The thought of spending time with that odious woman made my blood curdle, but if I could train on my terms? The bleed indicated time was against me. The blight was taking hold and either I spent time with Glesni and truly learned how to manage a portion of my gift, or I let the blight win. At least this way, Matthias wouldn’t be the wiser, and I’d still spend the majority of my time researching. I took the glasses from Skye and popped them on my nose. I even had some glasses now, slightly blurry ones, but glasses all the same! I was forever losing mine, though I suspect my last pair had ended up in Pablo’s stomach.
‘There’s more.’ Skye giggled, throwing Asher a rather coy glance. My eyes widened as he returned her look with a crooked half-smile.
‘As long as it doesn’t involve spiders, an army of assistants or a red ball gown, I think I’ll be happy enough.’
He furrowed his brow again. ‘I’m wondering if you’ll ever be happy. But, what if we say I’ll scour Glesni’s rooms for anyarachnids and move them outside, while Skye will promise every dress will be dark and intriguing?—’
‘Oh, but red would be such a good colour on her.’
Asher laughed. He met Skye’s gaze, and I bit my lip to stop smiling.
‘And in return,’ he continued, ‘you’ll train with Glesni every day. Myself and Skye will help you in the library. And, if you bleed again, wehaveto tell Matthias.’
I knew it was the best I could expect.
‘And the assistants who’ve witnessed me writhing on the floor, wailing while blood spurted from my face?’
‘I’ll have a word with them.’
I nodded. Looking past them, my eyes widened at the sight of row upon row of towering book shelves. The desire to lose myself to blessed tomes was overwhelming, even though I knew, quite simply, I was running out of time.
CHAPTER 15
I applaud your desire to ensure your stepdaughter’s safety, but as you are well aware, we were inseparable while under your care. I take full responsibility for Sorrow Villente’s injuries and want nothing more than to apologise and make amends. My actions were reckless, and I deeply regret the dire consequences Sorrow has faced. It’s been years now, my liege, years. I beg you, please tell me where Sorrow is.
— LETTERS FROM KING MATTHIAS OF ASMAR TO KINGROMEROIV
Seven days after I’d arrived at the Palace of Solace, I strode through the grand corridors with my head high and a slight tremor in my fingers. Navigating the labyrinthine hallways was the only aspect of my new life where I possessed any semblance of confidence. The lack of control smothered my existence. Despite the fact I’d survived, I wasn’t about to master Evella’s gift anytime soon.
I was now responsible for the deaths of several mice. The majority of failed experiments had simply scampered awayunder gaps in the floorboards, unwilling to bend to my increasingly desperate pleas for them to obey. One of the first became a snack for the wolf after it writhed uncontrollably on the table following its death, and I refuse to accept any blame for that poor creature’s demise. I did, however, suffer a pang of regret for the two who’d simply flung themselves out of the fourth-floor window, rather than succumb to my feeble demands.
The only breakthrough was when I rehabilitated a trembling white mouse who tried to drown in the jug of overly sweet mead Glesni insisted on drinking.
I cursed as laughter floated down the corridor, my heart stuttering at the unmistakable sound of Matthias’s voice. Our paths hadn’t crossed since my arrival over a week ago. He’d been true to his word about our marriage of convenience. My time was spent with Skye or Asher, both of whom were overly apologetic for my new husband’s absence.
Matthias and I existed in separate spaces under a shared roof. After his light flirting on the journey I’d hoped…hoped what? To rekindle our budding adoration?
Following my fall from the horse, his abandonment had been complete. My inseparable shadow, my ally, had forsaken our friendship in a heartbeat. We’d both known the hidden corridors of Romero’s castle like the backs of our hands. At first, I’d made excuses for his absence. But if his heart had truly been mine, he’d have found a way to get to me. Matthias had left me with nothing but ever-souring memories. Why hadn’t he just sent a word, a note, a letter? As the empty days turned into months and years, I’d set all thoughts of Matthias Elmswood aside.
We were no longer the single entwined soul we’d been as children. I’d hidden from those feelings, refused to allow my mind to wander through thoughts of his soft gaze, how I melted at his smile. Refused to recall how my hand fit within his witha perfection the Gods must envy. Matthias Elmswood was a cut from the sharpest dagger, and I’d cauterised his memory. Until now.
Now I woke, ate, slept in his palace. His bride. His queen.
Tugging on Pablo’s thick fur, I willed him to turn around, but his ears flattened as he stalked forward.
‘Don’t forget I’m a queen now,’ I hissed as the heavy boots and laughter grew. ‘I can turn you into a nice rug if you don’t behave.’
Pablo huffed, and looked up, daring me to even think about it.
A group of guards crashed into the corridor before halting, a mix of jittery moves and confused glances at the sight of me and Pablo.
‘Sorrow!’
Blinking at the shadows, I sought out Matthias’s expression. Seeking out any clues as to what lurked in his mind. All I could make out were the creases of his white shirt, the top buttons open, revealing a smooth tanned chest which caught my attention for far longer than it should. One corner of the shirt was already spilling over the side of his dark trousers.
Was this the Matthias I’d laughed with? A new ache slid into my chest as this dishevelled king echoed the boy I’d adored. I schooled my features into neutrality.
‘I…’ His guards flanked him as Matthias combed the strands of unruly hair away from his eyes, his voice faltering as though he’d forgotten his wife existed. I approached, hoping I could squeeze past and continue to the library. ‘These are my personal guards.’
