Cursed by the Phantom Prince (Once Upon A Curse)

Chapter 22

22

RHAN

I t didn’t take long for everyone to file back into the throne room after Toren and I had come to an agreement. Most of the Fae faces were impassive, looking as if nothing could ever surprise them. The only one who looked excited about the preceding was Larek. His falcon was on his shoulder and he just looked happy to be included. It was endearing and I found that Larek had planted himself firmly in my heart. Whatever my doubts may be about Toren I knew that Larek would always be honest with me. Having him in my corner made what was about to happen a little less intimidating.

I stood next to Toren, who had positioned himself between the throne and me. I didn’t like it but I understood that he was making a statement.

Only once my mother was back on her throne and the Moon Court King in his previous position did every eye focus on us. My back was ramrod straight, with my chin slightly raised, doing my best not to give away what was about to happen.

Lady had retreated with Rea but she’d remained quiet during everything, which made me wonder if she was upset with me. I’d have to ask her later because right now our hastily made plan was sure to cause an uproar.

“Honorable members of the court,” Toren began, taking a step forward and addressing the room. “From our earlier actions I’m sure you’ve all come to the realization that our relationship is not that of a guard and guarded.” Several chuckles sounded from around the room, making the tension ease a little but making it easier to breathe. “We are well acquainted and are ready to take the next step in our relationship not only for the good of the realm but also because we have developed feelings for each other. Love matches are rare in our world but in my opinion, there is nothing stronger and I am incredibly thankful that fate brought us together.

Toren shifted his body to the right and offered me his hand. I took it without hesitation, allowing him to pull me forward so we stood next to each other again.

“My deceit, though made with good intentions, wasn’t something that I did lightly but spending time with the princess was a gift that I do not regret. As many of you know the pressure of the crown can be overwhelming but with Princess Rhan’s support I’ve found it easier to bear.” He paused and brought my hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it. I met his eyes and saw absolute sincerity. It took me aback, making me wonder if he was just playing a game or if he was really being honest.

I got lost in his dark gaze and I wondered how I was going to be able to pretend to be alright with this. My head was telling me to jerk away and run as fast as I could yet my heart was longing for his embrace, for his lips on mine again.

I blinked, coming back to the present with my cheeks flushed. If anything I looked the part of a blushing girl about to be asked for her hand in marriage when in reality my thoughts were on many different things, none of which pertained to our current circumstances.

“With Rhan by my side, I can take the throne,” Toren announced to the room, then, without hesitation, lowered himself to his knees. I gasped, not expecting the Phantom Prince of the Moon Court to get on his knees before me. He looked up at me, his eyes full of adoration and something tender that I couldn’t name. With my hand still in his grasp, he swallowed like he was nervous, which wasn’t something you’d feel if you were just pretending. “Will you, Princess Rhan of the Court of Dawn, agree to become my wife?”

The question rang out and I paused, wondering why he had asked me like the human males did back on earth. Did he know that I was human? Did he know that I’d always dreamed of being asked to marry on bended knee? There was no way he could have but here he was, crouched in a lower position showing everyone gathered that he held me above all others.

It was a surprising gesture but one I couldn’t help but question. However, I had a part to play in all of this and it needed to be convincing.

My gasp was the perfect reaction. I covered my mouth with my hand and imagined that this proposal was with someone who loved and cherished me. Someone who couldn’t live another minute without me by their side. Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded my head yes, trying and failing to imagine someone else, anyone else in his position but all I could see was Toren.

“Yes,” I whispered, tears rolling down my cheeks. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

Toren stood, dropping my hand so he could wrap his arms around me. I melted against him, unable to stop myself. I breathed him in, trying to memorize how this felt so I could relive it in my dreams but with someone who wore a different face.

Leaning back, Toren swooped down, pressing his lips to mine in a tender kiss that made my toes curl. Maybe I was wrong, maybe he did have real feelings for me. Dazed from all the conflicting feelings, I broke the kiss as best I could. Everyone in the room was clapping, yelling out their congratulations, which just made my cheeks heat again.

Toren smiled but I could tell it was forced. I just wasn’t sure if it was part of his act or that he really hated this whole spectacle.

My mother stood from her throne and stepped toward me, arms outstretched with tears in her eyes. “My sweet daughter, the Rose of Dawn. I didn’t think I’d see the day when you’d choose someone to stand at your side. I’m honored to be part of this wondrous union.”

I could tell that my acting had won over the queen. She beamed at me and then at Toren before drawing him in for a quick embrace.

During all of this the Moon Court King had made his way up the stairs and was standing there waiting his turn to congratulate his son and future daughter in law. I really didn’t want to touch him but it would be rude if I refused. He clasped my hand a little tighter than was necessary, making my plastered smile fade a tiny bit.

Something happened in that moment, I felt like I was going to be bombarded with memories of his past. I braced myself for the onslaught of visions, expecting to see exactly how he had treated his wife. How he handled the loss by blaming it on his son. I didn’t see any of the sort but instead got a vague feeling that this man was drenched in darkness. I didn’t dare pull away so instead I ventured further in, trying to pinpoint where exactly this all consuming blackness was coming from.

I jerked my hand back, my skin stinging from the king’s tight grasp while everything in me recoiled from the foulness. It was a different sort of darkness but it had the same repulsive feeling as the presence from the previous night.

Toren reached out and snagged my waist, pulling me into him before anyone noticed but sudden movement. He held me close, grabbing my stinging hand with his and interlocking our fingers. I breathed a sigh of relief as the distressing feeling disappeared like it had never been there.

At that moment I came to the conclusion that Toren may not be who I thought he was. He may have been deceitful, but his intentions were good. His father on the other hand was the exact opposite. He hated his life, this realm, and especially his son. He was a constant reminder of his late wife who was so much better than he could ever be. Her loss had been the tipping point and he'd fully given himself over to madness.

It made me move closer to his son who was, thankfully, nothing like him.

“Helio, we must plan the wedding quickly,” my mother said, reaching out to cup my cheek. “My daughter will have the very best and with luck, a grandchild will be on the way before the year is out.”