I take a deep breath, knowing the men won’t patiently wait too long and begin to carefully figure out how to properly put this on. The fabric feels cool against my skin. I take a deep breath in as I cautiously step into the sleek, black pants, its onyx hue glistening under the dim light of my chamber. It clings snugly to every curve of my legs, molding like a second skin.
They almost feel like leggings.I lift my legs, stretching the material out to get comfortable.
I grab the top and slide one arm through first and then realize, one side is sleeveless. My bare arm feels the breeze from a slight crack in the window, but the one that is covered feels nothing but heat. My fingers glide along each scale on the right chest and shoulder material, brushing against the rough edges. With steady hands, I fasten each button securely down the front diagonally until it rests tightly against my chest.
Black leather boots, unlaced, rest beside the bed. I must have not noticed earlier, due to the unpleasant interruption of Koen barging into the room. But I swiftly slip my feet into them, tie the laces, and make my way to the door.
I twist the silver knob, feeling its coolness against my palm. As I turn, the clicking noise echoes in the room and the door opens.
Florian waits by the nearby white staircase with cobblestone steps. His midnight-black suit blends into the wall behind him. The medallion he wore when I first met him, dragon wings with five circles, still rests perfectly against his chest before he tucks it under the suit.
Koen’s appearance has changed. He now wears an outfit similar to Florian's. His broad frame is adorned with midnight-black dragon scales and sleek shoulder armor. His black pants fit snugly around his thighs, complemented by tall, raven-black boots that reach up to his knees. A belt is tightened around his waist, holding three daggers.
“This will do.” Koen shrugs before meeting Florian’s stare. “Are we ready?”
The Prince nods, and Koen gestures for me to walk before him.
“We are down a horse, remember?” I bite my lips.
“We aren't taking the one we rode on.” A playful glint dances in the depths of Florian’s gaze.
My eyes dart between the brothers. “How are we getting to the Queen then?”
Out of nowhere, Koen's strong arm pulls me in with one tug, drawing me close. The scent of leather mingled with a touch of smoke floods my senses. I smell the field of ash radiating from him. My eyes trace up to him, his lips tugging into a smirk as he glances down at me, causing my heart to skip a beat.But I don’t think in a good way.
“So you’re saying…” Koen pauses, “she hasn’t met your horse?”
Chapter 9
“The five horses are a gift from the Gods. Each beast matches the Gods of the Realms. They are warriors, protectors of the Realms against the darkness that is forged by the fiery pits of the Darklands. Only those worthy enough are allowed to bond with a horse. Only use the horses for battle.” - Book of Azure
“WHAT HORSE?” I STUMBLE AFTER the two brothers, my feet tapping against the staircase as I follow them down.
The chandelier above us, adorned from ice itself it seems, glints against the torches along the wall. A scarlet rug stretches from wall to wall as soon as we make it back to the main floor. Silver and pearlescent stone horse sculptures placed around the room,four to be exact, catch my attention as if they were created by ice.
“Raylune will be pleased to see you.” Koen's shoulder bumps Florian as they walk ahead of me. “How long has it been? Two years?”
Florian scuffs as if he is annoyed by Koen’s words. “The Queen needed me at Eekatia.”
“You mean Skie needed you.”
Florian halts in his tracks, glancing from Koen tome.Why are his eyes lingering on me? Koen notices and with tight lips he lets out a scuff, leaning closely towards Florian. “Make sure to stop staring at Serene as you are now once we get to Eekatia. Skie might get jealous.”
Koen walks ahead as Florian removes his soft gaze from my eyes and follows his brother.
My head tilts as crease lines form between my brows and I slowly take steps.What the hell was that? And who is Skie?
I catch up, my pace quickening to close the gap, and my hands slip comfortably into the back pockets of my pants. The massive ice wall looms ever closer with each step we walk, a daunting barrier of glittering frost and frozen water, feeling as if it's miles thick. My eyes trace its path, starting from the snow-blanket ground where the chill seems to seep into my very bones with each step I take, and traveling upwards to the smoky clouds that drift lazily above us. Within the ice, a mesmerizing dance unfolds as golden lights twist and sparkle, casting intricate patterns that seem to climb from the base of the wall up to its towering heights.
“Are we leaving the walls?” My arms cross, rubbing them as the cold hits my bare one. “Why the hell did you give me a suit with one sleeve? It's freezing.”
Koen slows down his pace before coming to a stop. He points through an arch opening in the ice wall. “The horses are out enjoying the weather. We will whistle them in. You won’t have to go out there yet.”
Yet. Just great.
“Now for your suit…” His gaze drops to the floor, lingering as he follows the outline of my figure. “I think it fits you perfectly.”
He smirks with a cocky wink, his lips curling into a mischievous grin. He turns to walk away but I reach out swiftly, my fingers barely wrapping around his arm. I yank him back with all the strength I can find, feeling the muscles tense beneath my grip. His head cocks to the side, glaring back at me.
