Page 16 of A Dagger in the Ivy (Blade Bound #1)
C Hapter
Torbin’s tall form shades me from the sun as we stroll down the path together through the courtyard. The air is crisp and cool, the dew on the grass not yet dispelled by the sun.
“Did you sleep well?” I offer him a small smile. “You weren’t at breakfast this morning.”
“I apologize for my absence. I do intend on making it up to you.” His grin is full of mischief, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s got planned. “Sorry if you felt stuck dining with my parents.”
“Actually, it was just your father. And Dante.”
I consider bringing up Dante’s aversion to me and the possible reasoning behind it but think better of broaching the subject. Torbin went out of his way to save me from my lessons. Far be it from me to dampen the mood with talk of death.
“My mother wasn’t there?” His gaze is far-off as he speaks.
“No. Your father said she needed her beauty sleep.”
“Hmm.” His mouth is pulled down into a frown.
I want to ask if something is wrong, but when he catches me studying his face, he lifts his chin and smiles.
“Well, you’ve certainly had your fair share of beauty sleep.” His eyes flit over my face. “It’s like gazing into the face of an angel.”
I’m not used to this kind of flattery. Praise for my battle skills, I can tolerate, but words of admiration only make me blush.
I’m caught off guard when, instead of veering left to continue on the main path, Torbin places a hand on the small of my back and steers me right. We approach a high, iron-barred gate, which he opens and ushers us through. The crisp smell of hay and the pungent odor of mud wafts around me. The path turns to pebbles at my feet, and the sound of neighing floats on the wind.
“Oh. Are you putting me to work in the stables?” I tease.
“I’m sure if I did, you’d excel at the job. But no, that’s not what I have planned.”
“What do you have planned, then?”
He smirks. “It’s a surprise.”
I want to tell him I’m not particularly a fan of surprises, but he looks so pleased with himself for whatever he’s concocted that I simply smile and nod.
His horse has been saddled, and a stableboy leads the lovely sable champion out to the prince. I cast a glance toward the stables, expecting my horse to be brought out as well. But Thora remains in the stall.
“I want to take you somewhere that’s special to me.” Torbin makes sure his sabre is secure at his side before extending a hand to me.
“This is your steed, Torbin. What of my horse?”
Torbin shakes his head and holds out a hand, clearly wanting me to take it. “It will be quicker—and easier for us to get to know each other better—if we ride together.” A mischievous glint dances in his eyes.
I can’t help but feel a flutter of excitement at the prospect of what lies ahead. Accepting his hand, I allow him to raise me to the saddle. It’s a bit of a challenge to gather my skirt high enough to straddle the horse properly without being indecent, but I manage and then grab the pommel of the saddle to secure myself.
“I hope you’re ready for a little adventure today.”As he gracefully swings himself up into the saddle beside me, I catch a fleeting glimpse of the rugged charm that lies beneath his polished exterior, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of attraction stirring deep within my chest.
I can’t suppress the surge of anticipation bubbling within me. “I’m always up for an adventure.”
He climbs up behind me, and his body warms mine. Moving with elegance, he takes the reins with one hand, and the other wraps around my waist. “Is this all right?”
His breath tickles my ear. I hold back a shiver. “Mm-hmm.”
The saddle isn’t meant for two, so we’re forced to press our bodies against each other. He smells of leather and rosewood, the scent wafting around me like a soft blanket. Torbin calls out for his horse to run, and my body jostles against the firm muscles of Torbin’s chest.
As we set off through the lush foliage of Ivystone’s lands, I find myself lost in the beauty of the scenery unfolding around us. The sun filters through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, and the sweet scent of wildflowers fills the air.
Torbin guides the horse with practiced ease, his serene laughter ringing out as we weave our way through the trees. With each passing moment, I find myself drawn further into his orbit, captivated by his charm and charisma.
