Chapter 263: View from the Balcony

Evanna inhaled sharply at the sound of Arawn’s voice. Her attention moved passed Conrad to the elven prince who’d entered the balcony. He strode forwards confidently, glaring at the Demon Prince. Conrad smirked, turning around to face Arawn until ice flourished across the floor, making him slip on the spot.

Evanna’s breath hitched, her heart sounding loud in her ears as she watched in horror as Conrad fell backwards off the balcony. However, her shock turned to astonishment when she saw his body suspended horizontally in mid-air. A quick glance at Arawn revealed that he was utilising his other ability to prevent the prince from completely falling.

"Not so mighty now, Conrad," Arawn smirked, a dangerous glint in his eye. "I left you with a warning and a small punishment. I shan’t do that this time."

"Arawn..." Evanna warned, slowly stepping towards her prince without slipping on the lethal icy surface. "Don’t."

Arawn’s gaze cut to her. He didn’t look pleased. "Please," she added. "For me?"

The elven prince looked back at Conrad. This Demon did not deserve Evanna’s mercy. She was too kind. Arawn heard everything said between them and despised the prince even more.

Whilst they were engaged in a fierce staring contest, King Nuvian watched the trio on the balcony from the banquet hall. "*How fascinating,*" King Nuvian muttered. The window had a clear view from where he stood.

Queen Iolena stopped beside the king, wondering what took his attention away from the deadly dance floor, which now had a few droplets of blood from terrible dance partners caught under the swift falling icicles of the ceiling.

"*What holds your attention, Nuvi?*" She asked, stroking his wings gently before following his gaze.

"*It appears our granddaughter is much smarter than Loraven,

" King Nuvian replied, his hand going to his chin in thought. "The princes are fighting over Evanna. Yet I do believe there is more between her and King Thalinal’s son.*"

"*Do you think his son will kill Prince Conrad?*" Queen Iolena questioned, amused by what she was watching.

"*Prince Arawn seems to be hesitating after Evanna intervened..." The King grinned. "Such is the control she has over him...*"

Her husband was right. Evanna did have influence over Arawn. She’d heard of his behaviour before and knew taking a life, even if Conrad was a prince, would not matter to the elven prince.

It didn’t matter to them either. They may have a treaty between the human and elven kingdoms, but that did not mean they were responsible for the Demon Prince’s safety. They would not go beyond hosting to keep them safe. Conrad was also not favourable among his family, so they were sure if something happened, it would not matter to the king.

Queen Iolena looked back at the trio, tilting her head to the side. Conrad’s hovering form gradually returned to the balcony, but he appeared unable to move.

At the balcony, Evanna sighed in relief as Conrad’s feet were firmly on solid ground again. The ice that made him slip dissipated, though the atmosphere remained tense. Conrad and Arawn continued to glare at each other.

All the energy had drained from Evanna’s body, though. This was all pointless. She wanted the gem and would do anything to get it. But right now, she was too tired to deal with more drama. It was too much.

As though sensing Evanna was too fatigued and emotionally drained from the current situation, Arawn’s focus turned to her as he released his hold on Conrad. Ignoring the prince, who glared at him, Arawn cupped Evanna’s cheek, staring intently at her features.

From the corner of Evanna’s eyes, she noticed Conrad taking advantage of Arawn’s distraction and lunging towards him. Her eyes widened, and her hand shot out with vines that instantly wrapped around his feet. Conrad collapsed onto the ground, growling at the vines tightening around his ankles.

Garrett also seemed to appear out of nowhere and pinned Conrad’s hands behind his back, kneeling on him as he did so. Where was he? He must have followed Arawn.

"Ugh!" Conrad’s muffled, struggling attempts to get free started to quieten.

Dizziness enveloped Evanna as her vision started to blur, and a warm liquid trickled at the corner of her mouth. Arawn gently brushed her lip with his thumb, his face filled with concern. Finding solace in his arms, she held onto him for support, determined not to faint.

"Evanna? You need to rest. Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet," Arawn addressed her, worry in his voice.

"Queen Iolena said if you wish to fight each other, you are more than welcome to in the hall. The balcony is off limits, though."

Evanna blinked profusely and looked at the doorway to the balcony where Edric now stood, his eyes glittering in amusement.

"Evanna, release me," Conrad grumbled from the ground. "And get this oaf off me!"

"*Oaf? That is not very nice,*" Garrett mused. He didn’t appear offended and continued looking at Conrad like he was beneath him.

"Will you be good?" Evanna snapped, uncaring for the ice in her tone. She was tired and done dealing with this prince.

"Yes, yes..." Conrad huffed, still trying to disengage himself from the growing vines.

Evanna waved her hand, and they released the Demon Prince. Conrad rose to his feet, glaring at Arawn and flicked his gaze between the pair, his lips thinning.

"Go on... Run along with your tail between your legs... Be a good prince now," Arawn taunted, unable to stop himself from sneering at the man.

Conrad stepped in his direction until Edric cleared his throat. "Like I said... the Queen would much prefer to watch this from the comforts of her throne."

Evanna looked over her shoulder and pursed her lips at discovering the king and queen watching from the window.

Conrad scoffed and waved his hand like Arawn was not worth the effort before leaving the balcony. Arawn stepped away from Evanna, handing back Edric’s cloak, handling it like it smelt and was disgusting to hold. Edric glanced between the two, a smirk twitching on his lips before he left.

Returning to Evanna’s side, Arawn instantly embraced her, turning her away from the window and shielding anyone else’s view of her. The princess instantly relaxed in his hold, finding comfort and heat there. Though she was weary and felt as though she had not slept in days.

The words were stuck on her tongue as her eyes stung. "Conrad has the gem, Arawn," Evanna whispers, sniffling as speaking those words aloud made it more real.

Arawn tightened his hold on her. "This is far from over. Have faith in us. Come, I will take you back to your room." His comforting hand rubbing down the side of her arms and her fatigue made her agree.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read