I entered the prince’s lounge and I was immediately struck by a sense of awe. The room exuded opulence and elegance fit for a royal. The air carried a delicate fragrance of exotic flowers, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captured my senses. Stepping further into the lounge, my eyes were drawn to the magnificent chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow over the space.
The lounge was adorned with lavish decorations, a testament to the princes’ impeccable taste and wealth. Intricate tapestries depicting mythical creatures and epic battles adorned the walls, adding a touch of grandeur to the room. The furniture boasted intricate carvings and was designed with the utmost attention to detail. Plush velvet sofas and armchairs provided luxurious seating options, enticing me to sink into their comfort.
The room was a harmonious blend of icy blues and shimmering silvers, reminiscent of the enchanting landscapes of the Icelands. Crystals and icicle shaped ornaments sparkled in the light, casting a magical ambiance. A grand fireplace stood against one wall, emanating warmth and casting a cozy glow amidst the icy decor.
In one corner, a grand piano beckoned to be played, its glossy black surface reflecting the room’s splendor. Nearby, a small bar showcased an array of crystal decanters filled with the finest liquors from around the world. Behind the bar, a skilled mixologist awaited, ready to craft exquisite cocktails for the princes. I turn to Ruarc. “Aren’t you afraid that he would reveal your secrets?”
“Sigrid is deaf, so no. Plus, he’s good at what he does. The money he makes really helps his family out, so he knows better to respect himself,” Ruarc answered, and I turned my attention back to the room.
The lounge offered breathtaking views through its expansive windows, revealing the icy landscapes of the Icelands. Snow-capped mountains stretched magically in the distance, while frozen lakes and glaciers shimmered under the soft light. It felt as though nature itself had conspired with the princes to create this captivating retreat.
I couldn’t help but be captivated by it. It was a sanctuary where luxury and beauty merged seamlessly, allowing one to escape the realities of the world and immerse oneself in a realm of elegance and wonder. I felt incredibly fortunate to have been granted access to this breathtaking space and I eagerly anticipated exploring it further, uncovering all the secrets it held.
“Once you’re done gawking, you can leave.”
I hadn’t even noticed the other brothers coming. I turn around, ignoring their awful glares. Sia wasn’t among them and I wonder why.
“Eleanor, is there a reason why you detest me?”, I ask the older prince, returning the glare.
He scoffed. “A reason? I have a million.”
“That’s enough you two,” Ruarc ordered. “Crinka is here to stay. The sooner you lads understand that the better.”
“That doesn’t explain why she’s here. She’s not royalty. She’s definitely not a prince,” Dolan spat out.
Ruarc wants to talk but I beat him to it. I’m tired of it all. Him defending me, Sia defending me or beating me, his brothers badmouthing me. I’m tired of it all.
“Look if you have a problem with me say it now so that we can bury the hatchet. As it is now, I do not want and I don’t think any of you would want to carry on to next year still hating each other. Thus, if you have a problem with me, say it now before everyone present,” I say, confidence unwavering.
“The thing is, Crinka dearest, we just don’t have a problem with you, we have problems.”
Sia.
His brothers parted ways for him and he drew closer, his eyes shining a bright purple. Guess he’s still angry.
“Then state them. I don’t remember having done any of you wrong, so please explain in clear terms what your deal with me is.”
Sia chuckled. “I’m certain that if we go into that, we’d have exhausted the hours allotted to our confession night.”
I frown, having never heard the term before. “Confession night? What’s that?”
Sia rose a brow. “That’s one way to avoid hearing about your nuisances.”
I glared at him. He glared back.
“That’s enough you two”, Ruarc ordered. “And Crinka, to answer your question, a confession night is a day set aside on the last day of the year whereby we princes come together in similar attire to confess our sins, desires and secrets untold.”
“If it\s just for you and your brothers, then why did you bring me here?”, I ask him.
“I said that I would make it up to you Crinka. Just see this as the beginning. Anyways, as I was saying, whatever has been said within these walls, must remain within these walls. Failure to do so would attract penalty,” Ruarc responded.
“What penalty? “, I ask confused.
“You’d have to break the rules to find out Crinka,” Sia answered. “Now can we get this thing over with? I must make haste and return to Pharix.”
My nostrils flared. “You will do no such thing!”, I yell.