Before long, we emerge into a sunny clearing, and the horse slows to a trot. As the trees fade away behind us and the landscape opens to a beautiful meadow, we approach a dipped-in piece of land where a lavish picnic spread awaits. The sight takes my breath away, a dazzling array of delicacies laid out before us like a feast fit for royalty. Torbin slows the horse, his body leaning into mine.
I turn to Torbin, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “This is incredible. You did all this?”
He returns my smile with a warm gaze, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I thought you might appreciate some time alone with me so we could catch up. Away from the chaos of the castle.”
“Yes. I do appreciate it. Thank you.”
He dismounts with effortlessness and then lifts me by my waist to help me off the horse. The sun flares off his blond hair as he takes my hand and leads me to the picnic blanket .
“This place is special to you?”
“Indeed. Far away from all my princely duties. Hidden from the scrutinizing glare of my father.” He squeezes my hand. “Here, I’m free to just be Torbin. For a little while, at least.”
“So sweet of you to share this with me.”
We settle down, and I can feel the soft grass beneath the blanket. My eyes widen in amazement as I take in the sight before me. The spread consists of a mouthwatering array of delicacies, each one more tantalizing than the last.There are platters of ripe fruits, their vibrant colors a feast for the eyes: succulent strawberries, juicy peaches, and plump grapes glistening in the sunlight. Nearby, a selection of cheeses and cured meats beckons, their rich aromas mingling in the air.
A basket overflowing with freshly baked breads sits at the center of the blanket, alongside jars of honey and preserves. The scent of warm, crusty loaves wafts toward me, making my mouth water in anticipation. It’s more than the two of us could possibly eat, but everything looks so good, I feel up to the challenge.
But it’s the sight of the desserts that truly takes my breath away. A selection of decadent pastries and cakes sits temptingly on a separate tray, their delicate decorations created in vibrant colors. Chocolate éclairs, fruit tarts, and creamy cheesecakes vie for my attention.
I can’t help but marvel at the sheer extravagance of it all, feeling a sense of awe at the effort Torbin has gone to in order to make this day special for me.
I reach for a ripe strawberry. “You’ve certainly been busy. No wonder you didn’t make it to breakfast.”
“It was actually fun, picking out everything I thought you might like. I hope my memories served me correctly.”
He takes out a bottle of wine from the basket in the middle of the blanket, along with two glasses. I’ve never had wine this early in the morning, but I accept the glass he hands me, pretending I don’t notice the butterflies in my stomach as our fingers brush, and take a sip.
The sun is warm on my face as I sample a little of everything. The view is breathtaking—rolling hills dotted with wildflowers, the distant outline of Ivystone Citadel, and the serene lake reflecting the clear, blue sky. Torbin sits across from me, his blond hair catching the sunlight and his eyes, a striking shade of blue, fixed on me with curiosity.
He takes a drink, a charming smile playing on his lips. “It’s like old times, when we would grab food from the kitchens and find a spot where no one could find us.”
“Well, it’s not entirely the same. We never had a layout like this.”
“I guess that’s true.”
“And we didn’t do it that often. Mostly we were running off on adventures, climbing trees and exploring every nook and cranny of the castle grounds.”
He chuckles, a rich, warm sound. “And sometimes you would turn me away, preferring your books, teasing me that I was going to get into trouble. I have to say, I’ve missed those simpler times.”
“It was nice to be carefree. But now”—I release a long breath—“we are betrothed. It feels… surreal.”
Torbin leans back, propping himself up on one elbow, his expression thoughtful. “It does. But I’m glad we have this chance to get to know each other again, to build something real between us. I can’t speak for you, but I would like this relationship to be more than just a political alliance.”
His words are sincere, and I find myself wanting to believe him. “I want that too, Torbin. I want us to work together, to support each other. But it’s all new to me. I mean, the marriage, of course. But also the prospect of uniting two realms.”
“I know,” he says softly, reaching out to take my hand. His touch is warm and reassuring. “I promise you, Celeste, I will do everything in my power to make this work. To make you happy.”
I look into his eyes, seeing the determination there. I don’t know this man anymore. I don’t know what kind of person he’s become in the last twelve years, but for now, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. “Thank you, Torbin. I appreciate that. And I will do my best to support you as well.”
