Page 22 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses (Cursed Fae Courts #1)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Aurelia

F or the rest of the afternoon, the company rode in tight formation, eyes sharp. As we left the dead Obsidians behind, no one mentioned the furyfire I’d used or the shadows I’d taken into myself. Worry warred with logic. It was likely none of them had noticed what I’d done, especially considering they were all wrapped up in fighting for their own lives. Even with the healer’s efforts, five were dead and twice that injured. And from the expressions some of them wore, the soldiers we’d lost had been friends to one another. Watching them mourn their fallen only made my own grief that much sharper.

That night, we slept in bedrolls without tents or even a fire to warm us. I woke frequently to the sounds of twigs snapping or wind rustling the trees. Even with two Aine swords propped against the tree beside me, I’d never felt more exposed.

My heart ached with grief, and more than once, silent tears tracked down my cheeks as I thought of Sonoma, Lesha, and Amanti .

By dawn, I was bleary-eyed and more than ready to move again.

We resumed our silent trek through the forest, the tension stretching my nerves thin.

I didn’t see Rydian again, though I glimpsed a couple of his men reporting in before they rode ahead. Callan rode beside me, mostly silent since the attack, his face unreadable.

I didn’t have it in me to ask what he was thinking.

Three days passed.

Callan didn’t talk much though he rode dutifully beside me as we wound our way west. I was more than okay with the silence. It left me to my own thoughts, as churning and wild as they were.

Nothing else attacked, but instead of relief, it only set me more on edge. Something about the calm didn’t feel right. Sure enough, by the time we stopped to sleep each night, one of Rydian’s men appeared to report that they’d encountered Obsidians or other predators and cleared the way for us. I pretended not to care that Rydian hadn’t come himself.

Callan didn’t bother to thank them before sending them on their way again.

Just before sunset on the fourth day, the forest gave way to an open hillside. From here, the land rolled gently into the distance where another forest waited. Grey Oak Forest, I realized as I studied the autumn leaves that decorated the canopy in the distance.

We’d reached Autumn’s borders at last.

Callan and his soldiers seemed to relax as we started down a narrow trail that wound around the hillside. But when I caught sight of a camp ahead, I tensed. “Someone else is already here.”

“Relax,” Callan said, noting my reaction. “I had Rydian’s men set up camp for us.”

I nodded, ignoring the butterflies erupting in my stomach as we rode toward the dozen or so tents. But I couldn’t keep from scanning the distant soldiers’ faces—looking for him . When I didn’t spot him among the men, I told myself I was better off. Whatever it was that drew me to the second prince, it couldn’t be good. Not when I’d already promised to marry the first.

At the edge of the camp, Callan pulled his horse up short, addressing the soldiers as they rode by us in a tired procession.

“Warm yourself by the fire. Eat a hot meal. Tend to your wounds. We’ll leave at dawn.” He kept his voice low, which told me we weren’t completely out of danger yet.

The men grunted in response.

When the last of them had passed us, Callan moved slowly back onto the path. I fell in beside him again.

“That was quite the dramatic battle you were having the other day when Rydian intervened.”

I cut my gaze to his, unable to keep from glaring even as fear curled in my gut. After four days of near-silence, this was the last thing I wanted to talk about. “How do you know what kind of battle it was?”

“I saw it.”

“You saw it and didn’t come to help me?”

His brows pinched. “I was too far away.”

I snorted. “Naturally.”

He stared at me for a long moment before saying, “One of my men had a wound that was losing too much blood. I helped him wrap it to stem the bleeding until the healer arrived. When I looked up, you were trading blows with that… thing.”

I didn’t answer.

He cut me a look. “Do you have something to say to me?”

“Like what?” I asked, realizing too late that my responses were based on a memory he didn’t have.

“You seem to think I abandoned you. ”

I looked away. “I only meant I didn’t see you anywhere. I thought you might’ve been dragged off by one of them.”

At that, his eyes lit with their usual flirting charm. “Were you very worried about me?”

