Page 18

W renching myself from Arenn’s grasp, I spun away to face him. This day had already been long enough, and the last thing I needed was a jealous faery prince threatening my fiancé. Especially when hot tea and a warm, dry bed were only a short walk away from the cave we were now trapped in.

“Let him go, Arenn,” I seethed.

“I wasn’t talking to you, human.” He kept his fiery gaze on Lukas. “Answer me,” he spat. “Why couldn’t I sense her all day, until now, when I catch you with your filthy hands on her chest?”

“Perhaps she did not want to be sensed by you,” Lukas snarled, writhing against his thorny chains.

Arenn growled and charged towards him. He stopped only when I slammed my hand on his chest and threw my entire body weight against him.

“Please,” I begged, my tone both furious and desperate. “Just let him go and leave us alone.”

Arenn’s jaw tensed when our eyes met. Over my shoulder, I caught Adriana’s tail morphing into legs before she stormed out of the water and positioned herself beside Lukas.

“You’re messing with the wrong family,” she grumbled. Reaching for her curved dagger, she began sawing at the vines that bound his wrists.

“Please, Arenn.” My voice dropped to a whisper. I didn’t miss his shudder when I cupped his cheek. “If you love me at all, you’ll let him go. No more violence.” His eyes softened with my tone.

“I’ll always love you, human.” The anger in his words faded a little. “But not enough to save your foolish prince.” Then, he snatched my wrist, and before I could scream again, the world vanished in a swirl of magic.

I retched the moment we landed in a sand-coloured hallway. Doubling over, my palms pressed against my knees as I groaned.

“What did you do?” I rasped. “Where are we?” The floor beneath me was spinning. Lifting my head, everything was spinning. I groaned again.

“Do not fret, we’re still in your precious human palace,” he said over his shoulder. His hands were buried in his pockets while he paced a few steps away from me. “What were you doing with him?”

“That’s none of your concern.” I winced as my stomach twisted itself in knots. Thankfully, my surroundings were beginning to clear, and I recognised the familiar corridor outside my bedchamber. “You could’ve warned me before you used your magic to bring me here.” It made sense now why Arenn had always insisted I shut my eyes before.

“You should’ve never left with him,” Arenn shot back. “Then I wouldn’t have had to use magic. We’re already running late as it is.”

My eyebrows pinched together. “What are you talking about?”

The door to my bedchamber swung open hard enough to make me stumble. Arenn’s arm caught me before I fell, leaving me face to face with a relieved-looking Lady Raena.

“Naria, thank the Oceans you’re here! And oh… Prince Arenn?” She bobbed her head in an awkward sort of greeting before her eyes widened at my gown. “Ugh, what’s all this? Don’t tell me you went swimming in your clothes? Is that what you and Lukas have been doing all day?”

I could feel Arenn’s growl behind me.

“It’s a long story,” I sighed. And not one I’d be repeating anytime soon.

Raena shook her head, tutting. “Well, come in then. Ivy and I need to get you ready.”

“Ready for what?”

Arenn’s silky voice answered for her, “Queen Cora is hosting a small garden party in the palace grounds. She announced it this morning. Everyone is invited.”

“Right,” I murmured, not wanting anything to do with any gardens or parties.

“You’ll save me a dance, human?” Arenn’s voice buzzed against my ear.

A scowl crossed my face. And when Raena pulled me inside, I made sure to swing the door shut firmly behind me.

Queen Cora’s garden party was much more of a grand outdoor celebration than the small party I was expecting. Almost the entire palace grounds had been decorated. Flickering candles hid in tall palm trees, while pearls dripped from garlands that hung over the sandy paths. A lively dance floor marked the centre of the party – where hundreds of guests paraded over the grass, either dancing to the music or helping themselves to the food trays held by colourfully dressed servants.

With the evening glow of the setting sun, it was certainly a pretty sight. And the music was nice too, not too loud like it’d been at previous balls. But still, even with my more comfortable gown that I’d somehow convinced Raena to let me wear, I didn’t want to be there. Not with my muscles still screaming at me from the events of this morning. And not with the dozen tiny cuts that had barely stopped bleeding still covering Lukas’s body.

