Chapter 179: The Fire She Chose To Walk Into
Later, around lunchtime, Prince Valen excused himself briefly when his assistant leaned in to whisper something in his ear. It was then that Eve decided to use the powder room to freshen up after their long tour. Ivan immediately stood to accompany her, but she gently refused, insisting that she would go with Cece instead.
They asked the butler for directions to the powder room, and a servant offered to guide them personally. Walking through the empty corridor with Cece, she observed the paintings on the wall and thought to herself how truly lifeless they were. They were just dark paint, random brushstrokes, looking absolutely chaotic. ’Is this supposed to be art?’ she wondered. She had seen abstract art before that was far more appealing to look at, but these were pure chaos, casting a dark, ominous feel over the lifeless surroundings. She wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. The dark, looming heaviness in the air was messing with her senses, making it feel as though she couldn’t breathe properly.
Letting out another soundless sigh, they finally reached the powder room. Eve washed her hands and adjusted her attire while waiting for Cece when she heard quiet footsteps outside the door before they stopped.
Thinking that Ivan had decided to follow her after all, she shook her head slightly and said, "Cece, I’m right outside. I think Ivan ended up following us."
"Alright, I’ll be out in a minute," Cece called back.
As Eve opened the powder room door, she froze. Standing there, leaning casually against the wall, was a tall man whose pale green eyes once again swept over her. His lips curved into a devious smirk.
"Princess Evelyn," he said in his deep, velvety voice, which carried a faint hint of amusement, "I’m so glad I could find you here."
Eve narrowed her eyes, regarding him warily, "And why would His Highness seek me here, of all places?" she asked.
The corner of Valen’s lips curled higher as he pushed himself off the wall and took a step closer. Each step he took toward her echoed faintly against the stone floor. "Because," he said smoothly, his voice dipping lower, "of the sensitive nature of the subject I wanted to discuss with you."
Eve lifted her chin, refusing to take a step back even as he closed the distance between them. Her voice remained firm and regal, "And what would that be?"
Valen stopped just at a short distance from her, the faint light from the chandelier above caught the glint of his pale green eyes that drank her in with a hunger he didn’t bother to conceal. He tilted his head slightly and his smirk darkened, "That would be..." he paused, his gaze drifted on her lips for a fraction too long, "...something you’ve been looking forward to."
Eve’s eyebrows drew together, "I wish you wouldn’t speak to me in riddles, Prince Valen."
He let out a slow, amused chuckle before lifting one hand in a mock gesture of surrender. Then, placing it over his chest, he spoke in a tone that was almost disarmingly sincere. "Forgive me, Princess. This prince has a rather playful nature."
When she didn’t respond, he continued, his voice dropping just enough to sound earnest. "Earlier today, you mentioned being interested in seeing the Vault of Ages. As a royal, I cannot allow anyone near it...but as a man who merely wishes to grant a lady he once met in childhood what she desires, I’d like to make that happen."
"What do you think, Princess Evelyn?" He rolled her name off his tongue as though tasting something decadent, and the sound made her inwardly recoil in disgust. But what she wanted was right in front of her, so she made a herculean effort not to let the disgust show on her face and met his gaze squarely. "So, what are you asking of me, Prince Valen?"
His grin widened until it stretched from ear to ear, "I’m asking if you would like a personal tour of the Vault of Ages...with me."
Eve’s heart skipped a beat, and she asked carefully, "Are you saying you’re willing to take me there...the place you just denied everyone else?"
"Yes," he replied with a smile. "I’m willing to make an exception... but only if you agree."
"When?" she asked.
"I can take you there now, since you’re separated from the group," Valen said smoothly. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "Although...I can only show it to you from the outside. I hope that’s acceptable?"
He watched her closely, the faint gleam of interest in her eyes feeding his satisfaction. For a few seconds, silence hung thick in the air as Valen waited for her response.
Eve’s mind raced behind her composed exterior. If she missed this fleeting chance, there would be no other way forward but Ivan’s plan. And that terrified her more than anything.
The weight of their purpose pressed down on her chest like stone. They weren’t just here for answers; she was here to save him. Every passing second, she could feel the darkness tightening its hold on Ivan, like a storm barely restrained. It was only a matter of time before it consumed him entirely.
Time was of the essence, and she didn’t know it would all blow up on their faces. And if she failed now, the cost would be unbearable. The cost would be....Ivan’s life.
Her heart clenched painfully at the thought. She had made a vow to herself that she would save the only man who resided in her heart, even if it meant walking through hellfire itself.
Careful not to appear too eager, she let the silence stretch just a little longer than necessary, feigning hesitation so as not to raise Valen’s suspicion. Then, after a short pause, she finally spoke, in a calm voice, "Fine. I accept your invitation."
As her acceptance finally left her lips, Valen’s face broke into a delighted smile. ’Finally’, he thought, ’some time alone with her...away from that damned vampire prince’.
"Very well!" He stepped aside with exaggerated gallantry, one hand sweeping out in an inviting gesture. "After you, Princess."
Eve’s expression didn’t falter. She took a small step forward, then stopped abruptly. Her fingers brushed her neck, and knit her brows together. "Oh dear," she murmured in mild distress. "I think I dropped my necklace."
Valen’s smile faltered slightly, concern glinted across his features, but only for show. He spoke in a tone dripping with chivalrous intent. "I see...Do you remember where you last had it? Perhaps I can help you look?"
"Ah, no. I think I might have dropped it in the powder room," she said quickly, turning around. "Forgive me, I’ll just have a quick look inside."
Without waiting for his response, Eve stepped back into the powder room. Her heart pounded violently in her chest at the thought of being alone anywhere near that deranged prince, but she reminded herself firmly that she had to do this.
For Ivan’s sake.
Leaning against the closed door, she let out a slow, shaky breath, trying to calm herself. When she opened her eyes, she found Cece standing before her, watching her silently.
Seeing Eve struggle to calm her nerves, knowing she was facing danger for the sake of saving her brother, which both warmed and pained Cece’s heart.
Without a word, Cece stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Eve, pulling her into a warm embrace. Eve closed her eyes and hugged her back, taking comfort in the quiet strength of her friend’s hold.
They stayed like that for a moment longer before Cece pulled back and whispered, "I can’t believe he actually followed you here."
Eve whispered back, keeping her voice low so Valen wouldn’t overhear. "Yes, me too. But with this, I can finally find the Vault’s location."
Cece’s eyes filled with worry as she looked at her friend. "Evelyn, I’m not sure if this is a good idea. Maybe we should stick to Ivan’s pla—"
"No, Cece, you know how dangerous it will be for him to do this alone. At least this way, we’re not raising any suspicion, and I can check things out, maybe even find a way to get inside the vault."
Cece looked at her as worry creased her brow. "Ivan will come looking for you," she said in a trembling voice, already dreading how he would react.
"I know. That’s why you need to hold him back a little longer, just until I figure things out."
Eve took Cece’s hands, her grip tight with desperation. "I need to do this, Cece. It’s for him. I can’t lose him." Her voice cracked slightly as she fought back the lump rising in her throat.
Cece exhaled shakily, then gave her a small nod. "That’s the only reason I’m agreeing to this insane plan." She hissed in frustration and muttered, "If only that man outside were half-decent."
Then she looked Eve straight in the eyes and spoke in a firm tone, "I’ll be right behind you."
