“I reside in the capital,” Grave pointed to the valley where onyx mountains surrounded every side but the south.
“Congratulations?” I narrowed my eyes on the specks of light below. The moonlight didn’t bounce off the area; instead, it was as if the light itself was swallowed into the void.
Zalzre dove, and I grasped the unwavering hand that remained on my abdomen. The king’s thick forearm pulled me into him; it was the silent reassurance I’d begun to welcome during the trip. Whether he had kept me safe out of obligation or simply because he’d needed me for his own plans, I couldn’t tell, but I was grateful nonetheless.
The rapid descent stalled to a sickening halt as we landed near the front of a massive black stone castle. The building was pressed up against dark cliffs like the structure itself was carved from the mountain. Sharp edges of rock jutted out and over several portions of the building, threatening to topple down on it.
A shiver ran down my spine. “I don’t suppose you might have taken a wrong turn?” I asked as the soles of my boots hitthe black ground with a crunch. Bending down, I grabbed a handful of the rocky soil. It wasn’t dirt at all, but small pieces of black and grey stone minced into dust and gravel.
“Nope.” He chuckled and stretched out an arm. “Welcome to Grant Castle.”
“Grant?” I turned to face him. “Your father was King Graystorm, was he not? I read about him in a book from the library.”
“First, why were you reading about Kuroden? Interested in visiting before Ryder secured you the trip?” His brow lifted and fell. “Second, not everything you read in a book is true. You must always consider who has written the words.”
He turned and started toward the castle without waiting for my reply. Silver hardware adorned the black entrance doors. Two women stood in guard uniforms similar to those worn in Rivale. They gave large smiles and a slight dip of their chin in Grave’s direction. It was a stark difference from those who worked for the Suttons.
“Graystorm wasn’t your father?” Following at his heels, I pushed back my windblown strands. “I need my bag, you can’t just leave it outside.”
“I’ll get it, but we’re having dinner with my mother first.” He turned over his shoulder and smiled. Amber eyes brightening, he wasn’t the dangerous man I expected, but someone I might’ve been friends with under different circumstances.
“Audryn,” Fisher said, moving to my side, “you need to stay close while we’re here. You can’t just walk away and go off on your own.”
Grave stopped abruptly, causing me to nearly bump into his back. He spun and shot a look at Fisher. “I believe you have this arrangement all wrong,” the king growled. “You’re accompanying her because I allowed it, not for any other reason. She’s not the property of King Sutton, the prince,oryou. You will treat her as such.”
Fisher’s nostrils flared, but he only lifted his chin and held his tongue.
“Weird thing to say considering you’ve basically purchased me from Ryder for the month,” I spat and stepped forward. “Shall we assume I belong toyouinstead?”
Grave eyed me. “You belong to no one.”
The guards pulled the doors wide, revealing the opulent interior of the building. Grave cleared his throat and left me standing on the stoop with my mouth gaping.
3
AUDRYN
Ihesitantly stepped inside; the entryway was massive. Onyx jewels dripped from the chandelier, which perfectly complemented the black iron handrails of the staircase. White marble walls with sprawling gray veins and silver flecks glittered in the candlelight. I rubbed my hand across the cold, smooth surface as Grave disappeared into the distance.
“Come on.” Amalee motioned forward. “We’re late.” She continued on, boots clacking against the gray stone floor.
Fisher and I looked at one another before following her down the hall at a quick pace. Sporadic sconces with candles lit the area and flickered shadows across the walls. An occasional tapestry hung from an embedded hook, various themes depicted in each wall hanging.
One tapestry held the starry night sky, a full moon up high, and cliffs below. Shades of black, silver, and white colored the woven fabric with striking contrast. Another had navy waves crashing against a dark, rocky cliff, while one more was abstract with trees, roots, and land. Where Sutton Castle consistently held an ocean theme throughout, Grant Castle valued diversity.
Amalee held the door open and snapped at Fisher, “Hurryup. It’s bad enough I had tositwith you, but now I have towaitfor you too?”
Fisher grumbled, grabbed the door, and held it open for me.
In the modest room, a single rectangular table stood with only six chairs around it. The table was crafted of wenge wood, primarily colored deep brown with black lines outstretched. The edges were smooth but followed a natural line that wasn’t quite straight.
“Audryn.” Grave’s voice drew my attention. He extended his hand to the woman sitting at the head of the table. “This is my mother, Athela.” She rose, and her welcoming amber eyes landed on me.
“Nice to meet you.” I offered a smile she returned, the skin around her almond eyes crinkling. Her features were softer than the sharp lines of Amalee and Grave.
“Please sit. I expected my son earlier this evening,” she said, shooting a look in his direction, “but I suppose I’ll excuse the tardiness and be glad for the visit. Though, I hadn’t realized you were still away until I received the messenger hawk this morning. And I hadn’t known to expect more than the three of you.”
I looked around the table. “Visit?”
