“We faced many challenges together in the third trial. These men around me have shown bravery and many skills that will make them valuable allies I hope to rule alongside one day,” I say.
My father stands, his knees weak, and claps at my speech. “I’m glad you now see the benefits of this, Briar. Your mother would be proud.”
I wince at the mention of her. The air around us thickens. We need to leave before any wrong words set him off.
The King of Daramveer walks toward the competitors, standing before them all. He stops in front of Silas, not breaking his intense stare. They stand at the same height, so their eyes meet directly. Disgust begins to radiate from Silas, as I think he can smell my father's stench.
“Competitors,” my father shouts in Silas’s face. “Rest, eat, and enjoy the castle grounds at your discretion. We have our final trial coming up, and you will need your strength.”
His gaze travels up and down Silas one last time before he spins on his heels toward Calia.
A heavy exhale leaves his chest as my father retreats into the back door of the throne room. My mind snaps to the vision of Rose. I must find her. Without waiting for anyone, I move through the crowd.
Whispers reach my ears. “She is going to ruin our kingdom. She’s selfish, just like her mother.”
I stop dead in my tracks, turning toward the man who dares speak of my mother. Shadows manifest around my body as shock spreads across his face when he realizes I can hear him. I stomp toward him, invisible shadows ready to attack. I dig deep, grabbing the remaining magic I have.
“How dare you speak of my mother in my home.” I slam him against the hard wall, a boom causing multiple onlookers to glance our way. “Speak like that again, and I will know. I swear to the Gods, I’ll find you. You’ll regret those words the moment they leave your miserable mouth.” My hands tighten around his throat, rage building in my chest. His eyes widen, oxygen leaving his lungs as he claws at my grip, begging to be released. I blink at him through the fury, my vision blurring as I feel the change. My autumn eyes disappear into the darkness.
“Your… eyes,” the man manages to stutter.
I grit my teeth and move closer to his ear. “Then let my eyes haunt you, fill you with fear. Let them remind you to be cautious with the lies you speak.”
The man nods, his eyes widening as my grip loosens around his throat. Discolorations form on his pale skin. A desperate gasp escapes him, and a few people rush to his side. I spin around to see Rohhit and Nolan standing behind me.
“Briar, you need to step away from him,” Rohhit says.
“You need to move and leave the room, Princess,” Nolan adds.
“I… I don’t know what came over me.” I step away from the crowd.
The need to feel invisible takes over. “I let it take over. I wanted to kill him for speaking of my mother.” I refuse to look up from the ground.
“You let what take over?” Rohhit asks plainly. Both men stare, their eyes burning a hole in my chest.
“The darkness,” I respond.
Neither of them asks further questions, and at this moment, I’m glad Silas isn’t beside me—his questioning wouldn’t be so forgiving. “I need to get to the kitchen to see Rose!” Tears form in my eyes, but I bite them back.
“Well, let’s go, then!” Nolan escorts me forward. “We’re starving anyway.” Through the chaos, a smile finds its way to their faces.
Walking down the hallways, Nolan breaks the silence. “I know what it feels like to be an outcast. My whole life, I’ve felt out of place and unwanted.”
I look at him, his gentle blue eyes complementing his white hair, but something darker lurks behind them. “I was adopted as a child. Rohhit’s mother, Raven, took me in when she didn’t have to. I’ve lived with Rohhit my entire life.”
The way he looks at me sends a wave of familiarity through me. As a child, I don’t remember the royal family visiting from Eddris, but I swear I’ve met him before. It’s the same look I’ve seen in Barlowe. His eyes, I’ve seen them before, but I can’t place where.
“I’m sorry about your family. It’s hard losing people you love,” I reply, understanding his pain all too well.
“The differences between our losses are significant. I never knew my parents. I didn’t have the chance to love them. You lost people you cherished, but to me, it’s an honor to have known such dear and wonderful individuals to miss. Some people never have the fortune to experience such love. I only recently learned more about my parents.”
A calmness runs through me as he smiles down at me, the familiarity hitting me in my chest. “You found your parents?” I can’t help but ask.
He nods. “I believe so. I haven’t told Rohhit yet, so please don’t say anything.”
I shake my head, curiosity running through me.
Where have I seen that smile?