I forced a smile. “A little.”

Flirting was safer than admitting I’d been party to altering his memories—even if I was only an accessory after the fact. But I also had to know more about the sudden change in the monsters Heliconia was making.

“Those Obsidians were different than the ones I’ve dealt with before,” I added.

“I see, and exactly how many have you dealt with before?”

His tone made it clear he wasn’t taking me seriously. But I answered honestly anyway. “A few dozen at least. I’ve lost count.”

His smile fell away, and he blinked. “You’re serious. You’ve fought that many of them and survived it?”

“If this is some dig at how horribly I handled myself the other day, I don’t want to hear it. Sonoma’s lecture is still ringing in my ears?—”

“Who’s Sonoma?”

I kicked myself for nearly outing two important pieces of information in the same five minutes. That had to be a record. To be fair, I hadn’t had a ton of practice talking to people who hadn’t shared every detail of my waking nightmare these last years.

I needed to pay closer attention from now on.

“She served in my father’s court.”

“Ah, of course, I know that name. She was one of the Aine.”

“Yes.”

He glanced over at my warrior’s leathers and the two blades strapped to my back. “She’s the one who taught you how to use a sword. ”

I hesitated, but there was no point in lying. It’s not like there were any Aine left in the realm to disapprove. “Yes.”

“Then I owe her my gratitude. If not for your skill with a sword, you and I might never have had this second chance together. I’m just grateful you don’t have to do anything like that ever again.”

“What do you mean?”

“A princess wielding a sword?” His brow lifted; his mouth quirked. “I hardly think it’s appropriate for your station.”

“Someone has to fight,” I said tightly.

“Of course. But we lead armies, we don’t enlist in them.”

I flashed a tight smile. “Speaking of which, tell me about Grey Oak. I never asked how the Autumn Court has been affected by Heliconia. Is it bad?”

“As a matter of fact, Grey Oak is thriving.”

“Really?”

“Why do you look so surprised?”

“You said Obsidians have begun attacking with more frequency. I assumed your lands would be threatened.”

He straightened in his saddle. “Our people have the greatest army in the realm. We will not be bullied by some power-hungry castoff.”

I stared at him. “Is that all you think she is?”

“She’s a formidable witch, thanks to the dark magic she stole, but without her army of Obsidians, she wouldn’t last—not against us.”

His ego was ridiculous, even for an entitled prince. This was the savvy, strategic general of legends?

“She’s much more powerful than that,” I said quietly.

Something about my tone must’ve given my thoughts away because Callan swallowed and said quickly, “Forgive me for dismissing the damage she did to your family. Tell me about her then. Any intel you have is valuable if we’re going to take her down. ”

I cringed as I realized he meant for me to describe an event he’d been present for. An event he’d tried to run from.

I couldn’t make myself do it.

“I’d rather not talk about it just yet,” I said, fixing my attention on the soldiers rushing around the camp we’d nearly arrived at. Tending wounds, pouring ale, building fires and tents.

“Of course,” he said with enough pity that I bit my cheek to keep from snapping at him. “I don’t want to push you. Eventually, we should record everything you can remember, though. It might help us in the battle to come.”

Battle.

Not war.

He thought this would be over that quickly.

I nodded absently as we reached the edge of camp, glad to have an excuse to end the conversation.

After a quick dismount, I patted my horse, lingering long enough to brush my hands over his soft mane.

“Good boy,” I whispered in appreciation.

When I looked up, Callan and another fae, a blond male with thick stubble covering his cheeks and chin, were both watching me. The stranger was clearly one of Rydian’s in his unmarked tunic. I’d seen him in the forest the other day while we’d fought the Obsidians—a skilled fighter.

“What’s his name?” I asked.

“Shadow,” the soldier answered. “Bastard can run like a shadow in the wind when he gets it into his head. But only when he decides.”

I smiled at that and shared a look with the horse whose restless energy matched my own. “Shadow,” I echoed. “Thank you for today.”

