I glance back at Rohhit, who is giving us space to talk. His limp is still prominent, not completely healed from his foot almost being removed. “Your foot still hanging in there, Rohhit?” I joke.
“I’m not ready for foot jokes just yet, Princess.” His smile stops me in my tracks. “You saved my life, Briar. Thank you. I hadn’t had the chance to tell you yet.”
“It was nothing.” I nod, lying.
We enter the kitchen, and anticipation hits my stomach at the thought of seeing Rose. Lang stands in his regular spot, tending to his many dishes. The kitchen feels empty, with his body filling the space. Spices fill my nose as I breathe deeply, taking in the mouthwatering aroma of the food. “You can sithere, " I say, pointing to my worn spot on the bench. “I’ll grab us something to eat.”
Nolan refuses to sit. “I’ll get it. You rest.”
Rolling my eyes, I reply, “Sit for the Gods’ sake.” My smile quickly fades as I turn and walk to Lang.
“Where is Rose?” I demand harsher than intended.
“She isn’t here,” Lang replies, barely acknowledging me. He turns and makes eye contact with the two large men sitting in my usual spot. His eyes shoot up. “Prince Rohhit,” he bows respectfully. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Lang ignores Nolan, a face of disgust flashing across his expression.
I notice the exchange, brushing it off as typical Lang protectiveness. I grab Lang’s arm. “I need to know where Rose is.”
He lowers his head. “I found a note that she returned to Eddris this morning, so I expect she’ll be gone for a few days. She said she had a few things to tend to. I didn’t ask questions, Briar.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Can you please let me know when she returns? It’s urgent that I speak with her.”
He nods, still refusing to make complete eye contact with me. I grab a few apples and a hearty loaf of bread, tossing them in their direction, barely missing Nolan’s head. Rohhit huffs a laugh as I stride past them. “If you want anything else, just ask Lang. He’s the best cook in this realm.”
I bound through the threshold, off to find Maines.
Chapter 28
As I walk through the castle, I feel haunted by the recent events. Thatcher walks these halls a free man, even though my brother’s blood is still on his hands. Keeping this secret will keep Maines safe, so even if it kills me to walk around knowing what he’s done, I’ll take it to my grave if I must.
I wrinkle my nose at my stench, realizing I’m still wearing the same clothes from yesterday, stained with old blood. Bathing comes first—I’ll only be mocked by her if I show up in this condition. My bedroom door creaks loudly as it opens. It feels like forever since I’ve been here, and just as long since I’ve had time for my own thoughts. The constant buzz of people has accustomed me to noise, but now, I crave silence. I peel the rotten clothes from my body and let them fall to the floor with a thud.
Looking in the mirror, I see my face splattered with blood, now black from the time that’s passed. As I unravel my long braid, my hair falls down my back, the dark blood mixing with the strands, the texture crunching under my fingers. My under-eyes are heavy and the purple tint of my skin makes my eyes pop in the dim light of the bathroom.
Stepping into the hot bath, dark water runs over my body, slowly draining away. When the water finally runs clear, I plug the drain, letting the clean water surround me. I rest my head against the back of the tub, closing my eyes before slipping under the water. I let out a scream that churns the water, like a wave crashing over me.
Think, Briar! What does all this mean?
Still submerged, the sensation of waves crashes over me again, and I feel like I’m slipping back into the second trial. My mind races. I’m okay. Just breathe. I’m in my room.
When I open my eyes, a black figure stands over the tub. My head breaks above the surface, causing water to pool over the edges. As the water clears from my burning eyes, Silas comes into view, smirking against the far wall.
“Gods!” I yelp. “Are you trying to scare me to death?”
“Hello, Princess.” His eyes grow hungry at the sight of me. “Sorry to startle you.”
“It’s quite rude to interrupt a lady during her bath. Haven’t you heard? But I suppose you’ve never been one for invitations,” I reply, propping my arms against the edge.
He kicks off the wall and moves toward me with feline grace. My breath catches as he kneels to become eye-level with me. Picking up a cloth, Silas dips the soft fabric into the water and begins to wash my body. The warm water trickling down my skin almost makes me groan.
He lifts my chin with his finger, our eyes meeting. “I failed you in the third trial. I left you.” His eyes show deep sorrow.
“You didn’t have a choice. I asked you to save Rohhit,” I say.
“There is always a choice, Briar. I chose wrong. If you had died in place of Rohhit, I would have killed him to make it even. I hope you know that.”
I reach out, cupping his cheek, my bare breast exposing itself. “Tell me what you meant when you said you dreamed of me?”
