“Yes,” Wrenley says. “And to Spring. Indeed, Prince Kairyn lets his heart guide him instead of his head, if I may be so bold. But he has saved so many on the mountain. And now that you have returned, I believe … I believe it may be enough for Prince Thalionor to regain his strength.”
“I shall sit with him. You are dismissed.”
She nods, gathers the basin, and pads to the exit. “I’m sure the steward will be glad of your presence in Spring again. Prince Thalionor was never the same after what happened to Princess Isidora. Such a tragedy she didn’t survive the passing of the Blessing, for one so strong.”
“Get out,” I growl.
She inclines her head and darts from the room.
Falling into the chair beside the bed, I let out a deep sigh. My head aches, and fatigue consumes my body. My father lies on his back, helm polished, the only sound a raspy echo. His bare wrists look dry and wrinkled. Even this small bit of skin feels too much for me to glimpse.
For I have never seen his face. If my parents had interpreted the royal creed differently, I could gaze upon his face now. Tend to him and feed him warm broth.
My mother, his mate, was the only one he allowed to witness him. My parents were not mates in the way I witness Rosalina and Farron, love blossoming like a wild meadow. But they were bound as tight as chain mail. A blade and a shield, an arrow and a bow, an anvil and chisel. There was no one without the other.
I’ve never seen their smiles or frowns or ever known the color of their eyes. I’d lamented once as a child on it, long before I donned my own helm, and begged my mother to remove hers.
We wear our helms as a sign of devotion to Spring,my mother had told me.Our greatest love must be given to the people first. It is the duty and honor of the royal family.
My parents showed me their love through their devotion to our people, by teaching me our ways, instilling discipline.
It was a different sort of love than what I witnessed when visiting Keldarion’s family in the Winter Realm. Of long nights curled by a fire with hugs and old stories and warm, shared food. But I treasured the love I received from both my parents.
And I felt that same honor the day I was old enough to bear my own helmet. Not since, has another soul gazed upon my face.
But my love for my realm? My duty? Did the Enchantress steal that from me as well?
I’ve tried to help in what ways I could, protecting the Briar and patrolling Spring’s borders.
It hasn’t been enough. Spring is suffering.
And it’s my fault.
At least my brother had the courage to do something about it.
I bow my helm until it rests against my father’s. “Tell me what to do.” There’s a shake to my voice. “I must deliver punishment to Kairyn. Do I imprison him? Execute him? Take hishelm?”
The only answer is my father’s rattling breath.
I squeeze my eyes shut. “How did our family become so broken?”
But I know the answer.
I’m the one who broke it.
21
Rosalina
Iawaken to a soft knock on my door. Sitting up, I stretch and call, “Coming!”
That was an insanely good sleep. Maybe it’s because the room I’ve been given in Keep Hammergarden is so similar to my room back home. The pastel décor, the blooming flowers in vases, and the canopied bed, could be straight out of the Spring Wing. The only thing that’s different is the walls are made of the mountain’s stone and not the bark of Castletree.
I snag a cream-colored robe off the armchair to cover my thin nightgown. Despite our strange welcome, Ezryn ensured Dayton, Astrid, and I were set up with food and lavish quarters. I know he took care to place us in private spaces where no one would find us during the night.
The warm face of Eldy, the keep’s majordomo, greets me as I open the door. The older looking fae man has gray hair that curls only under his ears and a goatee streaked with white. He carries a tray brimming with pastries, fruit, and a floral-painted teapot.
“Good morning, Lady Rosalina. I do hope I didn’t wake you. I wanted to bring you some breakfast while it was freshly made from the kitchen.”
