Kieran Returns

Kieran’s POV

The gates of the Blue Ivory Palace opened before my carriage. I looked through the window at the familiar palace towers. I had been away for too long. Too long to even remember. And yes, I missed Blue Ivory Palace. It's my home. The place where I grew up. The place where my memories wouldn't stop mentioning. Blue Ivory Palace wasn't just a place where I grew up, it was my soul.

I stepped down from the carriage as the guards bowed. “Welcome home, Lady Kieran.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

I had barely taken three steps when one of the palace servants hurried toward me. “Lady Kieran, His Highness knows you're here.”

My heart lifted. “Where is Prince Perry?”

“In the western hall.”

I smiled. Of course he was. Prince Perry had always preferred quiet places as much as I could remember. A very good friend of mine who happened to be the reason I had left in the first place but I wasn't back for that. I heard the news. A new lady was around and not only was she new, she could tame Prince Perry. Something we've all tried to do for years. The reason I had escaped from Blue Ivory. 

I walked through the palace, remembering the years I had spent here. The servants greeted me. Some smiled. While some whispered. I ignored them. All I wanted was to see him. I wanted to see how far he had grown. How he looked now since someone can tame him from bringing out his ugly self. It was over-curious. 

When I reached the western hall, I saw him immediately. He stood near the tall windows. His black hair was slightly disheveled, and his usual cold expression remained on his face. Then, I noticed a figure that stood several feet away from him.

My steps slowed. So this was her. The woman everyone had been talking about. The woman who had suddenly become the center of Prince Perry's attention just like I've heard. 

I studied her carefully. She wasn't dressed like a servant like I supposed. She wore an elegant blue gown. Her chestnut hair fell over her shoulders, and her bright green eyes were fixed on Prince Perry. I had expected him to turn toward me the moment I entered. He didn't. His attention remained on Mira and something unpleasant tightened inside my chest.

I forced a smile. “Prince Perry.”

His eyes finally moved toward me. “Kieran.” That was it. No smile. No embrace. No excitement. Just my name but I tried to hide my disappointment. “You're finally back,” he said.

“Yes.” I smiled. “I came as soon as I thought of you.”

His gaze returned briefly to Mira. “Good.”

I looked at her. Her head lowered her. “Mira,” Prince Perry said. Then, she looked up. “This is Kieran Tyler.” He turned toward me. “Mira Troost.”

I smiled at her. “It is nice to meet you.”

“It's nice to meet you too.” Her voice was quiet. 

I studied her again. So this was the woman who had somehow managed to get past Prince Perry's walls. Interesting. “I've heard quite a lot about you,” I said.

She shifted on her seat. “I hope none of it was bad.”

I laughed softly. “Mostly rumors.”

Prince Perry spoke up. “Kieran.”

I looked at him. “What?”

“Enough.” His tone was stern.

I raised my hands. “I was only joking.”

He said nothing while I glanced at Mira. She looked nervous so I smiled at her. “Don't worry. I'm not a fan of what those people say. I really do respect you.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

I looked back at Prince Perry. “So, you brought her here from Redwood?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

His expression went cold. “Because I wanted to.” That answer was typical of him. Prince Perry never explained himself. Never to anyone. But I had known him long enough to recognize something unusual. He seemed protective of her.

I looked at Mira again. “So you're staying?”

Before Mira could answer, Prince Perry spoke. “Yes.”

Something inside me cracked at his words but I kept smiling. “Then welcome to Blue Ivory.”

Mira gazed at me before muttering, “Thank you.”

“I hope you'll be comfortable here.” I made my voice warm. Friendly enough for her to believe but I knew that was all I like. I wanted to be the person who she suddenly has become. I had always wanted to stand by him and be able to break whatever curse he had but that hadn't worked for me. 

I had known Prince Perry since we were children. I had been beside him when everyone else feared him. I had seen the boy beneath the future crown but after the curse, I couldn't bear it. I couldn't stay next to him and now a mere woman could actually do the same thing. I felt terrible. 

I watched him. The way he looked at her was different. The way he spoke to her was calm and it triggered something in me. 

Just then, Prince Perry gave Mira a short command. “Go to your room.”

She nodded. “Yes, Prince Perry.” And bowed slightly before leaving.

I waited until she was gone. Then I turned toward him. “You've changed.”

His expression didn't move. “No.”

“You have.” I smiled. “You barely noticed I arrived.”

He uttered. “I noticed.”

“You didn't even ask how my journey was.” I went on. 

“You arrived safely.”

I stared at him. “That is not what I meant.”

“I know.” His answer was cold. I threw my face away. I couldn't let him see how much his behavior affected me. After everything we had shared, I had expected him to welcome me differently. Instead, his attention had been on the lady. The strange traitor's daughter who could have control over him. 

I smiled. “So, tell me about her.”

“There is nothing to tell.”

My eyes widened. Not to shock but to the fact that he was lying to me. “Really?”

He looked away. “Yes.”

“Then why is everyone talking about her?” I inquired, not giving him a break. 

Prince Perry's eyes narrowed. “People talk too much.”

I laughed softly. “That hasn't changed.”

He said nothing so I stepped closer. “Do you trust her?”

His answer came immediately. “Yes.”

I froze. I had expected hesitation..Instead, he answered without thinking. “Yes.” I smiled. “That's good.” But my nails dug into my palm. He had trusted me for years. Now he trusted her. Someone he barely knew. A woman who had appeared in his life only days ago. I forced myself to remain calm. “I think I should get settled.”

“Do that.” He turned away as I watched him walk toward his study. He didn't look back while I stood alone in the corridor.

My smile disappeared. A maid passed by and bowed so I waited until she was gone. Then I whispered to myself, “Mira Troost.” My eyes hardened. I smiled at her. I welcomed her. I had pretended I didn't care. But I wasn't stupid. I could see what was happening..Prince Perry was changing around her. Slowly. Quietly. But he was changing. And I refused to let it continue.

I walked toward my chambers, keeping my face perfectly calm whenever a servant passed. Once the door closed behind me, I locked it. My pleasant expression disappeared. I stood before the mirror. “She will not take my place.” My reflection stared back at me. “I don't care what effect she has on Prince Perry.” I clenched my fists. “I don't care how much he protects her.”

Mira had entered the palace thinking she was safe. She thought Prince Perry would protect her from everyone. But she didn't understand something. I knew Prince Perry better than she did. I knew his weaknesses. His habits..His past. And I knew exactly how to get close to him.

Either way, I would smile at Mira. I would pretend to accept her. I would make her believe I was her friend. But when the right moment came… I would make sure she was no longer standing beside Prince Perry.

I walked toward the window and looked across the palace grounds. Mira was walking in the garden below. Prince Perry appeared on another balcony. His eyes immediately found her. I watched him watching her and within me, I knew I shouldn't waste more time in putting them apart. “She will not remain here.” I whispered the words like a promise. “Mira Troost will leave this palace.” Even if I had to make her leave myself.