“Is that true?” I press.
“And why would two random travelers come all this way to use our library? What do you think they’re trying to find?”
“Is there something we’re hiding?” I counter back.
“No.”
“Then what’s the harm?”
He heaves a deep sigh. “I can’t simply allow people to come into my castle and do whatever they please.”
“Then I’ll monitor them. Whenever they’re in there, I’ll be in there. I’ll vouch for them.”
One of his eyes narrows. “Why do you care? Why would you do that for a couple of strangers?”
I hesitate. “I don’t know… I’ve always loved my library. I would hate to deny anyone else access to all the knowledge and company it’s provided me.”
He releases another heavy breath and glances away. “You’ve always had too big of a heart for your own good…”
“What’s wrong with that?”
He looks at me again, an unreadable expression taking over. One that seems resolute. “Nothing.”
I rise from the chair, glancing at him one last time. He still reveals almost nothing as he watches me.
“I’ll take care of it and let them know the conditions,” he says.
“Thank you,” I say with a subtle bow.
I finish my fruit-filled pastry as I leave his office and begin the long journey to the training grounds. It’s located just inside the walls on a small hill overlooking the backside of the castles.
I walk the dirt path up there, wondering if Meela will show. I highly doubt it. I should have knocked on her door before coming, but I don’t feel like turning all the way back now.
Intimidation creeps in as I reach the top of the hill and see hundreds of soldiers scattered around the expansive grounds, which has an entire perimeter of torches surrounding it for extra light. Even though it’s morning, they’re still lit. I’m not sure how much it helps. The world’s still a gloomy gray in my eyes, the swirling haze of the veil above us a constant reminder of how powerless we really are.
I stop at the edge of the grounds and glance around. A few of the closest bodies begin to take notice, and two of them approach me.
“Are you lost, princess?”
The tall, muscular male doesn’t sound like he’s teasing. He’s genuinely curious.
“No. I’m looking for Adr—Captain Greenwood—could you point me in his direction?”
They immediately point toward the middle of the grounds, where I recognize his gait immediately. He’s wearing a dark green tunic with light armor on his shoulders and chest, walking slowly while conversing with another male as they circle an elevated stone square. Two small steps lead to the dark platform, where two soldiers are dueling.
He doesn’t notice me as I approach, seeming deep in conversation with whoever he’s speaking to. “The king says to play nice and let them join. Just don’t reveal too much. They need to think—” Adrian pauses as I tap him on the shoulder from behind.
He turns with an irritated, almost angry expression.
I sense he’s about to give me a lecture, but then his gaze falls on my face and surprise colors his expression.
“Hi,” I say with an eager smile.
“Elle,” he says, still shocked. “What are you doing up here?”
“I told you I wanted you to teach me. Here I am.”
He glances behind me as if searching for someone. He looks strong in his full armor, and as I take in his perfectly styled black hair, green shirt to match his eyes, and authoritative expression, I remember why I’ve always had such a crush on him. Somehow, I’d forgotten. For a moment.
