“Yes ‘Dove’. Apparently because I am supposed to ‘bring peace to the kingdoms’ or whatever.” I put peace to the kingdom in air quotes. “It was odd. He also still refuses to let me know his name.”How am I to marry someone if I have no idea what they are even to be called?
Sam snorts. “Peace, my ass, keeping up with you is like trying to keep up with stampeding elephants, damn near impossible and frequently life threatening.”
“Hey!” I push at Sam, not expecting the outburst from him, but also slightly offended.
“What?” He says. “I love it. It makes life interesting, Lace. All I was saying was I would not really describe you as a peaceful person.”
“I can be peaceful…” I argue, although I do not know why.
“Sure, youcan.” He boops my nose, then catches my hand, rubbing it in a soothing motion. “When you are sleeping maybe.” He jokes, squeezing my hand before letting go and leaning back. “No, but really Lace if you were all calm waters and smooth logic, you wouldn’t be you or have the spirit you do. How boring would that be?” He glances at me, a gentle look on his face. “That is not to say you are not wicked smart— you are. All I am saying is the passion and vigor in which you take on life has never screamed straight lines and ‘don’t rock the boat’ mentality.”
I stick my tongue out at him.He always has the strangest compliments. “I guess.”
“Also,” Sorin chimes in. “Who else would get our boy Sam here out of his shell if not for you getting him to go on all these wild adventures.” He claps Sam on the arm earning him a glare.
“I would say he is pretty good at getting into things himself,” I laugh, “because as I remember it, I do not think I ever extend an invitation to you all to come on these adventures with me…”
“Yes but you love it.” They both say.
“Not untrue…” I smile, picking at a nail. Then I frown. “I have to tell you both something.”
They turn serious. “What is it Lace?” Sorin asks.
I recount my experience in the gardens this morning and the creepy image which popped in my head. Sam pales and Sorin’s grip on my hand tightens again this time almost to the point of pain. I pull my hand away gently and take a breath. I do not mention the weird man in the hall. Although the thought of him gives me the creeps I do not think adding another mystery to this conversation would make matters any better.
“I think I need to explore the rocks and soon. There must be a reason the image of them shot into my mind. There is something I need to find, I think.”
“Wait,” Sam cuts in. “You want to listen to what the eerie energy is telling you? I don’t think it is a good idea, Lace. It could be a trap.”
I blow my breath out in frustration. “True, but it could also just be a message... and what am I supposed to do, run from it? I do not think this will just go away.”I know it will not. Something wants me to follow these rocks so much so that it is willing to invade my mind to convince me. Something like that does not give up easily.
“How do you know? You haven’t even tried to ignore it. Look, Lace, I know you love adventure and Sorin and I would follow you anywhere, but we have no idea the intentions of the people here or the power they might hold. We should give it more time before we start traipsing about the property and winding up into trouble. The king already warned you he would not turn a blind eye to you and being he isn’t your father we don’t know the punishments that might be in store for you if you make too much trouble.”
“I know.” I hang my head. “But we do not have much time, at least without the watch of the entire kingdom as the prince’s wife. If I am doing this, it needs to be now.”
Sam looks to Sorin for support, but Sorin is conveniently not looking in his direction. He grunts in frustration, but then a small smile enters his expression. “I had to give the speech, just in case you would change your mind, but…” He looks to me once more with a hopeful look on his face. I purse my lips together and he sighs. Shoulders slumped he continues “... when are we going?”
My mood immediately brightens, and I let out a small squeal, throwing my arms around Sam. He holds me tightly, sticking hisnose into my hair as if he was trying to breathe me in. “Thank you.” I whisper.
“Don’t say thank you yet,” Sam mutters, still holding me, his chin resting on the top of my head. “I don’t think this is a good idea, I just know if I don’t go with you, you’ll concoct a more dangerous plan to go alone, and I like that idea even less.” He ends our embrace by tickling my sides slightly.
I giggle pushing away from him. “I would never.” I gasp out in fake outrage. Sam throws me an unbelieving look and Sorin laughs out loud, finally giving up his pretense of not being a part of the conversation.
He sobers and then steadies his eyes on me. “If we do go you have to stay with us. No running off.” I nod. “Good. It should be this week. Once the marriage arrangements start ramping up-” he rolls his eyes and huffs “-you’ll have less time alone, making this a lot more difficult.”
I nod again. “I have thought about that, and I agree, the sooner the better... maybe we can sneak off tomorrow? Would that give everyone enough time to prepare?”
“So soon?” Sam groans slightly.
“I think so.” Sorin responds. “But we will have to go near nightfall. I’ll have to grab a couple of things.”
“Sounds good. Until then I think we should just focus on getting through this lunch. Since the king will be in attendance, we have no idea what plans or challenges he or anyone else attending may put us through, or if they are testing us in any way. I hate to think this kingdom would have bad intentions, especially so early on but if father has taught me anything it is we cannot always trust those in power, especially kings.”
Sam stands and brushes off his pants before giving me a hand up. “You are very wise, Lace. I could not have said it better myself.” He brushes his fingers over my knuckles softly, causing my arms to break out slightly in goosebumps, before dropping it.“That being said we should go now, or else we will be late in our attendance.”
“He’s right.” Sorin pipes up lazily pushing himself from the floor.
Lunch begins with little fanfare. Credour, Fadres and I sit towards the head of the table. Credour and Fadres are across from me, while the prince sits to my left. King Demetrius places himself at the head of the table. It appears we are at one of the smaller tables in the castle. There are only three more seats to mine and Credour's left remaining unoccupied along with a singular chair at the other end of the table. I wonder to myself where the queen of this kingdom is, or even if there is one. Lamenting over not knowing yet another piece of maybe crucial information, my finger starts to trace over the bracelet Mandi gave me. Something about this motion calms me and I breathe deeply as a humming sensation overtakes me. I let out a small sigh trying to come back to those around me, tension leaving my limbs. King Demetrius is chewing slowly and watching the table. His eyes trace over everyone in attendance until they land on me. Fadres and Credour look tense, while the prince on the other hand is smoothing out the napkin in his lap. His posture reading as relaxed, but his fingers twitch almost imperceptibly under the table, giving away a more nervous demeanor. Once the king finishes chewing, he clears his throat.
