He doesn’t respond. Instead, he rises from the cold ground, never meeting my gaze as he walks toward the castle. The air around me seems to lighten as his darkness fades away, but the hurt within me deepens. He may be a monster, but he is still my father. I remain in the courtyard—absorbing the peaceful breezeflowing through my thick hair, the soft grass tickling my legs—as I sit once more, staring at Barlowe’s tree. I swear I hear the wind whisper something in my ear.
Maybe a bit of combat will ease my thundering heart.
As much as the constant pestering bothered me, I couldn’t help but appreciate the distractions provided by the trials. After finishing my training, I towel off my face, sweat beading on my forehead from the morning sun. At this moment, the thought of a bath sounds more pleasurable than anything else when a sudden change in the air stops me. Spinning on the step, I’m blinded by the sunlight—except for a tall, dark figure blocking half of the opening to the roof landing.
“Hello, my Briar,” the deep voice carries down the stairs. Goosebumps rise on my skin as I instantly recognize the accent—Silas.
“Hello, Prince.” My lip curls, “At this point, it’s safe to assume that you are stalking me.”
“You haven’t seen me in days; I would be the worst stalker ever, don’t you think? Or does that make me a great stalker?” He grins, stepping down the stairs, his presence growing.
My stomach churns with excitement. “Well, I suppose it depends on who you're asking. I’m more accustomed to you entering my bedroom uninvited.” I roll my eyes and turn around.
“Would you like to invite me to your bedroom next time, Princess?”
The tone of his voice—serious and hungry—turns my core molten. Biting back the urge to run up the stairs toward him, I reply, “I don’t think there will be an invitation extended anytime soon.”
Not waiting for a response, I continue down the stairs. The dark stone walls feel suffocating. “Briar, stop!” he calls after me, and I freeze. His deep, longing voice—calming yet commanding—makes my heart race.
I slowly turn. My gaze meets his as he continues, “I thought we might talk.” He moves down the stairs, shadows swirling around his muscled body.
My darkness pulses when he’s near, yet I can’t pinpoint where I’ve encountered him before. “What would you like to discuss, Prince?” I play along, nearly laughing at his awkward attempt at conversation.
“Daramveer is different from Andorwood,” he says, slumping against the stone wall, arms crossed as if unsure how to speak to me. “Andorwood is dark and cold. The people there aren’t ones for casual conversation. I apologize if I seem short on words. Besides a few close friends and my horses, I haven’t had anyone to talk to over the years.”
I understand that feeling more than he knows.
I nod. “Maybe Daramveer isn’t so different. That happens here a lot, too. I’m not exactly the most liked person in the castle.”
He smiles, his posture softening. “You? Not popular? I find that hard to believe. You’ve been so warm and welcoming.”
The sarcasm drips from his tongue, and I chuckle. “Yes, that’s the reputation I hold. The Princess of Daramveer, the 'kind-hearted’ ruler of a despised kingdom.”
“I saw your horses when you arrived,” I add. “I was on the balcony watching the ship’s dock. Your ship is quite impressive.”
He nods, a smile still lingering on his lips. “So, you were watching me? Who’s the stalker now?”
I playfully push him at the comment. “Are your horses staying in the stables? I’d love to see them sometime. My father thinks riches are more important than companionship.”
“Yes, they are,” he laughs. “I’ve threatened the stable boy to keep them well-cared for. I’d love to show you someday if you aren’t too afraid to be alone with me.”
I smile. “That poor stable boy. Please don’t scare him to death. And I told you, Silas, you don’t scare me.”
“I’m sure afraid of you, my Briar.” His gaze burns into mine, but he claps. “It’s settled, then. Our first date.”
His looming intensity grows, yet happiness sparkles in his eyes as I blush.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Prince,” I say with a wink. "I’m just flirting for the sake of the competition. I get so bored in this big castle. I must entertain myself somehow.”
He smiles, the conversation quieting.
“Where have you been the last few days?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.
“Have you missed me?” He takes a step closer, his presence towering over mine.
I chew on the inside of my cheek, waiting for him to continue.
“I’ve mostly been with my horses, Xena and Myah,” Silas says, his tone shifting to something more serious. “They’ve been through everything with me. They’re family. I owe it to them to keep them safe.” He glances down, deep in thought. “It may sound silly, but they were my escape. I’d ride for hours through the mountains of Andorwood. Not the safest thing for a child or even an adult, but it was safer than being around my father.”
