“We need more help to win this. We are going to need the Prince of Eddris,” I interrupt. “He’s the strongest Lumor wielder in Daramveer and he’ll be someone who can combat the darkness if the time comes.”
Silas rolls his eyes, “Fine. But let me have some fun with wrangling the prince here.” He looks at Oak with a wink.
“Whatever the hell you two are planning, just do it fast. The final trial will be announced tomorrow morning,” Maines groans.
Silas kisses the top of my head before unwrapping his arms from around me. Oak nudges Maines playfully before they walk out into the dark hallway.
“I guess we’ll wait here for their stupid plan to unfold,” Maines turns to me, “You okay, Briar?”
“I’m fine,” I lie. “Things are about to get complicated, and I fear I’m not strong enough for this.”
She gives an understanding glance, “You are the strongest person I know. Strength isn’t measured by brawn. The strength you possess comes from your soul, your deepest wants, and needs. Your strength through all of this proves that you are the one who is going to save this kingdom.”
“Your mother would be so proud of you, Maines.” I walk toward my open window and peer out at the night sky, the stars shimmering against the tears streaming down my face.
I have always been fine remaining the Princess of Daramveer my entire life. Barlowe would be King, so he chose, and I would gladly honor him as such. If I can’t save this kingdom, I’ll one day be the Queen of Daramveer, the Kingdom of Ruin.
She walks next to me, resting her head on my shoulder, looking out over the kingdom with me. “I said this weeks ago, and I’m going to say it now. We will figure this out together. " She turns, smiling, but fear shows behind her green eyes.
“Promise you’ll say that again once this is all over, even though we have no idea what the future holds?”
“I promise.”
Chapter 31
As dawn breaks through the open window, I peel my eyes open and enjoy the few seconds of silence and peace. The golden rays spill into my room, neutralizing the darkness that swells around me. We talked late into the night, waiting for Silas and Oak to return, but they never did. Overpowered by exhaustion, Maines and I passed out on the foot of my bed mid-conversation.
Grumbling, Maines slides off the end of the bed. “Gods, why did you let me sleep like that? I’m never going to walk normally again.” She stretches her arms wide over her head. Giggling, I rub the sleep from my eyes.
Silas, Oak, and a hooded figure enter the room with a thud that echoes down the hallway, snapping my mind back to the man who tried to attack me yesterday. I leap back on the bed, out of their way, as they wrestle the person to the sitting area, nearly breaking one of my favorite chairs. Oak laughs. “I’ve always wanted to do that.”
Maines stomps toward them. “Are you two insane? You’ve always wanted to do what, Oak? Kidnap someone?”
Silas glances in my direction, giving me an assuring look. “Oak, you should come to Andorwood. I can barely make it around town each morning without risking getting kidnapped.”
Oak, concerned yet smiling, replies, “No, thanks, Nastronde. I’ll take my chances in Daramveer.”
They rip the person’s hood down, and Rohhit, wide-eyed and seething, sits before us. “What the hell is wrong with you all?”
“We didn’t think you would come on your own,” Oak defends.
“Well, you didn’t ask me either! I’m civilized, unlike you animals,” Rohhit hisses.
Oak huffs, placing his hand on his chest. “How dare you, Prince. I see no animals here,” he says with a smile.
“That’s enough, Oak,” Silas interjects. “We knew you wouldn’t come on your own because you’ve been avoiding us since the third trial. We need your help.”
Standing next to Silas, I add, “He’s right. You’ve barely spoken to us since that night—we’re running out of time.”
Rohhit glances between the two of us. “So, you two, huh?”
Ignoring his question, I gesture for him to continue.
“What do you need help with that entails me being kidnapped?” Rohhit raises his arms, snatching the remaining part of the hood from his body.
I step in front of Silas, knowing he needs to hear this from me to believe it. “My father is going to resurrect Kalix, and we have to stop him.” I show him my hands, the veins barely visible but there, “He suspects I’m the vessel he needs to complete the ritual.”
Rohhit sucks in a breath, gazing at my hands. “You felt it too?” he whispers.
