Page 46 of When Eden Falls

Yuska began to brush my hair. “I’m sorry. Havav has insisted.” And as if that was the definitive line drawn under the discussion, Yuska began her work.

My mind was elsewhere whilst Yuska arranged my hair. It was only when she asked me to stand, I refocused on the present. After removing my robe, she pooled a black dress over my head.

“Very fitting. It reflects my mood,” I groaned, remarking at the colour, only for her to scoff. The dress was slick, long, and heavy, with a flattering heart shaped neckline. Beautiful, fluted sleeves started halfway down my upper arm, exposing my sleek shoulders. To finish off the look, Yuska placed a dainty chain of blue pearls around my neck, matching the ones already in my hair. I knew I looked elegant, almost regal, but I felt ridiculous. I felt like a fraud.

Surrounded by guards, Yuska escorted me to Havav’s dining room. Much to my despair, everyone paused as I entered. Rooke, Kobe, even the guards lining the walls, flicked their eyes in my direction.

Unsure where to look, my eyes locked with Dybgo’s. Hestood in his usual spot, on the opposite side of the room behind Havav’s chair. His expression was stoic yet strangely comforting.

You saved me.

Lost in his crystal blue gaze, my attention was pulled to movement between us. Draped in layers of red and orange, with a golden twigged crown upon his head, Havav glided towards me, his arms sprayed wide. “Dear Eden. What a horrible ordeal you endured this afternoon.” His voice was patronising, and overly dramatic. I forced myself to look at his alabaster skin, those turquoise eyes full of…was that amusement dancing there?Bastard.

Havav motioned me to my chair. “How are you, my dear?”

“I’m fine, really,” I replied meekly, taking my seat.

“You shouldn’t have been left on your own.” He seated himself at the head of the table to my left. “I assure you, punishment has been dealt to the one whose duty was to protect you.”

Attempting to disguise my shock, I glanced at Dybgo before dropping my eyes to the table. Havav had reprimanded Dybgo for leaving me unattended? Even though he was the one who had saved me? A knot twisted violently in my stomach. I wanted to be sick.

“This is why I strongly advise you remain in the fortress.”

Of course he’d say that. “We needed to return to the ship for supplies,” I mumbled.

“Your commander could’ve gone alone with Mr Kobe and my warriors,” Havav continued. “Your presence wasn’t essential.”

“Wasn’t essential?” Still staring at the table, heat flooded my cheeks. I suddenly felt hot, angry. “Why? Because I’m a woman?”

“Females should remain in the safety of the fortress, my dear.”

I finally met his gaze. “I amnotone of your females.”

“Indeed. Yet the events of today have proven you are just as vulnerable as the females who were born and bred here.”

I finally shifted my eyes to Rooke sitting opposite. He wasgiving me a hard stare; one I couldn’t read. Was he really going to sit there and let Havav dictate this sexism? Or was he still mad at me for leaving Dybgo unattended in the analysing room? It appeared both Dybgo and I were paying for that circumstance in more ways than one.

“Today was a coincidence,” I said through gritted teeth. “It could’ve been any one of us facing that Igknamai.”

“But it was you, and it was lucky mymalewarrior rescued you from a terrible fate.”

“Yet you reprimanded him regardless?” I flicked my gaze to Dybgo, who continued to stare ahead, seemingly unfazed by the conversation.

“That is how seriously we take female protection here.”

I huffed irritably. “And I am grateful for his heroism, truly I am, but that is not sufficient evidence to prove I am vulnerable and worthless. I amnota weak link.”

“No?” Havav raised his blonde eyebrows. Again, his eyes danced with patronising amusement. “I was informed you wept for a good half an hour at the springs when you returned.” I wanted to curse.Yuska, the little bitch. Most definitely one of his spies, informing Havav of everything we said and did. “If that is not a sign of weakness, dear Eden, I don’t…”

“Crying is not a sign of weakness.” I noted Rooke’s gaze on my face. Was he shocked or concerned?

Havav chuckled. “Oh, I believe it is a sign of a weak mind.”

Clenching my teeth tightly together, my jaw ached. “It is a way of releasing one’s pent-up frustration, so one can move on with a clear head. And I was not crying purely about the attack. I miss my home. I miss my miserable life back on Allura. The life that held a sense of freedom and normality. I can’t cope with being imprisoned on a different world purely because of my sex.”

“Eden,” Rooke’s voice rumbled in warning.

I looked at him. He was scowling at me. “What do you want me to say, Rooke?”