I could’ve murdered Prince Arenn.

“People will think we’ve fought if you don’t stop scowling,” Lukas whispered as we stood near the back of the dance floor.

I sipped my blue-tinted champagne, frowning. “We will fight if you don’t let me take you back inside soon. Your wounds could get infected out here.”

“They’re barely scratches.” He shrugged. “And besides, we have to maintain appearances. We’re still trying to win over the other rulers for your kingdom, remember? Can’t convince them of Corlixir’s worth from your bedchamber.”

With a scoff, I rolled my eyes. I’d wanted to run back to Lukas the moment I’d been left alone with Ivy and Raena. But of course Arenn had sat outside my door like an insufferable guard dog, insisting that my priority was to prepare for our dance. I would’ve jumped off the balcony had I known how to swim.

It was only when Lukas had stormed into my room covered in blood and thorns that I realised Arenn must’ve left my door to attend the party. But by then, I had barely enough time to wash the blood from his skin before Lukas insisted we were to attend as well. For appearances sake . As far as I was concerned, he’d be a lot more useful to both our kingdoms if he didn’t die of an infection because of some silly party.

“Your faery prince seems to be having a good time,” Lukas said gruffly, forcing my attention from the bottom of my glass. I followed his gaze across the dance floor, my scowl deepening as I caught Arenn surrounded by a group of people. His head tipped back with laughter, earrings glinting in the evening light as he addressed a grinning woman. But then my breath caught.

“He’s speaking with Queen Marigold,” I said, mouth open.

“Filth attracts flies,” Lukas retorted. “Don’t let it bother you. We’re not here for him.”

Exhaling, I nodded before placing my empty glass on a passing servant’s tray. Just as I was about to reach for another champagne, a small voice and a tugging on my skirt forced my attention behind me.

“Princess Naria?” The quiet voice spoke again. I turned to see a small girl dressed in plain clothes flanked by two other young children, each of them wearing nervous smiles as they glanced between each other.

“Oh, hello there,” I replied, a little uncertain. “Is something wrong? Do you need help?”

The middle child lifted her arms, presenting me with some sort of crown fashioned out of shells and twine. “We wanted to give you this, for helping our mama.”

“Your mother?” I repeated.

This time, one of the other children spoke up. “You helped her with her sickness yesterday. She feels much better now.”

“Better enough to play with us again.” The middle child beamed. “Papa was crying when he saw us all in the garden – which is silly because he’s supposed to be happy.” Her babbles continued while I tried my best to contain the glow in my chest. I didn’t remember their mother. I’d helped so many people yesterday. But even if our medicines only helped this lady enough to let her play with her children again, then all our hard work had been worth it.

“I’m so glad she’s better,” I told them with a watery smile. Dipping my head, I allowed them to place the homemade crown on my head. “And thank you for this lovely shell crown. It’s beautiful.”

“You’re beautiful,” the little boy who hadn’t spoken until now blurted, making his sisters giggle. I laughed with them. Even Lukas smiled a little before he swallowed it down with a sip of champagne.

“May we cut in here?” a different, more mature, voice called out from behind us. Bidding the children goodbye, I turned to face the voice. Nerves curled in my stomach when I recognised both Sadie and Collette – the two Queens of Dalking.

“Good evening, Naria,” Sadie started. “Lukas.” She dipped her chin. Her blonde hair had been woven into a bark crown, while the emerald green of her doublet matched the elaborate detailing of her wife’s forest green gown. “I trust you both are enjoying Cora’s party?” She glanced around the crowds. “Hard to believe she threw this all together in just one day, isn’t it?”

“One day?” I almost choked on my gasp. A party like this would’ve taken me weeks to plan. That’s if I could’ve ever planned anything like this.

Colette giggled behind her champagne glass. “Cora’s always been one to put our own celebrations to shame.” Sighing, she tilted her head. “But I’m surprised you didn’t know that already. She organised this in your honour after all.”

This time, Lukas piped up. “She did what?”

Both queens glanced at each other, confused.

