Page 88 of Blackheart

He hopped up and tossed my pants to me.

“Training grounds, behind the House of Sterling, tomorrow at sunrise.” He roved over my body one last time, then shut the door behind him. My shoulders slumped.

If he had done that with just his hand and mouth… I shook my head.

I pulled my pants on and hurried with the dishes. After taking a few breaths, I opened the backroom door.

Gia was waiting for me with her arms crossed. “I sure hope ‘Riven’ charged you for that service.”

I blushed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Mhm.” Her smile perked up on one side as she tilted her head towards the bar. “Get back to work,whore,” she teased, eyes crinkling with approval.

I hated to admit it, but I liked Gia. Tired and jaded she may have been, but she was straightforward and genuine. None of the other girls at work really talked to me, as if the Waywards would rub off on them, but Gia did.

The tavern quickly became busy, but all the work in the world could not distract me from thoughts of Riven, and of returning to the House of Sterling.

Chapter 28

A Princess with Nothing

“Centuries past, bladebreathers were used to attack ships and conquer. The waters became so saturated with quills, they named it the Sea of Blades.”

—A History of Heretics, by Coleson James

I didn’t go.

Riven had fogged my brain of any sense. I had no reason to train. Xavian would be declared king in two weeks, then the Dark Natured would be free to seek refuge in Castivian, and that would be that. The hard days were behind me. I refused to set myself up for any further disappointment by being in my brother's presence.

Leaving Sailor’s Tear for the day seemed like the wise choice. Riven wouldn’t be able to find me, and I had no desire to be taunted about my absence, nor dragged all the way through the capital to Xavian Steele’s doorstep.

The dark stone streets were immaculate compared to the Waywards. The seaside air was pleasant enough that no cloak or long sleeves were necessary. Singer and the orb were at each hip, daring anyone to fuck with me on my day off, training or not.

People of all ages tossed around orbs of Dreamsoul blue, Flamecastor red, Stonesender grey, Nightcastor black, Lyonheart gold, and Blackheart violet. A group of Imps, adorned in expensive fashions, sat on a restaurant patio, enjoying lunch, while a flock of birds fluttered around them, singing a birthday song.

It was all so different. The Waywards were dead, but Castivian was alive.

An artist worked in the window of her shop, sculpting clay and humming a jaunty, unfamiliar tune. Meanwhile, a plump man slid a tray of freshly made bread out of a stone arched opening, stacking the loaves on a display cart.

Potion shops, infusing lessons, botany markets—so many businesses that would have never been allowed in Drakington.

I loved it.

The further I went, the more altitude I gained. I didn’t notice until I glanced back and could see the entire seaside city on its slow slope. The ocean gradually came into view as I peered over the black-slate roofs.

Past the bustling businesses was a stretch of sizable residences. The neighborhood was like a kaleidoscope. Vibrant greens, various tones of blue, deep purples, silver, and pops of pink. They all had matching black roofs and doors, with long pointed arches, ribbed vaults, spires, and stained glass windows.

I picked at the skin of my pointer finger. One of those houses could have been mine, but under no circumstances would I beg my brother for charity.

The need to look away from the unattainable homes hit me like a wall of bricks. I swallowed hard, my face tightening. It was all so ridiculous. This land would no longer be a territory of Drakington, but its own kingdom with me as its princess.

A princess with nothing.

I no longer wanted to walk through the city. I just wanted to sleep, with no bizarre dreams or waking up at the break of dawn. To close my eyes, and not have to feel this way, just for a little while.

Shoulders slumped, I turned back towards home, but as I made the first few steps, a shadow soared overhead. I twisted, looking skyward. A bladebreather left a trail of red mist as it flapped its great wings. The blonde woman rode on its back, fearless and free.

My heart drummed in my chest as my legs moved with a mind of their own.