The unyielding heart
Naevira would never dare to tell the princess why she followed her, why she watched her from the shadows, her sharp eyes tracing every movement. She was a siren, a creature of the sea with an infamous reputation. Her past was littered with her victims—sailors, wanderers, anyone who fell prey to her haunting song. For centuries, Naevira had carried herself with cold pride, her heart as unyielding as the depths she called home. Admitting the truth to Vivienne, the bright, untouchable princess, would have been unthinkable.
And yet, not even ten seconds passed before Naevira blurted out the truth.
Vivienne blinked in surprise before bursting into laughter, the sound rich and unrestrained. It echoed across the quiet shoreline, mingling with the soft crash of the waves. “Wow, I’m flattered,” Vivienne said, her voice dripping with mock drama as she swept her arms out in an exaggerated gesture. “Following me because I’m so unique.” Her grin was dazzling, playful yet warm, a beacon of light cutting through Naevira’s carefully guarded darkness.
The flutter in Naevira’s chest returned, more insistent this time. Something about that grin, about the way Vivienne looked at her without fear, without judgment—it was utterly disarming. For once, Naevira found herself unable to tear her gaze away.
The laughter faded, but Vivienne’s teasing tone lingered, her amusement at Naevira’s expense clear. Normally, such mockery would have sealed someone’s fate. Naevira had silenced men for far less. But this woman… Vivienne was different. She wasn’t just anyone. Somehow, Vivienne mattered.
Naevira’s lips twitched, and to her surprise, she felt a smile creeping onto her face. It was small, fleeting, but it was there. She glanced away, down at the waves lapping against the shore, before murmuring, “Count yourself lucky. I could’ve killed you instead.” The words, while dark, lacked the sharp edge of malice. Her tone was light, almost casual, as though the two of them were longtime friends trading banter.
Vivienne didn’t flinch, didn’t falter. Instead, she just tilted her head, studying Naevira with a glimmer of curiosity. The easy confidence in her gaze was almost infuriating, but Naevira found herself admiring it nonetheless.
A voice called out from the ship in the distance, pulling Vivienne’s attention away. “Viv?” It was her brother, searching for her. Vivienne exhaled softly, then grabbed her lantern and rose to her feet, her movements graceful even in the dim light. She turned back to Naevira, her expression softening into something genuine, something unguarded.
“Will you follow me so we can talk again?” Vivienne asked, her voice quiet but steady, her smile a gentle invitation rather than a demand.
Naevira hesitated only for a moment before the answer came, as natural as breathing.
“Always.”