CH 142

The afternoon that Iona left the castle, an unexpected guest visited the palace. The office was on edge as Ridrian wasn’t feeling too happy about Iona’s absence. To top it off, the annoying woman that Ridrian didn’t like showed up without an appointment. Ridrian was desperately trying to think of a reason to get rid of her.

“Thank you for meeting with me.” It was quite polite and formal. Ridrian stared at Eris, trying to guess what her business was. She certainly didn’t appear to be here to cause trouble.

“You’re not going to act rude like you did last time?” Ridrian asked.

“I was just happy to see Iona then, so my apologies if I came across as being rude.” To Ridrian, this seemed like a totally different person.

Eris was wearing the Deron territory’s traditional outfit, which consisted of hunting attire. She finally looked like a guardian of the border. Ridrian was uncomfortable in the presence of the red-haired woman. She appeared to be Iona’s acquaintance, but she emitted an odd feeling.

“Iona has left the palace,” Ridrian informed her.

“I know. I heard she moved somewhere really close, though.”

“Your info is quick and accurate. Why the interest all of a sudden? You never bothered with her before.” Ridrian’s eyes narrowed.

It was one of the questions he had been wondering about, ever since the masked ball. Eris’ face became cold and hard.

“Honestly, I had no idea what she had gone through before entering the palace. Had I known, I would have destroyed the Russen family’s name myself. How dare they do that to Iona.” Eris’ eyes were full of anger. Ridrian could sense that the hatred was real, so he chose not to pursue it further. Besides, he had other questions for this woman.

“How do you know Iona?” he asked.

“You have a lot of questions,” Eris said, smiling.

“Answer,” Ridrian demanded.

“I suggest you hear it from her.” It was apparent that Eris was not going to answer that question.

To Ridrian, her face reminded him of Lilianna. If Raven were here, he would probably suggest picking her as the next doll. The thoughts were suddenly making him uncomfortable. “So, what are you doing here?”

“I would like you to assign me as Iona’s bodyguard.”

“You? Did the Margrave allow it?”

“I already have my father’s permission,” Eris assured him.

Ridrian was surprised that Count Deron, who was known to be strict, would allow his daughter to stay in the capital. Ridrian would have expected him to be enraged, as Count Deron only thought of his family and his territory. Of course, just because Count Deron was allowing it, Ridrian had no intention of making her Iona’s bodyguard that easily. Iona had seemed troubled upon seeing that Eris. Is she special to Iona for some reason? Ridrian wondered. My instincts don’t want to allow it.

From what he heard reported; Lady Deron’s swordsmanship was almost as good as any palace knight. Though it was a good skill, it wasn’t enough to trust her with guarding Iona. His choice of bodyguard wouldn’t be a question of skill.

“I’ve already sent two of my personal guards. She doesn’t need anymore,” Ridrian said.

Eris immediately protested. “Iona is being threatened by demons. I’ve faced a variety of different demons. I’m trained in battling magical beings. I’ll be of more use than a standard palace guard.”

“Where did you hear that she was being threatened by demons?” The emperor’s eyes flashed briefly with rage. Eris thought she had made a mistake and immediately tried to backtrack.

“That’s not important. What’s important here is Iona’s safety.”

“Don’t change the subject.” Someone with magic power had attacked the palace. Whoever they were, it showed a clear weakness in the defense of the palace. He had reprimanded the entirety of his guard barracks. But, if it was true that it was related to demons, then simple training exercises wouldn’t be enough.

Eris lifted her hands to show surrender. “During the masked ball, I felt incredible power from young Count Russen. Sorry, the former young Count.”

Neither Iona, nor Ravis, told him about this. Either they hadn’t sensed it it or they didn’t tell him on purpose, so that he wouldn’t worry. Ridrian frowned. I also didn’t feel it, he thought. That’s not good at all.

Iona’s life was even more in danger, now that she had left the palace. He had given the guards to her as protection because of the attacks that had occurred within the palace. Now he didn’t think it would be enough. Ravis had mentioned that he would request a crusader from the Order, but would that still be enough?

The jealous side of him realized that she was slowly being surrounded by men. Maybe it would make sense to have a female to guard her, as Eris could become closer to Iona personally. Ridrian scanned Eris. She seemed to really like Iona.

“Fine,” he gave in. “I’ll hire you as a temporary palace guardian, and position you to guard Iona. Please inform your father.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Eris said, her face splitting into a huge grin.

“Why do you like Iona so much? If people didn’t know you, they would think you are long lost sisters.”

Eris turned around as she was about to leave the room. She smiled brightly.

“There’s no particular reason. I was given a chance to be free, thanks to her,” Eris said, then turned and left the office.

Is she that happy to leave her homeland? Ridrian wondered as he watched her leave.