by C.L. Mozena
Chapter 34
Throughly humiliated, but true to his word, Orion showed up at the guest room to give Tanya’s parents sign language lessons everyday after his studies were over. After a few days, Tanya learned to leave just before Orion got there, and not return until after Orion had gone to dinner. Orion had insisted that Tanya and her parents join him and his father for dinner, so Tanya obligingly went, but always made a show of hanging on Lee’s arm when they showed up. When the two of them showed up, Lee looked more like he was showing off a prized trophy rather than escorting his future bride. No matter how late they were, Orion would always get up and help Tanya to her seat like a gentleman. Tanya never once thanked him, or even acknowledged his kindness.
Other than at dinner, Tanya was usually on her own all day, since Lee was more interested in exploring the palace alone than being with her. Orion had, on many occasions, watched Lee stroll down a hall with other girls hanging on him and batting their eyelashes at him. Orion wondered why Tanya didn’t seem to mind Lee’s flirtatious ways with other girls.
Tanya was alone in the guestroom when Orion payed her an early visit. He didn’t have studies that day, so he thought he’d surprise Tanya and spend the day with her. He figured that, even though she didn’t like him, she might appreciate the company. Armed with an exotic plant that was about to bloom, he knocked on her door.
“Come in,” Tanya called, unconcerned, but regretted saying anything as soon as she seen Orion.She rolled her eyes as he walked in the room.
“Hey, Tanya,” he said cheerfully, holding the plant out in front of him. “I got you something to brighten your room. It’s a rare herb from Lunspae.” He set it down on an end table next to the couch where she was sitting.
“Thanks,” Tanya said indifferently, without even glancing at it. “You can go now.”
“Go?” Orion looked at her and wondered why she was treating him like a servant. “I thought that since you’re alone all the time, we could spend the day together doing whatever you want.”
“No, thanks,” her polite words couldn’t mask her annoyance. At least, that’s what it sounded like to Orion. He couldn’t tell that she was purposefully avoiding his gaze out of fear. She remembered the story of what had happened to her father when he had caught the attention of an alien ruler when he was small. She wanted the prince to find some other girl to play with. “I’d rather be alone.”
“Yea, right,” Orion said sarcastically. “Being alone is so much more fun than being with someone.”
“I’m serious, Orion.” She was getting desperate.
“Come on, Tanya, what do you want to do? We could do anything.”
“I want to be alone.”
“But-,” he didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. Tanya stood up.
“I don’t want to be with you, Orion!” she cried, tears spilling over her face as her fear took over. “I don’t like you!” Orion stepped back towards the door. “I’ve never liked you! Get out!”
“Tanya, I-,” Orion pleaded.
“GET OUT!” she picked up a paperweight and threw it at Orion. It missed him and hit the floor with a dull thud and rolled to a stop. Orion froze. “I SAID, GET OUT!” she picked up the plant he had brought her and threw it at him. Orion barely got his arm up in time to protect his head. The glass pot shattered as it hit his wrist, the glass cutting into his arm. Blood mixed with dirt as Orion stared in disbelief at the magnificent plant laying in disgrace on the floor, it’s dirty roots showing.
“Tanya, why-?” He looked up at her. She had something else in her hand, ready to throw it at him. The look on her face was murderous. He cradled his injured arm as he scooped up the broken plant and rushed out the door.
Tanya’s mind raced at what she had just done. She had threatened and attacked the prince! She drew his blood! She was going to be found out and punished for sure. She dropped the glass figurine she was holding, letting it burst apart as it hit the floor. She took a step back and tripped, falling backwards onto the couch. She was in trouble now. There would be no explaining anything. The prince would send guards to arrest her and throw her in the dungeon. She would be executed for her crimes. She had tried her best to melt into the background, but she had failed. They would come for her now. There was no escape.
She hugged her knees to her chest and cried.