“You didn’t know?” Colette’s lips parted. “It’s to say thank you for helping her people yesterday.” She beamed at me. “Cora told us that morale in her villages has never been higher now that the sick are all recovering. It’s wonderful! Her people are so grateful, and she’s willing to repay your kingdom in any way that she can.”

I blinked a few times before glancing at Lukas. For once, even he didn’t seem to know what to say.

“Where is Queen Cora?” I asked them, swallowing down the pride in my chest. I’d have to find Ivy and the others. They’d be thrilled to hear the impact our little temporary clinic made.

Sadie swirled her champagne glass. “I’m not entirely sure. She had to leave along with Ronan about an hour ago – something happened with her son, I believe. He wasn’t feeling well or something of the sort.”

My eyebrows drew closer together. “Does he need my help? I can check him over.”

“Better to leave it for now.” Colette patted my shoulder. “Raphael’s always been a weak child, but he’ll recover. He always does.”

“You also have a party to enjoy,” Sadie added, gesturing to the bustling dance floor. “But please, before I forget, we’d love for you to speak with us later about potentially bringing a clinic to Dalking.” I raised an eyebrow at her words. “There were a few Corlixins who moved to our towns after the Great Blaze, but it appears they may be a little out of practice after all these years…” Her lips thinned. “Perhaps you could organise sending some better healers to visit us, and in return we can provide the necessary timber for your rebuilding efforts? There’s plenty of sickness in Dalking, and we’ve more than enough trees and carpenters to compensate you for dealing with it.”

Lukas’s hand wrapped around mine, squeezing it enough to calm my shaking. This was huge. With Dalking’s help, houses and shops would be rebuilt in no time. All our hospitals too!

“Just something to think about.” Colette passed me a knowing smile. Then she turned to her wife, sweeping up her arm. “Speaking of enjoying the party. Shall we?” She motioned with her head towards the dance floor just as the musicians began to start up a new song. Sadie grinned, and the two queens bid us goodbye before disappearing into the twirling crowds.

The moment they were gone, I spun to face Lukas, a smile growing across my jaw. But then my smile faded. There was no joy or relief on the King of Drothmore’s face. Instead, there was something much darker. It was enough to turn my knees to jelly.

“What is it?” I asked carefully.

He said nothing, until finally, after a few tense moments, he placed his empty glass on a passing servant’s tray and tugged me away from the dance floor.

“Did I do something wrong? Are you angry with me?” My questions remained unanswered as he pulled me through the crowds. Even as we reached the back of the courtyard, passing decorated tables covered in seafood platters and exotic vegetables, he stayed silent, now focused on leading me around a dense cluster of palm trees. “Lukas,” I hissed.

“I’m not angry,” he chuckled when we’d walked far enough into the trees to leave the party behind us.

“Then what are you—” My breath caught as he stepped towards me, forcing me back until my shoulders hit bark. I could barely see his face with the low evening light that sliced through the palm trees. But what I could see looked intense, hungry.

“Are you okay?” I breathed, heart drumming in my ears.

He shook his head. “You infuriate me sometimes, you know that, don’t you?” He smirked as his hands pressed against the bark either side of my head.

“What do you mean?” My lips parted.

He let out a low laugh, drawing closer. “I mean, you go against all my advice, break the rules constantly. It’s as if I’ve brought you here merely to cause as much chaos as you can.” One of his hands brushed my cheek as I shuddered.

I never meant to break any rules. I’d never even had a detention back at my school in Honeymeade. But if those rules stopped me from helping people, or involved silly words like ‘princesses shouldn’t be mixing with peasants’, then I’d be happy to break them – no matter the consequences.

“And yet still.” Lukas’s silky tone drew me back. “It doesn’t seem to matter how much chaos you cause amongst the other rulers, and for me.” His voice deepened. “Everyone seems to like you, your people love you, and I,” his gaze locked onto mine, “can’t stop thinking about you all the damned time.”

My mouth opened. Closed again.

“Tell me I’m going insane, Naria,” he rasped as if in pain. “Surely you of all people can give me some medical explanation for the way I feel right now.”

My lower lip trembled. “I don’t think you’re insane…” I swallowed thickly. “And I—” But anything else I wanted to say trailed off into a gasp as his lips collided with mine.