He squeezes my hand gently. “That’s all I ask. So, tell me, what have you been up to all these years? I want to hear everything.”
I smile, feeling a bit more at ease. “Well, where do I begin? There’s been so much…”
As I start to recount my experiences, I find myself relaxing, the weight of our complicated future momentarily lifted by the warmth of the sun and the simplicity of our conversation. For this brief moment, it feels like we are just two old friends, reconnecting and rediscovering each other. Every sentence of our conversation seems to bring us closer together, not just emotionally, but physically. By the time we’ve caught up, we’re only sitting inches apart.
After a while, I lean back on my hands, feeling absolutely stuffed. “I cannot eat another bite. I hope this won’t all go to waste.”
He reaches out and trails a finger up and down my arm. “I will have someone gather it and make sure it is given to families in need.”
“That’s very generous of you.”
He watches me for a while. I force myself not to squirm, feeling like he’s looking into my soul. To a deep, hidden part of me I’m not sure I want him to see.
“Can you guess why this part of the field is like this?” he asks, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The area where we’re seated is slightly dipped compared to the rest of the field, now lush with grass and wildflowers.
I furrow my brow, considering his question. “Hmm, perhaps it was caused by erosion over time?”
Torbin chuckles, shaking his head. “No, nothing quite so mundane, I’m afraid. This spot holds a bit of a legend. Long ago, a dragon fell here, succumbing to the poison hemlock that had overrun this land.”
My mouth falls open, taking in the way the land dips inward. “This is from a dragon?”
“Yes.” Torbin has a wild look on his face. “They say the dragon’s death marked the end of an era, the beginning of a new chapter in Terre Ferique’s history. Sitting here, I can just imagine how the beast crashed into the ground. I wish I could have seen it fall.”
I glance at him, noticing the macabre way he speaks about a living creature losing its life. It sends a chill down my spine, reminding me of his cruel treatment of frogs and insects when he was a child. But I brush off the feeling, focusing instead on the magnificent landscape before us.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” His eyes seem to intensify in color.
“Sure.”
“I apologize if this is improper, but I was wondering about your powers.”
My stomach goes cold, as if everything I’ve just eaten has turned to ice. “You asked me last night. Remember?”
“Right. I asked about advantages you might have over the carnoraxis. But don’t fae usually develop a special power, something more than strength and speed and healing?”
My chin drops to my chest. I pluck a wildflower from beside the blanket and pinch the stem between my fingertips. “Yes, usually. But not always.”
“I’ve heard those powers take time to develop.”
I still can’t look at him. “That’s true, yes.”
“How was it for you? Did your special power take time to develop?”
There’s a thickness in my throat. Will he think less of me when I tell him the truth? Should I hide it from him? I wouldn’t want him to lie to me, so I take a deep breath, slowly lifting my gaze to meet his. “I am still waiting for my power to manifest.”
He tilts his head, but there is no judgement in his eyes. “Oh. I see.”
“My uncle thinks that it is simply taking longer because I’m half-blooded.” I say it more to convince myself, but deep in my heart, I can’t bring myself to believe it. But what is the alternative?
“He’s probably right.” Torbin’s smile helps me relax a bit.
But beneath the surface, a nagging sense of unease lingers, a small voice whispering warnings in the back of my mind. For now, I push it aside, determined to enjoy this fleeting moment of peace and connection with Torbin.
By the time we return to the castle, dusk has settled over Hedera. As Torbin hands over his horse to a stableboy, the sky is tinged with streaks of peach and orange. He places a hand on the small of my back as he escorts me to the castle.
The day has been long, with not only our picnic, but a pleasant walk around the lake, where Torbin recounted his very first kill while hunting. An infectious pride seeped from his pores as he told the tale. If I hadn’t experienced significant blood and gore from my many battles, I might have recoiled from his words. But the soldier in me wasn’t fazed at all.
