"No, you have to answer my question now about why we are visiting these lands," I shot back. The prince smiled lightly and I was glad his eyes were closed because my cheeks stained pink,my eyes wandered down his perfect cheekbones, his soft smile and then to his sharp jawline.
By the gods... was I checking him out?
His smile instantly faded when he answered, "I am to get the remaining lords of the lands to bend the knee to the king. He is to be the King to all of Terran. To rule all as one. That is my conquest." The shock of the answer stilled me.
“The king wants to rule all the lands?”
"Your turn."
I decided to be more honest about his previous question. "My hair reminds me of my upbringing. I do not like the resemblance," I answered truthfully. Only a few people in my life knew this, and now... he does.
"I can understand that. If I had my father's hair, I might feel the same, unfortunately, my sister inherited his blonde locks," he said. I ignored his mention of the king, my body went still but I had smiled nonetheless at his tease, it was a good thing he could not see it.
"Why are you doing this for your father, doesn't he have people who can do this for him?" I asked.
"Pass."
My lips tighten. He holds secrets, but so do I. Fair enough.
“Tell me what it’s like living in Apollo. I am sure living in the golden castle must be nice,” I asked carefully. The prince just snorted and stretched out.
“Personally, I hate it. Realistically, I tolerate it. The castle I mean. Apollo itself is in need of new leadership, therefore the people cannot be blamed. Growing up as the crown prince was not favourable when there is a plethora of expectations. And it certainly does not help when you have a sister that likes to burn things.” The prince muttered the last part. I opened my mouth and closed it, not entirely knowing how to answer.
"I will let Inanov give you a list of lords and lands we will be visiting. Perhaps that may help you...strategise.” The prince mocked.
"Yes, appreciated," I simply answered. I needed to know what I was being forced intoand where.
“What was it like growing up in the Kingdom of Darkness," the prince then asked, and my heart sank. He had already suspected my roots.
“I’m from the arena. I do not remember anything before that.” Was the response I managed to come up with. Before he could pry for anything more, I asked, "Did you not going to Abdera also have to do with your physical state? Will having to face those visitors be too much in your condition?" He opened his eyes and it startled me. Bright and glowing. However, the whites of his eyes looked strained, almost as if he was looking into the sun for too long.
Just then, the carriage seemed to hit a rough path that felt like a bunch of uneven cobblestones. It was futile trying to catch myself like earlier. Strong, firm arms caught me, mere inches from the prince's face. I breathed in sharply. The last time I was this close, he kissed me in front of Ezra. He stiffened, also remembering. He moved wisps of my hair away from my face. I looked into his cruel eyes that seemed soft now.
"I must compliment Lorian, you look absolutely breathtaking." He smelled like embers, fury and sage. His body firm, with an arm circling around my waist, holding me up. I didn't understand what this feeling was. But I was getting goosebumps, and I unconsciously licked my lips. His eyes darted to the action, like a predator. He leaned in and time froze, I closed my eyes, holding my breath but an alarmed shout echoed outside. We sprang apart. Our eyes wide, his facial expression quicker to school. Danger was here. I pressed him behind me, as I held the carriage door.
"Stay here," I whispered harshly, trying to steady my breathing.Or... maybe I could let him die?The thought was not as appealing as I thought it would be.
"I am more powerful." Even in the state he was in, the pride in him radiated like a disease. He might as well be the King of Pride if not the Prince of Apollo.
"You’ll get us killed in that state. Stay put." I grit out.
"Just like Inanov. So bossy." He scoffed and folded his arms. I held the door tight, worried if Red was alright. I swung the door open and stepped out.
And was met with chaos and blood.
Chapter 21
The Spies of the Coast
"During the dark wars the Queen of Death and Shadows sought the immortality jewel to protect her people. Her dearest friend, some say lover, Emrys Darey was cursed by the Immortality Jewel that rests in the hollowed caves of Viridis Aurum. There is no report whether he still dwells in those caves or has finally succumbed to death by leaving the cave."
The following Korovian text from the Dark War articles has been transcribed by Brigid May Featherdune of the Featherdune Witch Coven.
Loud shouts echoed through the chaos of Apollon soldiers.
My eyes darted, immediately trying to spot Red. I huffed a sigh of relief when I saw Inanov at his side with a sword raised and Red holding a dagger in his hand. Rain dripped onto my cheek, its texture different, thick and warm. I touched the droplet on my skin, seeing crimson, the metallic scent of blood seemed to drip more. I looked up. Ten men. Hung in the trees, looking as though they were drained of life. I inhaled and took out my fire blades, creating space between myself and the trees that crowded my surroundings. A gurgled scream came from my right and within a heartbeat, the man was up in the trees, body drained and grey. The enemy was quick, effortless, and quiet. I concentrated, knowing that I could only trust my hearing.
Whoosh. The sound of rope. I darted to my left and swung my fire blade at the soldier in front of me. It cut through the rope that was seconds away from strangling him and ultimately summoning him to the underworld of Riaan. I reached for the fire blade in my boot and swung it immediately to the spot where the rope had come from. I had to keep moving, standing still would make me an easier target. My fire blade dropped from the trees. My jaw set when I saw blue blood smeared across the blade. I picked it up and wiped it on my arm, summoning fire on the rest of my fire blades and held both in each hand. I breathed in, knowing what was to come. I was now their target of attention. I could hear the stirrups of rope being tightened. So quiet... so stealthy but there were faint creaks of branches. They walked amongst the branches, the trees were concealing them, I realized.
