My mind snaps back to the dinner, his cloudy appearance when only I could hear his whispers. He was there to me, a manifestation, but not to the others. They couldn’t see him.
“I know he appeared to you in that form at dinner. I saw your face change and turn pale. I knew he was talking to you, and I was horrified.”
“I know you were.”
“I’m so sorry I didn’t warn you. I thought I was keeping you safe by keeping this information, but I see now that all I did was put you in danger.” He drops his head, “I’m the entire reason you’ve been in danger since we’ve been here.”
I cup his face, lifting his chin. “I’m fine. And I understand all about doing what you must to keep those around you safe.”
He softly chuckles. “Yes, you are Queen of Daramveer. Well, you’re more like the Queen of Withholding Vital Information, aren’t you?”
“You know it, Nastronde.”
Silas nuzzles into my hand. “I’ll tell you everything once we get this over with. We’re coming up with a plan together. Just please, don’t think of me differently when I share everything with you."
“I won’t. Let me help you as you help me.”
He nods.
“It’s okay to talk about your pain—visible or not,” I whisper. “I have it too; you just can’t see it.”
Silas leans forward, pressing the softest kiss to my lips.
“We need to go,” I whisper against his mouth.
He rests his forehead against mine, sighing heavily. “I know.”
I stand, pulling him to join me. Our hands separate, and I head for the door with him trailing behind me.
“Briar,” Silas calls, pulling me back from crossing the threshold. “I’m not finished. There’s a way to stop him from haunting you.”
“Well, great.” I spin on my heels, turning to face him. “How?”
Silas hesitates, and my excitement twists into something more sinister.
“It involves the poison that killed your brother.”
Chapter 14
When only a few hours separate me from facing Malachi, Silas and I join the others around the long, wodden table, ready to finalize our plan before my meeting. We have just a few days that remain until a ship arrives at Andorwood to wipe out the army I’ve yet to build.
They gawk at my appearance, Maines being the first to speak. “Damn, Briar.”
My cheeks turn a soft shade of pink at the attention, but I laugh.
They are all dressed in fine clothing, because Fen likely forced them all to look their best. Maines wears a long, flowing emerald green dress, and Fen wears a dark red, tight-fitting gown that makes me flinch for a moment.
It’s not blood.
The men are all dressed in what looks like fighting leathers, but elevated. Each suit perfectly hugs their defined muscles, and a jeweled gold serpent dances on each man's chest.
Maines catches my stare and raises her brows twice, then winks.
Silas steps forward, instantly garnering the attention of those in the room with ease. He stands tall, and I realize he’s transformed from the Silas, the man I love, into Silas, Prince of Darkness. He stands before us, looking more like the future King of Andorwood than I’ve ever seen him before, ready to take charge.
Everyone falls silent and waits for him to speak. We sit around the table while he stands before us, and a surge of pride fills my chest. He can do this. He’s going to face his fears, and one day he will reign as a noble king.
“In a few hours, Briar will meet with Malachi, and a decision will be made that is likely to change the course of our futures,” he states, his voice booming like thunder. “The King of Andorwood will either work with us to stop Carobon, or he will not. Either way, we will not back down. We will do what we can to save our lands, with or without Malachi.”