“I’ll take him for you, Your Highness,” the soldier offered.

With a jolt, I realized he was aiming that title at me. “Thanks. What’s your name? ”

“Slade, Your Highness.”

“Nice to meet you. Please call me Aurelia.”

The soldier winked. “I’ll do my best.”

I handed off the reins and turned to find Callan waiting with a bemused smile.

“I don’t remember you being shy,” Callan said.

“Just rusty. It’s been seven years since anyone addressed me that way.”

Something passed over his face—there and gone before I could decipher it. “Come on. Let’s get you some food, although I warn you these reheated beans and rice are probably only fit for a rusty princess.”

Despite everything about this day, I laughed.

Like the previous nights, I lay awake while grief gripped me and my worries played on a loop. The Obsidians had grown stronger, deadlier. And they’d seemed to know me on sight. That was a problem, especially if they were acting on Heliconia’s orders.

She’d know I was alive by now.

If word got back to her that I was traveling with Autumn, she’d come for me here too. Callan claimed his army could handle her, but I wasn’t so sure. Not after how easily they’d torn through our ranks in the forest.

I hated to think I’d brought death down on those men.

The prophecy said I was supposed to save the fae, not get them killed for helping me. But according to that one Obsidian’s claims, I was only destined to do so with Callan beside me. So far, I hadn’t seen much evidence of that being true.

At least, Sevanwinds was protected. But the ward keeping danger out didn’t help me bring them back to life. And now, Sonoma was gone, taking any answers she might still hold along with her. Taking my father with her too.

A daughter of Hel.

And I’d almost given myself away in that battle. I had to be more careful, especially with so many eyes on me now. I was supposed to be the Summer heir. If my magic was exposed, there was no way Callan would believe that lie. And without my title as the princess of Sevanwinds, there would be no alliance. No help for the people I’d left behind.

Ugh.

Frustrated, I tossed my blanket aside and sat up.

Shoving my feet into my boots, I pulled on my cloak and crawled free of the canvas walls that threatened to smother me. The campfire flickered weakly against the cool night air, casting long shadows across the stones ringing it.

Most of the soldiers had turned in. Those who didn’t have the luxury of a tent were wrapped in their cloaks or blankets and gathered near the fire, the quiet murmur of their breathing the only sound aside from the occasional crackle of wood.

I glanced toward Callan’s tent, listening to the soft sounds of his snoring. Then I scanned the other tents, wondering if any of them belonged to Rydian. I hadn’t seen a glimpse of him in days. His men came and went like shadows, protecting and patrolling our perimeter.

With silent steps, I made my way to the edge of camp where a narrow path twisted up the hillside. My senses took in the sounds of the nocturnal insects. The bite of the cool wind across my cheeks and nose. The scent of earth and air.

I climbed all the way to the overlook then stood staring out over the darkened valley below. Nothing moved within it, and I found a strange comfort in the stillness. Like an old friend who’d changed its appearance but shown up after all, however unexpected .

The stars overhead glittered like shards of glass, their cold light offering no relief to my chilled skin. My cloak did little to keep out the bite of the wind, but I welcomed it. Anything to distract me from the restlessness churning inside.

Staring up at the sky, I rubbed absently at the tattoo on my neck. The black moon. The same color as my furyfire. And three stars—just like the three kings of Hel.

“You shouldn’t be out alone.” Rydian’s voice was quiet but hard.

I whirled, my heart leaping into my throat.

“It’s not safe,” he added smugly, noting my surprise.

“I can handle myself,” I said, not really caring to be lectured, least of all by him.

“Like you did the other day?” His words stung more than I wanted to admit.

I stiffened as he stepped closer. His dark eyes were unreadable, but his presence—strong, steady—grated on me even as it stirred my desire. A chemical reaction, I told myself. A result of seven years with no physical outlet. But I didn’t react to Callan this way. Or any of the Autumn Court soldiers, for that matter.

The fact that I reacted this way for him —a male who seemed to loathe me as much as I did him—was beyond irritating.

