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We met Trybe just outside of her shop where she welcomed me with a hug I wasn’t expecting, before doing the same with Elias. Then she led us towards the back, and we followed her through a gate and around the building to a fenced area. The area was narrow, but long, with two wooden targets perched at the back of the lot, white paint marking the bullseye and the sections around it. Behind the targets was a stone wall, likely the neighboring shop, so it would be impossible for us to shoot too far.

Trybe spent a good thirty minutes showing me correct elbow placement, how to aim, and how to breathe while aiming, before I was even allowed to pull the drawstring on my bow. Her teachings reminded me of my uncle, and his slow but important lessons on the basics. All the while, Elias sat in a chair behind us, watching silently with amusement.

Eventually, it was time to take my first shot. I combined all of the techniques she just drilled into my brain, and let go of the arrow. It hit only a few inches above the bullseye. The bow felt immenselydifferent from the simple ones Elias made in the woods. Not only was the craftsmanship impeccable, but the bow was lightweight yet sturdy, and shooting it felt natural and easy.

“You’re averyfast learner!” Trybe praised, clasping her hands together excitedly.

“Thank you,” I blushed. I turned to Elias, and swore I saw a hint of pride in his stare.

I shot again, and again, and again. Sometimes I hit a little closer to the center of the target, sometimes a little farther. Sometimes I didn’t hit the target at all, and the arrow bounced of the stone wall instead.

“Not all arrows are the same,” Trybe explained to me. “You could shoot two arrows back-to-back in the exact same manner, and they won’t hit the same spot. It will take time, but eventually you’ll learn how to recognize the weight and density of each arrow, and how it will affect your shot. But for now, you’re doing amazing!”

Her encouragement brought a genuine smile to my face, and I kept going. After a while, my injured arm was getting sore. It didn’t feel like the wound had reopened, but felt like it could if I wasn’t careful.

“We can take a quick break,” Trybe said as she noticed me rubbing my arm. There were only two chairs at the back of the property, so Elias stood up and let us take them. Trybe crossed her legs and leaned forward towards me. “So, Aura. What is Rimor like these days? What was it like growing up there?”

What did she mean bythese days? And how did she know I was from Rimor? I glanced at Elias anxiously with a look that screamed “does she know who I am?”

He dipped his head.

“He didn’t tell me who you are, believe it or not,” Trybe interrupted, reading our expressions. “I guessed. I’m very intuitive. Your secret is safe with me, I promise.” She gave me a genuine smile, and I looked at Elias again. There was no look of unease on his features. I guess ifElias trusted her, I did too.

With Trybe’s easygoing personality and calming energy, it was easy to talk to her. I told her what life was like before my mother passed. How she used to take me to Oreross’s city center every so often, where we handed food out to the poor. My mother refused to let the excessive food the cooks made at the castle be thrown out when there were hungry people in her kingdom.

I told Trybe how we used to go to the theater and watch plays, and how we used to garden together. “Those are the only memories I have to hold onto. A lot of the rest are…hazy.”

“Oh?” Trybe raised her brow.

I swallowed. “Yes, I lost of lot of my memories after my brush with death.”

Elias stiffened beside us.

“My mother was murdered on our way to an event in Chatus,” I continued. “They found me in the woods three days later, barely alive. I don’t remember any of it.”

Elias remained tense. “You didn’t tell me this,” he said.

“You never asked,” I shrugged. I continued on. “After my mother passed, my father became overbearing. He loves me dearly, and I love him too. But I feel like a prisoner. I can’t leave the castle without an escort. I’m banned from visiting certain places within the kingdom. I am forbidden from learning to fight or doing anything that has even a slim chance of putting me in harm’s way.”

Trybe listened intently, and I could tell Elias was invested as well. It felt nice to share this aloud with somebody. Had Elias ever asked, I probably would have let it all out like this as well. But he seemed as apathetic as he was secretive.

Trybe put a hand on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry. That must have been so difficult for you, to not have your freedom. You’re free nowthough, it seems.”

I gave a half-smile. But before I could respond, we heard the gate to the small archery range creak open. “Shit, I must have lost track of time,” Trybe cursed. “You better hurry out of here before—”

“Trybe?” a man’s voice called out. “I brought you a bite to eat if you’re hungry.” The man stepped out from behind the wall, and we all froze. He locked eyes with me immediately, and my heart jumped to my throat. I recognized him the second I met his gaze.

And there was no doubt he recognized me too.

“Aurelia?” the Prince of Monuvia let out an excited whisper.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The prince walked up to me hesitantly. Prince Maksym, or Max as I’ve always called him, was as handsome as ever. His piercing blue eyes contrasted against his deep skin. His long hair was full of tightly wound coils that were twisted into dreadlocks. The bottom of each lock was set in place with a gold clasp, much like a thick ring. Other jewels were woven into his dreads as well. The prince didn’t even need a crown, as his hair was more than enough to show his royalty. He always was one for grandiose appearances.

Max hadn’t changed much since I last saw him three years ago, only that his hair was longer and he looked a little older. He and his mother and sister visited Rimor for an important meeting with my father. I spent most of their visit hanging out with Max. He and his twin sister, Nevaria, were only about three years older than myself, and were soon to turn twenty-three. I looked around, wondering if she was about to walk around the corner as well, but saw no one.

“Aurelia,” Max repeated. “Is it really you?” He took another step toward me, nearly closing the gap. I heard a slight growl escape from Elias as he stepped between us, forcing the prince to stop in his tracks.