Keeping me cooped up in Castle Erus isn’t going to work. There’s too much to see, too much to explore and learn and taste and do. The hells are nothing like this, and I have lost centuries in experiencing it all.
Being recognized by some random Olloran as Netharis’ eldest daughter is unlikely. Being recognized and knowing of my promise to the Council of Sovereign Kings narrows the pool down to roughly fourteen—the Sovereign Kings themselves and their Captains of the Royal Guard.
They’re easy enough to avoid.
In all honesty, the only Sovereign King to visit is Fenryn, Ryc’s closest friend. During those times, I hide in my quarters, tucked in a corner with my books. I don’t mind the mountain of a fae, but I’d daresay our last meeting left him with altered thoughts of who I am and the power I wield.
Or did wield, rather.
Not so much anymore.
Now I’m learning to live in this realm as an innateless creature. As if learning the traditions, cultures, expectations, and rituals of these fae and humans isn’t enough. I can’t say I’m enjoying that part of the experience.
From up here, Kevus Lake and the cargo docks are easily visible. With the lake lying to the west, the surface of the water ripples with the same colors as the fire-branded sky, reflecting the setting sun. Brilliant hues of orange, yellow, red, and violet streak across clouds. The creeping darkness of night bleeds into the vibrant colors from the east promising to swallow the beautiful display.
Below, magelight street lanterns flicker to life as the crowds clearfor the evening. Silver orbs of light chase away the growing pockets of shadow. I won’t be able to stay at the docks for long—not with night coming. According to the schedule, there should be just enough light left in the day for me to watch the ship moor and return to the castle before nightfall.
I come here to watch.
To observe and to simply escape the walls of the castle.
It’s easiest to do here. No rooftop traversing crowds to work through, and the vantage point here grants me quite the view of the North Docks. Knowing the schedule guarantees the docks won’t be deserted.
Since the night of the eclipse, Ryc has been busy most days. Busy leading recovery efforts to restore the damage left behind. Demons having stormed Ollora means he now spends his time locked in meeting rooms with Olloran lords, renowned merchant families, builders, healers, and gravewardens.
I’ve yet to see him today.
He was up before sunrise.
He left the comfort of our warm bed silently, not wanting to disturb me and my inconsistent sleep schedule. It won’t be until after dinner that I’ll see him, that we’ll have any time together.
I miss him.
But I don’t envy him.
As such, I don’t bother him throughout the day. The last thing I want is to become another burden he has to address while trying to balance the needs of a tragedy-stricken city and manage a country. Of course, my impish antics—like this—are guaranteed to earn me a stern glare or two if he finds out.
If.
All I have to do is not get caught.
The wind tugs strands of my braided hair free as I continue to run. By the time I return to the castle, where I’ve been will be evident by my disheveled appearance. The only person I have to worry about is Oraphia. And I won’t be seeing her until morning. Otherwise, she’ll lecture me on the suitability of the future Sovereign Queen acting like a demon.
Laughing with the thought, I push harder and gain speed. Agap between rooftops races closer, faster than the pounding heart between my ribs.
With a push of my toes, Ifly.
If only for a moment.
In that moment, weightlessness takes me. The sudden need to stretch my wings andsoarstrikes me square in the chest, and before I can embrace the feeling, my feet land firmly upon the slate-tiled roof.
I can’t.
I can’t stretch my wings.
Nor can I allow myself to wallow—not here, not now.
Bounding forward, chimneys and dormers pass in a blur, and before long, the empty dock I seek comes into view. But scanning the lake, it too lies empty.