He chuckled. “You might be my royal concubine but that doesn’t mean you get to decide who I sleep with or not.”
I’m heartbroken. How dare he say that to me? “Why are you doing this to me?”
He chuckled again. “I believe you already know the answer to that baby,” he said emphasizing the word ‘baby’.
“That’s enough!”, Ruarc bellowed. “Let us all take our seats.”
The brothers took up the space on the floor, sitting round in a circle, bottles of vodka in their midst. I joined them, taking up the empty space beside Ruarc. Right now, he’s the only one I can trust to keep me safe.
“Dearest brothers of mine, and Crinka, we are gathered here in this safe space to share our deepest darkest secrets and to let go of the burden we’ve been shouldered with. Let the confession night begin!”, Ruarc shouted.
“I say we take turns,” Dolan suggested. “Massa should go first.”
Massa cast his older brother a look. He sighed after resigning to his fate. “Fine, but I shall have a drink first you know, to loosen my tongue.”
The brothers laughed as Massa reached for a bottle, taking a swift gulp of the fine liquor.
“Now that should do it. I haven’t got many secrets to tell, mostly because I have spilled some, but I do have a secret. One that you guys might not be comfortable with.”
“This is a safe space Massa,” Eleanor cooed. “Your secret is safe with us.”
Massa breathed deeply before saying, “I’ve found my mate.”
The princes marveled. “Really? Why didn’t you tell us? “We would love to see her,” Eoff gushed.
Massa heaved a sigh. “I didn’t tell anyone because my mate, my erasthai is a vraugmita.”
Silence.
It was thick and heavy. The tension was suffocating and I took deep breaths to clear my lungs.
“She’s a what?”, Elvis asked, his sharp voice cutting through the tension like a knife.
“A vraugmita. A hot sexy one at that. Look, you can’t tell anyone. We just met and…you mustn’t tell anyone,” Massa cried out.
“You have our word Mass,” Sia said seriously. “I promise.”
Massa leaned back, looking relieved.
“Kayne it’s your turn,” Ruarc stated.
The young prince reached for the vodka bottle but his fingers never brushed the bottle. Thane didn’t let him.
“Hey! Give that back!”, Kayne cried out, reaching forward.
“No. You might be one hundred and fifty years but you’re still trapped in the body of an eight-year-old, therefore you cannot have alcohol. What kind of brother would I be if I let my kid brother drink liquor huh?”, Thane queried, hiding the bottle behind him.
Kayne looked like he wanted to cry. “Thane, give it back! Izal, do something!”
Izal frowned, clearly not wanting to be a part of it. “Kayne, surely you have sins to confess. Do so, so that we can move forward.”
Kayne leaned back, scowling. “Thane, you’ll pay for this I swear.”
“No threats in the safe space Kayne!”, Massa yelled.
Kayne glared at his younger brother before speaking, “I miss it.”
Now I’m intrigued. “Miss what?”, I ask quietly. My innocent question has the twelve brothers looking at me.
“My life. The life I had when I wasn’t stuck in this body. I miss it. The women, the alcohol, the erections, orgasms and sex. I swear it’s all I ever think about these days. The pressing need to drive a woman over the edge. But when I look at myself in the mirror while naked, I’m only reminded of the fact that I’m a man, mentally and a boy physically. So, to take my mind off the depressing feeling, I get into people’s heads and mess with their thoughts,” Kayne replied, his voice heavy.
“That’s…that’s a lot,” I mumble. “And for messing with thoughts, I’d be sure to put up a mental barrier.”
The princes laughed, even Sia. Thane handed the bottle to Kayne who drank to his heart’s content.
“Elijah it’s your turn,” Ruarc stated, handing the bottle to Elijah. He took a careful sip before setting it down on the ground.
“My lessons have been put to good use. I no longer have that…. urge to compose a song so deadly it would put your hearts to sleep and to prove my point, I have composed a song of exciting melody, I would be pleased to play before you all, if my brothers would be delighted to listen.”
“Of course, we’ll listen,” his brothers chorused.
“Crinka?”, he asks, turning to me and I feel delighted that someone from their side other than Ruarc included me in their conversation.
“I’ll listen to anything you have to say Elijah,” I say, smiling sweetly at him.
He returned it, leaning back. “With that being said, I assume it’s Sia’s turn.”