Page 31 of A Dagger in the Ivy (Blade Bound #1)

C Hapte r

After separating from my squad, Dante and I head back to Hedera. We approach the castle gates in the early evening. The weight of exhaustion settles upon my shoulders, dragging at my limbs and clouding my thoughts. The journey back from our tour has been long and arduous, filled with setbacks that have left me feeling drained and defeated. Yet, despite the weariness that threatens to consume me, there’s a sense of relief that washes over me as the familiar sight of Ivystone Citadel rises before us.

As we dismount from our horses, I take a moment to survey the courtyard, noting the hustle of activity. Everywhere I look, I see drawn-down faces. My curiosity is piqued when I notice some servants whispering to each other. Guards exchange glances I can’t quite read. We are met at the stables by Jasper and the other stablehands, who take our reins in silence, leaving me to wonder even more.

I remove my gloves and stride toward the castle. Dante lags behind me, and I can’t help but think our amicable time together has come to an end. Now that we’ve returned, and there’s no longer a need for us to work together, he’s probably already gone back to despising me .

But there are more pressing matters at hand. My senses tell me that something has happened at Ivystone since we’ve been gone. Curiosity and apprehension drive me to seek out a friendly face who can feed me the information I need.

When I enter the great hall, Nadya hurries toward me, her raven-black hair tumbling in tight curls around her shoulders. Though I’m relieved to see her, worry is etched on her face, and my heart clenches at the sight of her concern.

“Celeste!” she exclaims, reaching me with outstretched arms. “I’m so glad you’re back. We were starting to worry.”

I accept her embrace, taking comfort in the familiarity of her presence. “I’m sorry we’re late,” I murmur, pulling back to meet her gaze. I don’t want to mention the detour to the refugee camp out here in the open. “I know Torbin must be worried.”

Nadya’s expression darkens at the mention of the prince’s name, and she shakes her head slightly. “That’s just it. He hasn’t returned.”

It takes me a moment to wrap my mind around her words. “What?”

“He hasn’t been back from his hunting trip. Only one of his friends has shown up. Sam. He said they were separated because of the flood.”

A knot forms in the pit of my stomach at her words, a sense of unease settling over me like a shroud. Surely, Torbin and his friends are skilled enough to maneuver the terrain of Hedera without incident. But what if I’m wrong? What if something happened to him?

I check around me, and I can tell by the expressions and body language of the others in the court that they’re all thinking the same thing.

“What has the king said?” I ask, grabbing her hand.

“He’s sent out his best men to search.”

I glance back at the entrance to the castle, where I spot Dante speaking with one of the courtiers. His brows plunge down as a shadow falls over his features. I can tell by his expression and the stiffening of his body that he’s just heard about Torbin. Dante turns away from the courtier, hardening his jaw as he walks in my direction.

I think he’s going to speak to me, but he charges past me in the direction of the throne room.

“Where is my father?” The thunder of his voice shakes my bones.

I exchange a quick look with Nadya before I take off after him, each step echoing the urgency that pulses through my veins. My betrothed is missing, and I’d like to know exactly what the king is doing to find him.

Master Zimmerman suddenly appears, hurrying across the room to fall in step beside Dante. “He’s in the council chambers, my Lord.”

Dante gives him a curt nod, not missing a beat, and cuts through the throne room toward the chambers I haven’t been allowed to enter.

But they’ll let me in today. I don’t care what anyone says.

I’m directly on Dante’s trail as he pushes open the council chamber doors. Nadya tries to follow, but the guards urge her back.

“Your Highness—” One of the guards attempts to stop me.

I shoot him a warning look. “Touch me and lose a hand.”

He’s too taken aback by my comment to stop me from fully entering the room.

The council chambers are bright, almost too bright, with sunlight flooding through tall windows that line the walls, casting harsh reflections off the polished, marble table in the center. The king sits at the head, his advisors flanking either side, their faces grim beneath the stark light. The room feels vast yet suffocating, with every movement amplified by the tension in the air. The carved chairs, elegant and imposing, are arranged in perfect symmetry around the table, each one ready to hold the weight of decisions that could alter the fate of the kingdom. One entire wall is made up of shelves filled with books and scrolls.

