I grit my teeth in preparation for my father and his endless bullshit during these meetings as I sink into a memory of how this room used to be—lighter and warmer—when my mother was around. Every few months, townspeople would gather here to discuss the town’s needs with my parents including how the ports were performing and ways to help the people of this kingdom. Those days are gone—distant memories of the past—while he hides, indifferent to any meetings other than ours once a month.
My mother was a Lumor Wiitch, not from this kingdom. She was raised in a harboring town, Brinkym, that was ruled by Kantore—the God of Light and a man who cared for his people. Her passion for healing never faded when she married my father in an arranged marriage.
Blinking away the memories, I sit at the opposite end of the table from my vile father—his perfectly tailored clothes hang off his once-muscled body, leaving fabric to billow around his chest. He nods in my direction as I slump into my chair, ignoring his stare.
“Hello, Briar.” He sighs. “Nice of you to show up late, as always.”
Annoyed, I retort, “Always a pleasure to see you as well, Father.”
“How have you been holding up?” he asks, awkwardly.
“Are you seriously concerned for my well-being? Or is this just a miserable way to pass the time for you?”
He huffs, “Fine, no small talk. You are here for a reason today. In the coming weeks, it’s important that you begin to think about the future of this kingdom. Many things are going to change, and I’m going to need your support.”
I twitch my nose, unsure of how to respond, so he continues. “This kingdom has fallen. When I took over my reign, the people were not welcoming of my… tactics. I fear this has cost me gravely and I need to change things. If people won’t support me, then it’s time we make them. You are an important piece to this puzzle.”
Realizing whatever I say in this moment won’t be of matter, I choose to remain quiet.
I raise my gaze and freeze, my senses instantly on alert from the shift in the room. The breath leaves my lungs as I notice a tall figure standing at the opposite end of the space. The shadows swirl around him like a second skin.
“Your brother has returned from up north,” my father cuts in.
I stand, nearly knocking over my chair, and rush to Barlowe, lunging into his strong arms. He’s taller than I remember, his chest is broader, and I quickly realize he has grown into a warrior. Soon after our mother died, Barlowe left to train with the top commanders at a war camp. Across the Cita Mountains, there is a small camp that holds most of this realm’s deadliest warriors, my brother being first in command. He was born for this position. He could wield a sword and shadows better at the age of fifteen than most grown men could. My brother quickly earned a name for himself in the training camps. No one could take him on and win. His bravery and ruthlessness made him adored by everyone and feared by many.
For so long, I’ve been counting down the days until I have someone else in this castle that I care for. And for the first time in years, happiness dances deep inside me.
Barlowe—five years older than me and over two heads taller than I currently stand—has always been fiercely protective of me. A strong jawline with high cheekbones highlights his features; the cheekbones are a trait we shared with our mother. His black wavy hair is tied back into a low, messy knot, and his piercing green eyes would be noticeable on the darkest of nights.
“Briar!” Barlowe embraces me and laughs. “Look at you.” He pulls back, studying my face. “I can’t believe how much you look like Mother.”
Tears well in my eyes as I notice my father roll his eyes. Affection has never been a strong suit for him. “I forgot you were coming home today, or I would have dressed nicely for you.”
“Don’t let her lie, son. She hasn’t dressed well in years, so why would she try now?” Father mumbles, pushing back his chair to join us across the room.
I ignore his jab and squeeze my brother one more time. “I didn’t expect you home for another few months. Why are you here?”
He smiles, and my heart soars. “Father called me home. We can talk more about that later!”
My father throws him a cautious eye.
“Walk with me! We have so much to catch up on. How long are you staying?” I ask.
“We have all the time in the world, but first, I need to speak with Father about a few things since returning. You know, battle stuff.” He winks, throwing his arms around. “But I’ll come find you soon. There are many things we must catch up on as well, sister!”
“Always with the battle talk, I’m afraid,” I smirk. “But very well, come to my room later.”
Barlowe grins, and our father waves his hand, dismissing me from the room.
I give him another hug without letting my annoyance show before storming past him. “I will make my leave then. Like you said, Father, there is no small talk today.” I move toward the wide wooden doors.
“Oh, and Briar, please stay close to the castle. There are many things we will be discussing in the coming days. As I mentioned, I have things planned for this kingdom, and you’re an essential part of it.”
My father’s wicked grin makes my stomach churn. I bow before slamming the double doors behind me.
Twisting through the narrow hallways, I head toward the kitchen. The rumble in my stomach is a friendly reminder that it’s been over a full day since my last meal. Since my father and I don’t have family dinner times, most of my meals are spent alone listening to Rose and Lang’s constant bickering.
“There she is,” Lang chirps as I cross the threshold. “Whoa! Look at that dress, killer!”
