He shakes his head before responding, “No one in this kingdom missed it. You’re lucky he hasn’t punished you yet for your defiance. I know that wasn’t easy—are you okay?”
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” My chest feels as if it’s caving in. “But I sure am lucky, aren’t I, Axl.”
We both know that’s a lie as I stride past him, hoping my false confidence doesn’t create any suspicions.
“Let me know what I can do to help, Princess,” Axl mumbles as I leave the room.
Maintaining my composure for just a moment longer, I turn the corner and race up the stairs back to my bedroom. The twisting walls of this back hallway never become easier to navigate at full speed as I bounce off each wall, sustaining my momentum. I collect myself as I near my bedroom, anticipating that the guards will be waiting for me.
“That was quite the stunt you pulled today, Princess.”
I roll my eyes, pausing for a moment before shouting around the corner, “Please piss off and find someone else to bother.”
“I’m beginning to think you speak to everyone that way. Or am I just special?”
Silas leans against the heavy doorframe, arms crossed, exuding a calm poise that sends a chill down my spine. His composed demeanor radiates confidence while his handsome face remains striking—even in the dim candlelight.
I stop inches from him. “I will speak that way to whomever I please, whenever I please, Prince. You are no exception here.”
“I guess I’ll allow it,” Silas breathes, towering over me. “Since you said it so nicely.” The corners of his mouth twitch.
My chest flutters as I suppress the feeling, pushing past him. He stops me, his rough hand against my soft skin that sends a tingle rushing through my body.
“You know, a lot of people would be afraid to speak to me that way,” he remarks.
“I think you might have forgotten that I also have my own bad reputation, Mr. Nastronde. I haven’t seen a single thing that would make me afraid of you.”
“Yet,” Silas smirks.
His gaze remains steady on me, and my stomach twists in knots at how close we are. His hand glides down my arm and gently touches mine as my entire body tenses.
“Was there something I could help you with, Silas?” I push, retracting my hand.
“I saw you in the crowd out there today and knew you were about to cause a scene. I just came to… check in,” he mumbles, clearing his throat.
My eyes shift up and down his body as I recall our encounter. “Thank you for not saying anything or trying to stop me.”
“I have a feeling there aren’t many people who can stop you once your mind is made up, Princess. Plus, it wasn’t my place to ruin the fun.”
We stand closer than most would in a typical conversation as if a gravitational pull exists between us. A sound echoes down the stone hallway, causing me to flinch. It wouldn’t be wise to get caught speaking privately with a competitor.
“Don’t do anything reckless during these trials, Briar.” Silas frowns. “I can’t always keep you safe, and it’s haunted me for years—I just didn’t know it was you. And…the trial. What you did today, what we faced today, would unsettle anyone. If you need anything or want to talk, just let me know.”
He moves a strand of hair from my face. My legs start to wobble. I try to understand what he’s talking about as I replay his words in my mind.
“Why do I know you? How do I know you?” I blurt out.
He stays focused, his haunting eyes reverting to their usual, intense gaze. “I’m not sure how you know me, but I know precisely where I remember you from.”
I narrow my eyes. “Well, are you going to tell me?”
He chuckles. “So impatient, Princess. I think what we have going is fun. We have plenty of time to get to know each otherbetter. I have somewhere I need to be, but we have more to discuss, don’t we?” He turns, walking down the hallway without another glance. My heart gallops as I burst through my bedroom door and lock it behind me.
However, nothing feels safe about a lock these days when someone around me could shift inside and slit my throat.
I push Silas out of my mind and walk to my sitting area. I take the small piece of paper from my pocket and examine the mark I remember seeing on the crystal. Nothing about it makes sense—this is not a Rigil I’ve ever encountered before. Maines would know more about this.
A knock sounds at the door as I burst from the chair, assuming Silas is back to bother me once more. “Silas, please go away. Don’t you have someone else to annoy?” I swing open the door to find Maines and Rohhit standing before me. A massive grin spreads across her face.