“What’s your problem with me?” I demanded.

His jaw tightened.

When he didn’t answer, I said, “Is it about what happened in the Broadlands? Because I’m not going to tell anyone I saw you?—”

“No.”

“The party then. You insulted me before even knowing anything about me.”

It felt silly to bring up something that had happened so long ago, but he didn’t say that. Instead, something flickered in his dark gaze. A glimpse of power. A depth of emotion. There and gone so quickly I wondered if I’d imagined it.

“Were you protecting Callan then too?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Callan doesn’t know I was at that party,” he said.

I frowned, waiting for some other explanation.

“How did you survive Heliconia that night?”

It wasn’t the response I’d expected. “What?”

“Every citizen of Summer fell to that sleeping curse. Except for you.” He cocked his head, and my insides screamed at me to walk away. Or kill him. Anything to shut him up. “How did you escape it?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.” I resisted the urge to touch the mark on my neck. “Besides, I could ask you the same thing.”

He shifted his weight, his gaze flicking away as if he were considering what to say. Finally, he sighed, frustration etched into the hard lines of his face. “I don’t have a problem with you.”

“I don’t believe you.” My voice softened, and despite the tense conversation, something about his nearness felt more palpable now. “You seem angry with Callan too. Why?”

At the mention of his brother, Rydian’s expression darkened. “Callan is reckless. He puts convenience above safety, and it’s going to get him killed.”

“He’s done all right so far, considering his military record,” I said wryly.

His eyes narrowed. He stepped closer, close enough that I could feel the faint heat radiating from him. “Your record is provoking as well, isn’t it? A lost princess back from the dead—and at the perfectly opportune moment.”

Fury ignited in me. “I never claimed to be dead,” I said, glaring. “And I don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about. Nothing about this arrangement is opportune. ”

Surprise flickered at that. Or maybe disbelief.

“If you’re Callan’s brother,” I said, lowering my voice, “why have I never heard of you before?”

A bitter smile tugged at his lips. “Because no one has. Especially not another royal like you.”

“Why not?”

“Callan likes to use the word brother when it suits him. But not at Grey Oak. Not in front of our father.” His gaze flicked up to the sky, and his voice was tinged with bitterness. “We had different mothers. The bastard never lets me forget it.”

The confession hung between us, his words cutting through the night air like a cold blade. I studied his profile in the dim light, trying to understand him, trying to piece together this male who seemed loyal to Callan but carried so much anger toward the prince and their father.

“What is the king like?” I asked.

Rydian didn’t answer right away. His gaze remained fixed on the valley below. When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet, almost haunted. “You’ll see soon enough.”

I shivered at his cryptic response. It wasn’t exactly what I’d wanted to hear, especially after I’d already allied myself with the male in question.

He turned back to me, his eyes catching mine, and for the briefest moment, something passed between us—something charged and heavy. I couldn’t ignore the way my pulse quickened, the way the air seemed thicker with him standing so close.

“Be careful,” he said, his tone suddenly softer. “At Grey Oak, things aren’t always what they seem.”

“Be careful of what?” I asked, a knot forming in my stomach.

Rydian’s eyes held mine. “Don’t let anyone know you have that kind of magic. ”

My breath caught in my throat. I swallowed hard, trying to appear unfazed. “I don’t know what magic you mean.”

“Yes, you do.”

Fear twisted in my gut. I should deny it all—but the need to understand drove me. “And if I did know, why should I be careful?”

He studied me. “Because people like Duron—like Callan—they’ll use it. And they’ll take everything you are in the process.”

I wanted to argue, but the stark concern in his expression stopped me. I’d heard stories about King Duron. His political cunning was only outshined by his ruthlessness. It was why his army was considered the most formidable in the realm.

Rydian’s eyes lingered on mine for a moment longer, as if he wanted to say more, but then he stepped back, his expression hardening again.

“Get some sleep, Your Highness,” he said, the bite back in his tone. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”