Once inside the castle, Torbin catches sight of a man lurking near one of the tapestries and tightens his lips. The man wears a grey cape and dark clothes, his stringy, brown hair pushed back from his pockmarked face. There’s a crookedness to his jaw that leads me to believe it’s been severely broken at some point.
Torbin turns to me. “Celeste, I’m so glad we were able to spend some time alone together. The day couldn’t have been more perfect.”
“I agree. It was lovely.”
“You’ll have to excuse me, however. It seems a prince’s duty never ends.”
I look over his shoulder at the mysterious, lurking man, and I realize it’s the same man who spoke to him in whispers the night of the ball. “Who is that?” I ask.
“That’s Osrem. He’s a chancellor of sorts. Keeps me informed of important occurrences in the realm I should be aware of.”
“He speaks with you often. There must be something crucial taking place for him to seek you out.”
Torbin lets out a small laugh. “Don’t worry. It’s probably nothing urgent. Osrem tends to overreact and make mountains out of molehills. Still, I find it wise to take in every bit of news and weigh the details myself.”
I nod. “Sounds sensible. ”
“Thank you for understanding.” He lifts my hand and kisses it gently. “I am so lucky that my betrothed is so insightful.” He dips his head to me before turning to join Osrem.
I remain where I am while the prince and his so-called chancellor disappear down a corridor. Taking in a deep breath, I suddenly feel the weight of the day push down on me. Being out all day long reminds me of the excursions I go on with my squad members, and a pang of loneliness seizes my heart. But I will see them in a few weeks, so I just need to hold out until then.
I make my way to my room, but before I turn the corner to my corridor, a figure approaches from the opposite end. My breath hitches when I realize it’s Dante.
His glare radiates his loathing, a palpable tension that tugs at my conscience. With each step, I feel his disapproval like a physical force, pressing down on me with relentless insistence.
I hesitate as I draw near, my gaze flickering uncertainly over his stern countenance. For a moment, I consider simply passing by, allowing the silence to linger between us like an unspoken truth. But something compels me to act, a voice within urging me to address the rift that has formed between us.
With a determined breath, I pivot on my heel, my footsteps faltering as I turn back to face him. “Dante.”
He stops, but he doesn’t turn around.
“I want… I need to speak with you.”
He slowly faces me, his expression unchanging. His features are etched with a severity that sends a shiver down my spine. But despite the daunting obstacle before me, I refuse to back down.
“I… I wanted to apologize. I understand now why you must hate me. But you have to know, I had no idea. For whatever transgressions my father may have committed, I am truly sorry.”
His gaze flickers for the briefest of moments, a subtle shift in the intensity of his scrutiny. But just as quickly, the hardness returns, his features settling into an implacable mask of stoicism.
“I had no part in his actions,” I continue, desperation creeping into my tone. “I was unaware of what regulations he enforced. But I am not my father, Dante. Please, try to understand.”
“I do fucking understand. It’s in your blood, Your Highness.” He says the title with intense bitterness. “Pirate. Murderer. Monster. You can’t escape what you are.”
My brow lowers. Though I’ve had to kill during battle, I wouldn’t consider myself a murderer. “I’m none of those things. You can’t be so ignorant to believe I can’t be different.”
“Until I see otherwise, your words alone cannot sway me.”
My fists clench. “You can’t possibly believe I hold any responsibility for your mother’s death.”
He takes a step toward me, and it takes all of my resolve to stand firmly in place. “I can’t even fucking look at you without thinking about what your family did. The only thing holding me back from driving my blade through your heart is your betrothal to my brother. And I’m beginning to think I could overlook that and carry out the retribution my mother deserves.”
“Are you actually threatening me?”
His jaw tightens as he grinds his teeth. “Just watch your step, Princess.”
As the words hang in the air between us, I realize the futility of my efforts. Dante’s resolve remains unyielding, his warning a damning testament to the depths of his disdain. I pinch my lips together, highly aware of the pounding in my chest, and turn away, the weight of his judgment heavy upon my shoulders as I storm toward my room.