Page 175

As the paper slipped from her fingers, Maris got on her hands and knees as she gathered as many sheets as she could. Most of them were about reconstruction, ideas to make New Agenor and the roads leading to the settlement better, and the school system.

Suddenly, she saw her father’s name. She grabbed the report. It narrated what her father did to be found guilty and receive capital punishment. Supposedly he purposefully delayed helping King Brontes when the catastrophe happened, and years later was caught assisting the uprising rebels from Umbriel desert. Maris didn’t believe it one bit, and she scoffed as she read the entirety of the write-up. At the end, the name of her father’s executioner was written with fine red ink.

Valda Aither, Princess of the Sky Kingdom.

“Don’t do anything, Valda Aither. We have strict orders to kill the woman in your chamber if you try anything,” a guard said, reaching over to grab her by the arm.

Valda hissed as one of the soldiers dared touch her. She flinched away from his grasp and gave him a silent warning. As much as she wanted to take control back by force, she knew she wouldn’t get far if she tried to do it herself. They could harm her, or worse, hurt Maris, and Valda would do anything to keep her mate safe.

She was walked past Arwin’s living quarters, and she couldn’t help but frown in confusion until she stood before the royal chamber. Suddenly, Valda felt a tug on her chest, harsh and devious, pulling at her from her very core.

Something was wrong with Maris…

Before she could turn and head back, one of the soldiers opened the door, walked in, and announced her presence to someone inside the room. This room was her mother’s and father’s; not even when she became queen did she take this room as hers.

Valda rubbed her chest, the tension easing momentarily as she stepped inside the chamber.

There, in the living quarters of the room, Arwin sat on the leathery sofa, swirling a glass of hard liquor, looking cozy in her mother’s chambers. Valda lost her breath, her hands fists by her side.

Arwin took one short slip from his glass as his eyes landed on Valda. There, Valda could see the surprise and shock in his expression as he choked and hacked.

Arwin placed his drink on the small table and stood as he recovered.

“Valda! You got your sight back!”

Valda didn’t answer, her mind running wild. She could choke him to death right where he stood. She could dash over and smash his head against the corner of the table until all that remained of his face was bloody pulp. She could take the small dagger always in his boot and stab him in the neck. Instead, Valda took a deep breath and exhaled after a couple of seconds.

“What have you done?”

“I was waiting for you to come back. I was told you were over at New Agenor. I guess you were taking your assistant out on a little trip. Understandable. You have been cooped up in the castle for so long, a little distraction would do you good.”

“What have you done, Arwin?”

Arwin scoffed. “I took care of the rebels in Umbriel.” When Valda didn’t reply, he continued. “I dissolved everything. They are no longer rebels. They work for the crown now, I disposed of the traitors who disagreed with the new monarch. And here we are.”

“You killed innocent people.”

“I killed traitors to the crown.”

“Have you lost your fucking mind, Arwin?!”

“No, I haven’t.” Arwin grabbed his glass and finished it in one long sip. His hazel eyes focused on Valda as he took a step forward. “Valda Aither,” he began, his face eerily calm. “This would be a moment where I would ask you for a duel. Whoever wins keeps the crown, but your absence hurt this kingdom, and I had to step in, given that there are no heirs to the throne.

The Sky Kingdom is falling into a dark turmoil, Valda. You and your mother perpetuated this… unbalanced share of wealth. The crown was taking too much from the people and I knew that. I proposed something different, and a lot of Skylians were with me. Your leadership hasn’t been doing what it’s supposed to. I am taking charge. I am doing what must be done. Now, I do not want to kill you. Instead, I am asking you to abdicate and let me take over.”

Valda scoffed and shook her head. “I will not. This is my kingdom! I am the rightful heir to the throne and if you think I will give it up, you’re mistaken. Not now, not when I have found her.”

Arwin’s lips curved into a condescending smile. “Who?”

“I found the Sealian heiress, my mate. That’s why I regained my sight. The sky and the ocean, the wind and the waves coming together.” Valda nodded at her words. “I found her, and she healed me! She is my mate, and we love each other.”

Arwin’s laughter rumbled inside the chamber.

Valda’s stomach turned as another pull to that bond made her cringe. She tried her best not to let Arwin see her wavering confidence.

“Who is it? That maid of yours? Maris?”

“Yes, Maris.”