I glance out over the kingdom, the stillness of the night drowning out the lively celebration behind us. His words hangin the air, heavy with meaning. “When I first arrived, and you looked at me—really looked at me—something clicked. I know you don’t understand, but I know you, Briar. There are things I’ve chosen not to disclose yet, too.”
I stare at him, unsure of what to say in response.
“My father chose not to join me when I mentioned that I wanted to travel here. He said that coming here would be my undoing. I truly don’t believe he cares whether I return or not. Our relationship isn’t the best. He thinks this competition is a distraction from something larger at play, and I agree with him for once."
Silas is brilliant. He senses that something is off as well, but given what I know, I keep my mouth shut. This isn’t the right moment to reveal what Maines, Oak, and I are truly after.
“Silas.” I touch his hand. “I’m sorry for shouting. I’m not asking you to protect me. I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of these trials. You all are risking your lives for no reason.”
He returns the gesture and grabs my hand back with a gentle squeeze. “Youare the reason, Briar.”
His stare melts my soul as he looms over me. He sweeps a strand of hair away from my face and gently places his strong hand on my cheek. “I will protect you, no matter what. Whatever that entails, even at the cost of my own life.” He pauses, “And I won’t call you mine anymore. Not until you’re ready for that. I’ll wait a lifetime for that moment if I must.”
And I believe him.
He leans down, his lips brushing against mine, and my body reacts instantly—my core burns, my heart races. His tongue teases the entrance of my mouth, and for a moment, everything else fades away.
When he pulls away, his smile is full of mischief. “Is this our first date?”
With a laugh, I push against his strong chest, unable to stay mad at him. His hand travels down, cupping my ass and pulling me closer as our mouths nearly touch once more. My body vibrates with exciting nerves. Something within me responds to his touch as we work in perfect unison. Our darkness calls to each other, desperate for more. I completely forget that I stand in public, where the gaze of the other competitors could be upon us, watching whatever is happening between us.
“What the hell is this?” A voice travels through the night air.
Panic surges through me, and I push Silas away, though his stare never leaves mine—hunger still evident in his eyes.
“Hello, Miss Madden,” Silas responds, stepping a few paces away from me.
I instantly feel the need for his warmth again and crave his dark strength wrapped around me.
Maines steps onto the balcony. “I’m clearly interrupting something, but I do need to speak with Briar. It’s quite urgent.”
Silas bows to her with practiced elegance. “No issue, Maines. I’ll make my leave.”
He leans in, his voice low, only for me to hear. “Next time, there will be no interruptions. No distractions. You’ll be mine, Princess. However, you desire.”
He walks back into the crowd, leaving a trail of shadows dancing behind him. He weaves through the people, his gaze briefly meeting mine before he disappears into the throng.
Maines turns to me, a wide grin on her face. “My Gods, were you just making out with the competition?”
“That’s none of your business,” I snap, but my cheeks burn with embarrassment. “You interrupted before I had the chance.”
After giggling some more and earning a glare from me, she turns serious, saying, “Oak has a plan. He wants us to meet him by the kitchen in twenty minutes.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You’ve been hanging out with Oak behind my back?”
“Only a little.” Maines grins. “But he’s got a plan, and we don’t have time to waste.”
As Maines and I approach the kitchens, I catch a glimpse of Oak, who’s standing just out of sight, his smirk full of mischief. “What’s the plan?”
He ushers us toward a nook outside the kitchen, his tone low. “We’re going to break into your father’s study. Now.”
I freeze. “How do you suggest we do that? My father always has multiple guards around him.”
Oak shrugs, his confidence unwavering. “Not tonight. With your father occupied, there won’t be anyone around. I saw him cornered with Calia, the twins’ mother.”
His overconfidence sends a bead of sweat down my spine. “We can’t shift in and out. There are wards that only open to his presence. If we get caught, we’re dead.”
“I know,” Oak says, his grin widening. “That’s why Maines will stand guard. You and I will go in, search for clues, and I’ll translate what we find.”
