Page 94 of Castor

Did I want him to?

Of course I did. But fate had pulled us in different directions. Whether those paths would merge again in the future? Only time would tell. Still clutching the necklace, I shut my eyes and tried to sleep.

I dreamed of a sea cove, the water blue and the sun hot. Castor pushed me against a rock and kissed me. When I woke in the middle of the night, the memory of that kiss lingered on my lips.

“I promise not to let you go,”Castor once said as he carried me through the night sky, stars above us and water below.

“I’ll hold you to that promise.”

I got the feeling neither of us would have a choice but to break that vow.

***

The island had changed a lot in the years I’d been gone. More homes, areas for leisure activities and sports, and a few shops.

Tatsuya’s children had built homes of their own, though a few of them still lived with him at the palace. Ryoko and her husbands had built a house near the waterfront, and their children—the ones old enough anyway—had settled down on other areas of the island. Two of her husbands belonged to different clans, one earth and the other fire. She sometimes traveled between the kingdoms, staying in one for a while before moving on.

I strolled through the courtyard outside the palace, the humid air sticking to every inch of exposed skin. The tropical climate had long summers and mild winters, so even though it was late September, it remained hot and sunny. People nodded to me in greeting, and I returned the gesture. Many of them smiled, though some turned away from me.

I couldn’t blame them. When I had rebelled against Tatsuya and left home, the rest of the clan had taken it to heart too. I needed to earn their trust again. Hopefully my commitment to the marriage arrangement would do that.

Reaching the beach, I looked out over the emerald water, wishing the tranquility of the sea would soothe my troubled spirit like it usually did. But I found no solace. I breathed in the salty air, then released it in a long exhale.

Sensing a presence, I glanced over my shoulder and froze.

The male’s silver hair held traces of blue, almost as if it were frosted, and his alabaster skin shimmered beneath the sun’s rays. He looked out of his element on the warm, sunny beach.

“Prince Warrin, correct?” I asked, surprised by the steadiness of my tone. I had been at the palace for five days, and this was the first time he had approached me.

“You may call me Warrin. My title isn’t necessary.” He had a strong Russian accent. The ice clan lived in one of the coldest places in Russia, though I didn’t know the exact location. He didn’t come closer. Maybe he was waiting for permission to do so.

“I heard you led a force of your men to help during the battle. I’m in your debt.”

Warrin’s stoic expression didn’t falter. “You are my intended. An attack against you is one against me.”

Tatsuya had told me that Warrin was said to be quiet. Reserved. He seemed emotionless on top of that. When he spoke, his tone lacked warmth. Lacked anything, really. He reminded me of a soldier giving a mission report as we talked.

“Can I ask you something?” I stepped closer to him, my feet sinking into the sand with each step. He gave a curt nod. “Do you even want to marry me?”

His silver-blue eyes held my gaze, unwavering. “Want has very little to do with it.”

“Your brother chose it for you?”

“Yes.”

“Are you upset about it?”

“Why would I be upset?” he asked. “The marriage will unite our clans. It’s my duty.”

“You sound like the perfect soldier.” I shook my head, unable to suppress a sigh. “Loyal to a fault. Honorable. Obedient.”

Though it was subtle, he frowned. “This displeases you. Are these not good qualities to have in a husband?”

Husband.

I fiddled with the dragon necklace. I hadn’t taken it off since I’d found it on the bedside table. It made me feel closer to Castor. It was the one thing I had of him other than my memories.

“I think marriage should be about love, not duty.”