about? Family? Princess?

His words make my stomach turn.

“You must be mistaken,” I stammer, my breath coming in short gasps.

“No! I’m certain!” Prince Cian says, standing up as well. “You are who I say you are. You’re the spitting image of my aunt, Valkyrie. You’re just as stunning as she was.”

Panicked, I back away from him. What is he talking about? Trembling, I try to escape the room.

“Wait!” Prince Cian pleads. “Just hear me out. I can help you. If you let me.”

“How?” I ask, turning back to face him.

“I can delve into your memories and bring back the ones you long for.”