Chapter 22
----------------------------------------------------------------- Translator: Diva Chapter: 22 Chapter Title: Clashing Wills -----------------------------------------------------------------
The lamplight made his robust frame glow pale, filling her vision completely, and her tongue stuck fast to the roof of her mouth, refusing to budge.
She swallowed dryly, her gaze slowly traveling down his body.
He must have just washed off the dirt from the march; his pale blond hair, darker than usual, dripped water, and droplets clung to his sculpted shoulders and broad back.
Talia's eyes followed the water sliding along the taut curves of his muscles, and she flushed, hastily lifting her head.
Even the generously cut hem of his trousers was soaked through, clinging tightly to his long, powerful legs.
It had been years since she'd last seen him so unguarded—back when she was fourteen, ordering him into the lake on a whim.
Talia moistened her parched lips, struggling to gather the shattered words in her throat.
Then, from right in front of her, came a dry chuckle.
"Hearing the word 'hierarchy' from your mouth? That's enough to make a dog laugh."
Irritation rushed in to fill the void left by her embarrassment at his mocking tone. She shot him a sharp glare and snorted.
"Hierarchy exists for superiors to lord over their inferiors. And you knights are in a position to obey me, a royal. So make it crystal clear to your men whose orders take priority—unless you want them whipped for insolence."
Barkas, sliding his arms into his shirt sleeves, fixed her with an icy stare.
Talia tensed. She knew all too well from past experience just how mercilessly this taciturn man could wield his tongue when he set his mind to it.
She watched his mouth intently, wary as if eyeing a viper poised to strike, but Barkas simply grabbed his robe from the wall and strode out of the tent without a glance her way.
Talia stared after his retreating back in dismay, then hurried after him. If he'd hurled cruel words or shot her a furious look, she might not have been so angry. But being treated like a roadside pebble she could not endure.
She caught up in an instant and raised her voice.
"Don't you feel better ignoring everything I say?"
The soldiers, busy shifting gear, froze and turned at her ringing tone.
But Barkas didn't even pretend to hear. He marched on, eyes forward, as if she weren't worth acknowledging, and rage boiled up to her crown.
Talia yanked roughly at his clothes. Perhaps unwilling to suffer the humiliation of torn garments before the servants, he finally stopped.
She spat each word at his aloof face.
"You've must have been thrilled all this time. No more putting up with that tiresome girl's orders—you're relieved to death, aren't you? That's why you won't even pretend to listen to me!"
"I'd at least pretend if you said anything worth hearing."
He pried her fingers from his hem with cold detachment and shot back coolly.
Talia gritted her teeth. Humiliation surged as he brushed off his shirt like something filthy had touched it.
Maybe the world would be better if this man just vanished. Then she'd never have to feel this wretched.
She glared at him with hostile eyes, then suddenly barked a harsh laugh.
"My words don't sound like words to you? Should I speak in beast-tongue like your barbarian ancestors? Would you understand that?"
The servants watching with bated breath paled at the outrageous insult. But Barkas merely looked down at her in silence. Talia kept railing at his frigid face.
"If you want, I can neigh like a horse. You'd probably get that better. You like horses more than people anyway."
"Talking to my horse would be better than dealing with you."
Barkas sneered.
"At least my stallion makes sense. He doesn't whine all day and wear on my nerves."
Talia's shoulders trembled with outrage. Barkas twisted his lips in disbelief at the sight.
"You blush at a little pushback but plunge knives into others' weak spots without hesitation... Do you really believe no one can be as vile as you?"
She shot him a venomous glare, her throat swelling with the urge to retort.
What do you know about me?
Who else in this world knows human vileness like I do? I know bone-deep how merciless people can be, so I've resolved to be cruel first. If I don't crush you, you'll crush me.
Spilling all that would only expose her vulnerabilities.
She stepped back, composing an indifferent expression as if she hadn't just lashed out.
"I'm not here for pointless bickering. As I said, I want my camp moved. Order your knights to pack up now."
Barkas drew a long breath, as if gathering patience.
"I have no intention of indulging your whims. Quit wasting breath and go rest."
"I'm not asking to move the whole camp! Why not?"
"I have no obligation to explain my decisions."
"I'm the Emperor's daughter! When I demand, you must obey...!"
"Enough."
A heavy shadow fell over her head.
Talia flinched, shoulders hunching. Barkas, abandoning even formal courtesy, leaned in and murmured coldly right in her face.
"I've used up my daily ration of patience for you. Know when to call it and save some for tomorrow."
His face, gazing down at her, was nobly handsome despite the rough words. Even in anger, he never lost his dignity—a trait that made her feel all the more wretched.
"Escort Her Highness back to her quarters."
He straightened and ordered the nearby knights. Those who had watched in silence obeyed at once.
"This way, Princess Highness."
Talia glared sharply at the knights blocking her, then turned back to Barkas.
He was already walking away. She ground her teeth, staring obsessively at his elegantly unrumpled retreating figure.
He doesn't even ask why I want to move camp. My thoughts mean nothing to him.
He really should just drop dead.
She almost laughed at herself for all the fuss over his safety.
Once this journey ended, he'd belong to another woman anyway. A man who'd never be hers... What did it matter if she saw his corpse come morning?
Talia whirled around sharply.