Nox,
How absolutely lovely it must be to wake up that way. I’m sure you meant that with no sarcasm at all. I, too, am spoiled by sleeping next to you, but for far nicer reasons. You make me feel safe. Waking up and knowing it’s your body that warms mine and your heartbeat beneath my ear provides me with a sense of security I’ve never felt before. If I forget to say it, let me remind you now: you are my home.
Tonight, I was thinking of meeting Elora at her family’s bookstore and then going with her to a tavern. Maybe you can meet us there?
I love you too.
Forever Yours,
Rhea
I dress in my training clothes and boots, slowly tying them the way Nox showed me, before pulling my hair back into a low ponytail. Tucking the dragon pendant under my shirt, I grab the note and leave Nox’s room, softly shutting the door behind me. My steps are quiet on the red rugs that line the hallway, the scent of blooming flowers and tilled earth heavy in the air from the open windows down the hall.
Barron stands near the top of the stairs, his smile wide as he greets me. “Lady Rhea, good morning.” The guard has become a welcome, friendly face each morning that I leave.
“Good morning, Barron. How are you?”
“I am doing well, thank you.”
“Nox said if I need him that I could let you know?”
Barron nods, already moving to take a step down the stairs, but I reach out and gently touch his shoulder.
“I was just hoping you could give him this letter,” I say, waving the folded cream-colored paper in front of him.
Barron chuckles, gently taking it from my hand and placing it into a leather pouch attached to his belt. “Of course, My Lady.”
We walk down the stairs together, parting ways when we reach the first floor. More people than usual pass me in the foyer as I make my way to the exit, and I remember that Nox had told me today was public forum day, a time when those of the kingdom could come and talk to the king and queen. Rushing towards the doors, my mind occupied with thoughts of Nox, I don’t have time to stop when a man abruptly steps into my path. My body crashes into his with a grunt, but I’m able to brace myself against his forearm to keep from falling over.
“I’m so sorry, are you alright?”
I look up and find blue eyes and a vaguely familiar face. It takes me a second to remember his name. “Yes, I’m fine. You’re Daje, right?”
He nods his head and grins before his eyes dart over to a man who steps up beside him. The older mage’s facial features are harsher than Daje’s though they share the same skin tone and shape to their lips. He eyes me curiously before clearing his throat. Daje hesitates another moment before he gestures with his hand to the man. “Rhea, this is my father, Councilman Kallin. Father, this is Rhea. She is—”
“Courting the crown prince,” he cuts in.
I offer him a smile, but it falters under his scrutiny. His gray eyes pore over every part of me, criticizing what he finds with a downturn of his lips and a pull of his brows. His tawny skinshows signs of age—wrinkles lay on his forehead and around his eyes—while his head is balding of the dark brown hair present. His magic is a heavy presence, not as strong as Nox’s but one that feels as if it’s sitting on my chest.
“We have been trying to meet with you, but the prince has been reluctant to do so. Any idea why that might be?”
I try to answer, but only a sputtering noise comes out. The way the councilman is looking at me, it’s as if I truly am a threat to the safety of this kingdom. I choke on my own anxiety, unable to answer him beyond the opening and closing of my mouth.
The councilman humphs in disappointment before turning to look at his son, dismissing me entirely. “I’ve got meetings most of the day.” He walks away without another word, going down the long hall that I know leads to the council room.
I watch him until he is gone, my fingers trembling at my sides as my heartbeat pounds loudly in my head. If that was my first chance to show Nox that I could handle myself in front of the council, I have failedmiserably.
“I’msorryabout that. My father isn’t one for easy chit chat,” Daje says quietly before pursing his lips.
I manage a small huff of breath in response. We stand awkwardly in the center of the palace foyer, the swell of people here forced to move around us.
Finally, Daje gestures towards the doors. “I’m heading to the training grounds.”
“Oh, so am I.”
“Would you like to walk together?” Waiting for me to nod, he turns and leads us through the double doors and down the steps at the front of the palace.
If I thought that standing in the middle of the foyer was awkward, the silent walk to the training grounds is even more so. My gaze keeps darting his way, tracing the side of his face andthe tension that lines it. He catches me on the last look about halfway to our destination.
