Oak laughs, “Sure haven’t.”
As children, Oak and his father visited every summer. I looked forward to their return each year, and when the cold spring days turned hot, I knew they would be arriving soon. They would visit Daramveer for a month, giving Oak and me plenty of time to run around the castle grounds. He was close to a second brother those summers. It’s weird now. When his father stopped returning each summer and the warm days turned cold, so did my heart.
The silence returns once more as he leans in closer, playfully nudging me, “I’ve missed you.”
I can’t help but smile around him. It’s like the years between us have never changed anything. He’s still the annoying little boy I ran around with every summer like a wild animal.
“I know you don’t want this to happen—marrying someone you don’t know or love, I get it. But we all have something to prove here. And I think we all have something to lose. These trials are going to change a lot for our kingdoms, so I thank you for going through with this.”
I ponder his words for a second. “You all have a lot more to lose than you think, Oak. Your life isn’t worth fighting for me. You don’t have to fight for me.”
“Believe me, Briar. I know that. I’m not here to win. I’m here to have fun.” He winks.
"This is not a game, Oak.”
His smile fades, “I’m aware of that, Princess, but if entering these trials helps you in any way, I’ll fight to the end. I hope you know that. My father is here to help, too. We know something greater is going on in Daramveer. We could feel the shift in Brinkym.”
I trust Oak, and he’s going to be of use in the coming weeks. I know it.
“I’m sorry about your brother. It had been years since we spoke, but his death was hard,” he lowers his voice. “When you find out what’s going on, let me help. Please.”
Oak is brilliant and always has been. He feels the shift. I know it, but I can’t risk his safety until I know more. “I don’t know what you are talking about, Oak.” I glance at the ground and back up. “And thank you for saying that about my brother. He cared for you as well.”
The conversation dies once more, and Oak pats my shoulder. “See you soon?”
I turn, my long hair whipping his face with a huff. “See you soon, Oak. These types of things aren’t really my style, but you know that. It’s really good to see you.”
He bows without another word, accepting my leave. I won’t be missed at this party. Even when all eyes are upon me, I’m still invisible.
Chapter 12
The guards supposedly watching me didn’t even notice me leaving the Great Room, distracted by the buzz of the party. This castle used to host many gatherings like tonight’s. Crowds and music would fill these walls until the late hours of the night. As a child, I often would sneak out of my room to watch people stumble around the castle grounds, disappearing into the night and dreaming of when I would be old enough to attend. Now, I’m desperate to get far away from anything related to this celebration.
My senses come alive at the feeling of someone behind me. “Wouldn’t you rather be at the party than follow me around all the time?” I hiss over my shoulder, hoping the guards halt in embarrassment.
To my surprise, Rohhit Harte stands behind me, his hands tucked into his beautifully tailored clothing. “Hello, Briar. We didn’t have the official honor of meeting properly. I saw you leaving, so I wanted to introduce myself before you retired for the night.”
The Prince of Eddris smiles, and I’m speechless. He is unlike any man I’ve seen before. His ice-white hair against his midnight black eyes that twinkle with each breath sends excitementthrough my body. Many Lumor Wielders live in Daramveer, but none like this. Eddris was known for housing some of the most beautiful people in the world, and he does not disappoint. The prince has a sense of light in the way a sense of light as if he floats on air—yet something about him makes me cautious, my darkness on alert.
“Hello, Prince, it is nice to formally meet you as well,” is all I manage to squeak out as I continue to stand frozen in his presence.
What the hell is wrong with me? Speak, Briar.
“I’m most looking forward to getting to know you better, Briar. Your beauty is well known across many kingdoms, but I can assure you, the rumors don’t do you justice.”
My face reddens at the compliment. “Thank you, Rohhit. I’m glad you won’t be subjected to marrying a hag.” I can’t help but grin.
He laughs, “If the Gods grace me with enough luck to marry you, that is.” I don’t answer as he stares, studying me for a second longer. “Very well, Princess. Good night.” He bows before spinning on his heels and making his way back into the crowd.
I storm into my room, the door slamming against the stone wall, then shutting behind me as I collapse face down on the cool sheets.
My room is insignificant compared to the other areas in the castle I could have chosen, but I prefer this chamber. It’s smaller and has fewer spaces for shadows to lurk. My oversized bed sits against the back wall closest to the window. The wooden headboard is lined with vines carved in the oak to perfection, while the heavy crimson curtains give the room an eerie tint.
My senses, already on high alert, tingle as something shifts through my room. Standing, I rip the slit of my dress back,exposing the dagger strapped to my thigh—I grab the decorated hilt when I feel his presence.
Silas Nastronde lounges around the fire, his feet propped on the edge of my favorite chair.
“That’s an antique,” I hiss, the dagger fully unsheathed now. “What the fuck are you doing in my room?”
