“No. Because you will be queen. I’m sure some of them were hoping for the title, and then he brings you here, a complete stranger, and marries you on the same day.”
Nya suppressed a shiver at the words, forcing herself to sound as if she didn’t feel the weight of them, asking with a put-on scowl, “Are they really so stupid to think he’s doing any of this because hecaresabout me? He and Carus destroyed a holy temple, murdered my mentor, and now, I’m being forced into a marriage I don’t want because of threats I’m sure are very real.”
Imeria sighed and tapped her shoulder. “All done. Dry off, and then we’ll get you dressed.”
She handed Nya a threadbare towel and stood, striding purposefully to a corner of the cavern, where she retrieved a deep red garment. Warily, Nya did as she said before letting her pull the dress over her head and fasten the strategically placed swaths of fabric, wrapping around her chest and partially over her middle before falling into a light, silky skirt reaching just below her ankles. Clearly, the dress was not made for someone as short as she was.
“Now for the veil,” Imeria murmured.
Nya’s stomach turned when she saw the sheer white piece of fabric in Imeria’s hand. “I don’t want to wear it.”
Imeria held it out. “Well, Morgen wants you to. Besides, it’s traditional.”
Nya scowled. “Do you just follow everything he says blindly because he claims to be a king?”
“No,” Imeria said, her voice softer now. “There is little you understand about Arcadia, Nya. Most of us owe Morgen even more than our lives. No one follows him blindly and certainly not without reason. He may be called a usurper by the principals, but I’d much rather have a usurper than a liar like Sol. And the realmneedsa king.”
She opened her mouth, but Imeria shook her head as she fastened the veil over Nya’s head, securing it with small chains at her crown.
When she stepped back and surveyed her work, her smile was tight. “It’s time. Follow me.”
Chapter 4
Three Years and Seven Months Prior
The mortal war keeps Vane away from the palace most years. It is for the best. I do not know what he would do if he knew she was here, amongst the eldest princess’ handmaidens, of all places. She does not remember, though June assures me the dreams will begin soon, if they have not already. It’s only a matter of time.
—Lady Anabeth, Royal Scribe’s Apprentice, D’anna
The air was cooler now,but even in the dead of winter, it wasn’t frigid. This part of Mise was far enough south that the snow and ice rarely touched it. Still, when she started to shiver, Morgen slung off his heavy cloak and tugged it over her shoulders.
She was beginning to lose track of how many times they had met here now. Mostly, he listened to her talk, sharing little about himself. It was a bit irritating, given her life wasn’t exciting in the least. But she didn’t like the way he disappeared into his own mind when the forest grew too still, so she spoke of anything and everything she could think of.
The only things she knew of him so far were that he was a demi-god who had grown up in Arcadia, that he had bondedwith Varax when he was seventeen, and that had happened a long time ago. Beyond that, he was a mystery.
“Is it cold right now?” she asked as he adjusted the cloak. “In Arcadia? There are seasons there, right?”
He cleared his throat. His long hair was half pulled back, as usual, but a few wayward strands fell in his face as he dipped his head to meet her eyes. She ignored the small urge to tuck his hair back, to linger maybe, her hand pressed to his cheek.
“Where I am now, it’s cold most of the time.”
She bit the inside of her cheek, not wanting to push him too far too soon. But curiosity and the burning need to know more about him got the better of her.
“What about where you grew up? It was different from where you are now, wasn’t it?”
His hands stilled, hovering just above the clasp by her throat. He was trying to look away, but she sought out his gaze, a brow raised. His expression was closed off, and she had the distinct feeling he was about to shut down.
“Morgen,” she said softly. “I’m not going to judge you.”
His jaw tightened, fingers brushing her neck. She started to arch it but stopped herself the moment she realized what her body was doing. Thankfully, he didn’t appear to notice.
“You might. You know a few things about Arcadia, don’t you?”
She shrugged. “I know some. If you’d rather not tell me names or places, I don’t mind. I just want to know you better.”
He looked away, dropping his hands. “It’s not a pleasant story, nor is it a short one.”
With a sigh, she plopped down next to Varax, who was curled into as small of a ball a Vemon dragoncouldmanage. Nya patted the space next to her.
