The capital clan

Chapter 19

A long training", Arone voice said from behind him.

Roshan turned towards Aaron direction, Aaron leaned against the door with his usual grin on his face . His sharp eyes studied Roshan like it always did.

Long but necessary , Roshan replied evenly.

Aaron pushed himself off the wall, and fell into the step beside him, " necessary things are well pleasant.'

Aaron studied Roshan for a moment, there was a bit of uneasiness in his gaze. " I do , but something troubles you."

"You imagine things?"

" Do I", you were distracted at the training field, I could see your gaze lingered on one woman....hmm what do they call her again...." Iris "

You were totally distracted.

Roshan turned away and resumed walking. “You’re reading too much into it.”

Aaron followed, a slow smile returning. "Am I? Or have I simply been watching you lately?”

Roshan shot him a sharp look. "Careful."

Aaron laughed quietly. "That’s the second warning you’ve given me this week. Interesting."

You looked tensed when you talked to her .... that's definitely unlike you.

Roshan stopped again.

That's none of your business.

"Ah, so I was right ".

"Watch your mouth'', Roshan said.

I am," Aaron replied calmly. “And so are you. But your eyes spoke louder than your mouth today. You were watching how she reacted. How she spoke. How she stood her ground."

Roshan’s expression hardened. "She is observant. That is all."

"Is it?" Aaron asked. "Because from where I sat, you were… impressed."

Roshan turned fully now. "Do not mistake respect for weakness."

Aaron held up his hands lightly. "I didn’t say weakness."

I’ve known you a long time, Roshan," Aaron continued. "Long enough to notice when something changes.”

"Nothing has changed," Roshan said flatly.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally Roshan broke the silence.

You will travel at first light, Roshan said. To the capital clan.

The alliance but be confirmed properly.

"So soon".

Yes.

Aaron lips curved into a smile, you don't waste time.

Neither should you, this alliance matters , king Theron will want assurance , words spoken in the councils are not enough.

Aaron nodded slowly, and you trust me to deliver that assurance .

I trust your position and your ability.

Roshan turned to leave but stopped at the door, I see the way you look at the princess.

" You mean princes Bridget."

Roshan silence was answer enough.

***"

I did not expect to see Aaron so soon,that was the first mistake

The second was believing I was prepared.

I had just finish dressing when my maid call to informed me that father wanted me present in the lower hall she did not explain why, only that it was necessary. The word had begun to feel like a punishment.

I followed the corridor slowly, my step measured and thought guarded. This place felt different in the early evening. Less noise, fewer eyes .

When I entered the hall, father was already there speaking with two advisor and then..

" Aaron", he stood a little apart from them, his arms folded behind his back. His posture stright, expression unreadable and he was dressed plainly for someone of his rank, his fabric was dark no necessary ointment. It irritated me to noticed.

He noticed me at the same moment,

Our eyes meet briefly, there was no smile , no acknowledge of any sort.

I felt something tightened in my chest sharp and unwanted.

Princess Bridget.

"Princess Bridget," father said, turning." You're just in time."

I nodded my head politely, though my attention was already drifting back to Aaron, he didn't look at me directly. His gaze remained forward respectful and distant.

"Too distant."

This meeting will be a brief one, my father continued ."Lord Aaron has volunteered to oversee tomorrow's negotiations with the southern envoys."

I looked at Aaron before I could stop myself. “Overseeing?”

He answered calmly. "At your father’s request."

Father did not correct him.

Something about that irritated me, though I couldn’t explain why. “And what exactly do you oversee?” I asked.

“Balance," Aaron said, And clarity."

I let out a small breath through my nose. “Those are vague answers.”

“They often are,” he replied.

Father cleared his throat, clearly dine with the exchange. The conversation moved on, but I found it difficult to follow. My attention kept drifting back to Aaron not because he demanded it , but because he did not. He did not look at me again. Not openly that made it worse

When the meeting ended, I turned to leave at once, I had taken only a few steps when his voice stopped me

" Princess"

I pause my back still at him

I wanted to address something, he said.

I turned slowly, " you may "

He hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully.' early today, you spoke without considering your position, that was an error "

I blinked, I had not expected that.

You assume I noticed, " I said.

His gaze held mine steady, i believe you notice more than most

I don't like that , you don't know me "

"No, " but I'm learning, he said quietly .

I folded my arms, " then learn this ; I do not enjoy being assessed .

His mouth switched with a teasing smirk.

"Noted." He said .

Silence stretched between us, it was not awkward exactly...just hevy.

"If that's all",i said.

For now , he replied.

I nodded once and walked away, I did not look back.

But I could feel his eyes all over me, i really hated the way awareness followed me down the corridor.

Nothing has happened, but I could feel a shift already.