“Father,” Dante begins. His words are controlled, but the tight muscles in his neck tell a different story. “Is it true?”

King Silas lets out a long breath. “Yes. Torbin has not returned. One man in his party arrived three days ago. Torbin should have followed soon after, but there’s been no sign of him.”

“Begging your pardon, Your Majesty.” Lord Farvis, the king’s head advisor, rises from the table, his eyes boring into me. “The presence of Princess Celeste seems unnecessary in the council chambers.”

The king worries his beard, his fingers twisting the course hairs. His gaze darts between me, Dante, and Farvis. I give the king the benefit of the doubt that he doesn’t entirely agree with his advisor.

“She stays,” Dante states.

“Nonsense,” Farvis grumbles. “Guards, please remove the princess from—”

Dante spins to face them. “So much as breathe on her, and you’ll face my wrath.”

I blink in surprise. Despite myself, I can’t help but acknowledge the comfort I find in Dante’s steadfast support. Farvis, whose eyes widen in shock, gathers his robes and sits down. The guards regard Dante and step back to their stations.

King Silas shifts in his seat. Past the annoyance in his features, there’s a genuine worry behind his eyes. “I have my best men on the search. I am certain they will find him.”

“How long ago did they leave?” Dante asks.

“I sent them off yesterday morning.”

“Doesn’t he hunt in the Darkthorn Forest?” I ask, sidling up next to Dante. “That’s less than a day’s journey. Your men should have returned by now.” Dread coils in the pit of my stomach as I contemplate the implications of Torbin’s absence.

“His huntsman friend reported that they had headed farther north,” one of the advisors at the table puts in. “We ascertain it may take longer for them to track him down.”

“Is there any indication of how far north they might be?” Dante asks.

“Not at this time,” the king answers. “We can only have patience until they return.”

“Father, I disagree.” Dante takes a step forward and places his palms on the table. “We need to ensure that everything possible is being done to locate him.”

“I know the northern lands,” I put in. “I will lead a search party myself.”

The king’s gaze narrows upon me, his jaw rigid. “You will do no such thing.”

“Your Majesty,” I reply, fighting to control my temper, “you may see me only by my title, or as a pawn to be used for your political gain, but I am also a soldier, the commander of the most skilled regiment in Terre Ferique. I assure you, no one is as skilled as I am for a search and rescue.”

The king’s expression is stern as he regards us with a scrutinizing gaze. “That may be true, but you are also the future Queen of Hedera. I cannot risk allowing the woman who will one day bear the heir of the realm to set out on a dangerous venture.”

“Without the prince, there could be no heir,” I contest.

The king leans forward on the table, his eyes steely. “You will produce an heir, as promised, even if I have to see to the task myself.”

My stomach sours at his words. I am too shocked to form words and can only stare at him in disbelief. His expression is unyielding, and I come to realize that he means it. A cold shudder runs through me at the thought.

Beside me, Dante’s hands clench into fists so tight that his knuckles whiten.

“Heed my words, Celeste.” The king’s voice is cold and commanding. “You are not to leave the castle. You sealed a pact with our kingdom, and if you defy it now, it will be seen as a slight against the crown—a challenge to my authority that I will not tolerate.”

Lord Farvis rises again. “As you can see, we have the situation under control. If we receive any news or come across an idea of how you can be of assistance, we will be sure to inform you both.”

“Father—”

“You must excuse us now, Dante.” King Silas waves a dismissive hand. “We have much to discuss.”

I want to protest, but I’m still in a state of shock. Dante puts a hand on the small of my back as he gently guides me out of the chambers.

When the doors shut, Dante and I regard each other. There is fury in his eyes that matches the boiling in my blood.

“I cannot believe this.” My hand grips the hilt of my sword. “How dare he insinuate that he would… that I would let him… ”

He settles his hands on my upper arms, holding me still. “I won’t let that happen.”

The moment grows silent, our eyes locked. And then recognition seems to come over him, and he takes a step back.

“I’m going to see what I can find out,” he says.

“Yes.” I give him a nod. “Me too.”

He keeps his eyes on me a second longer, backing away before turning on his heel and heading down the hall.