Tears now form in my eyes, matching hers. I squeeze her hand.
“I know you aren’t telling me something,” she continues, “but that’s okay. When you are ready to talk, I’m here. I always have been, and I always will be.”
The loving tone in her voice makes my heart break. There are many things I haven’t told her over the years, and I just hope she forgives me one day when I do. I recall the night my mother died. Maines didn’t leave my side for days—screaming at anyone who dared come near my room as I crumbled. She took care of me then and always has. She doesn’t deserve to be lied to like I have for the past five years.
We look in the direction of the Southern gate toward the forest that holds so many dear memories for us. “I’ll always be here for you too, Maines.”
“You promise?”
“I promise.” I smile, and my chest aches at the dishonesty.
Chapter 7
Istep across the threshold of the throne room, stunned by the lengths my father went to for the announcement he’s been hinting at. Fresh red flowers drip from the chandeliers and lavish banners hang from the windows, whipping in the chilled breeze. The moonlight casts diamonds on the stone floor, shimmering like stars in the night sky. Various meats, loaves of bread, and pastries of all sizes line the tables covered in black cloth.
I strut through the crowded room, my black dress adorned with gold flecks that resemble snakeskin, one of my favorites. The back section has the townsfolk gasping at how low it tapers down my spine, nearly revealing my behind. My black hair is styled, swaying back and forth as I walk past.
I weave my way through the whispering crowd of townspeople and castle staff, anticipation weighing heavily on us all. My brother stands beside our father on the throne. The crown atop the King’s head makes it even more evident who he is. I catch a glimpse of my crown in the chair farthest from him. I haven’t worn it in years and don’t plan to begin tonight.
“Hello, family,” I mock.
Barely acknowledging my presence, he responds, “Nice of you to show up tonight. Briar, my daughter, tonight is important—I’m doing this for the betterment of the kingdom. Please know that as I move forward with this announcement.”
My brother only nods.
I scan the crowd for Maines, desperate for a friendly face, only to find Thatcher. Holding back the urge to gag, I revert my eyes back to my brother, a small bruise painting his cheek blue.
That wasn’t there earlier.
“Barlowe,” I lean closer, trying to break the awkward silence, “Maybe if you and Maines hadn’t been rolling around on the roof earlier, you wouldn’t have a black eye.”
His head slowly travels in my direction. I smirk, expecting a sarcastic remark, but I’m met with a stare that leaves me feeling hollow. A muscle in his jaw twitches. “I’m so sorry I was gone for so long. You never deserved to be left here alone…” he trails off.
The King of Daramveer steps forward and a hush falls over the crows. He gestures for Barlowe to join him. My lower lip starts to tremble as I’m left standing behind them.
“Thank you all for gathering here on this magnificent evening. We have many things to celebrate tonight—Barlowe has returned from up north, his training is complete, and will now take the role of Daramveer’s War Commander!” The crowd claps in a thunderous boom.
“We are the strongest for thousands of miles, and those who are against us should fear us.” He points to Barlowe, who remains calm, with no smile. “But we need to expand our allies. Briar is a few months away from celebrating her twenty-seventh birthday, and as a duty to this kingdom and it’s time she steps up as so many of us have over the years.”
He turns to me, grinning. “No more will you hide in the shadows, Briar Blackbyrne. This kingdom will be forgotten no longer. We will join forces with another and rebuild thisshattered city.” I step back, needing to feel space between myself and the crowd. “A competition will soon begin to win my daughter’s hand in matrimony. The winner of these trials will marry Briar—our kingdoms will be linked as one, ruling across the realms. We will host different kingdoms as they travel here in three days’ time. Once again, this kingdom will thrive—we will bring back riches like never before.”
The crowd erupts into a roaring explosion of excitement and applause that rattles my core. I stumble backward, barely able to keep upright. My vision blurs as Barlowe turns. I refuse to let the tears fall down my face in front of this crowd.
He’s pawning me off.
He’s using me to get what he’s always wanted.
I spot Thatcher in the crowd, laughing wildly.
My father steps back, allowing the crowd to continue their celebrations. “Are you thrilled, Princess? Now you can do something useful with your life instead of wasting away in this castle.”
Before I can respond, he spins around to the crowd, basking in their applause. Barlowe drags me to the back of the room behind my father’s large throne. “Briar! Blink, move, say something,” he demands.
“I’m going to kill him,” The shadows deep inside me bubble up, nearly breaking through the surface.
He embraces me. “You aren’t going to kill him, Briar. We will find a way to get you out of this, I promise. I’m not going to let this happen.”
Those words mean nothing to me now. I am numb. I push against his hug as he staggers back, confused at the unnatural strength I just showed.
