TAELYN

I make a promise to myself that whatever this is between Ruarok and me, it has to end. I need to be focused on Askos, and the rot, and not distracted by carnal pleasures with my stepbrother.

For the next twenty-four hours, I do exactly that.

I send help to those most recently affected by the rot, offering food and shelter this time, instead of money, and I start to put in place the service for us to say goodbye to the king and queen.

I do my best to avoid Ruarok, and, if we ever do end up in the same room, I make sure we are never alone.

I know this won’t be enough to prevent rumors from flying, but it’s the best I can do. That doesn’t stop me recalling all the details when I’m alone, however, pressing my thighs together as the memory causes little aftershocks of pleasure to ripple through me.

I’m in the office, speaking with the cleric about the service, when the ex-head of the King’s Guard comes to find me .

“I need to speak to you in private, Princess Taelyn,” Cirrus says.

I nod to the cleric. “You can leave us.”

We wait until the older man has left the room, and then Cirrus steps closer.

His expression is grave. “I hate to be the one to raise this with you, Princess Taelyn, but people are talking.”

I grit my teeth. “So? Let them talk.”

“They are concerned about some of the choices you are making.”

“What kind of choices?”

“The journey out into the wildlands that got guards killed, and the money that was given to the victims of the rot.”

“I’m also saddened by the deaths of those innocent people. I never meant for that to happen.”

He clears his throat and glances at the ground. “There are also rumors that you have been partaking in certain…activities…that are not fitting for an unmarried princess.”

Anger floods through me and I gesture toward the window. “The city is falling into the ground. I’m sure there are far more important things to worry about than what I choose to do in my private life.”

He straightens his shoulders and lifts his chin. “When you are a queen, there is no such thing as a private life. You belong to the kingdom.”

“I’m not queen yet.”

“Then perhaps you should think of taking a husband.”

His words shock me further. Is he talking about Ruarok? He can’t be. We are stepsiblings. What would people say?

Cirrus continues. “I have word that the kingdom of Imnor is sending a messenger to you from King Robertus.”

I know of the kingdom of Imnor, which is at least five days’ ride west of Askos. And I’ve also heard of King Robertus.

“Why would King Robertus send a messenger here?”

“Word has spread about how we are the latest kingdom to be affected by the rot. Perhaps he plans to offer his help.”

“His help?” I ask. “In what way?”

“I’m unsure, exactly, Princess, but I suggest we listen to whatever he offers. The gods know we are in great need of help.”

I nod. “Yes, of course I will listen.”

But even as I say the words, unease churns inside me. I’m losing control of the kingdom. I know I am. It breaks my heart, but I don’t know how to steady myself again.

If only I hadn’t released Ruarok from the cage, life would be simpler. He’s the one who’s been messing with my head. My heart and body, too. No one would be talking if he wasn’t around. It would just be accepted that I am to be the new queen, no questions asked.

However much I might want to, I can’t go back in time, and I can’t put Ruarok back in his cage…

Can I?