Page 34

O utside the palace, I wait by the carriage as Reign approaches, my heart flipping at the sight of her. She is breathtaking—her pale lavender hair curled perfectly, her deep purple dress and matching cloak complementing her in ways that make her eyes even more captivating, if that’s possible.

As she reaches me, I offer my hand, helping her into the carriage. We sit in comfortable silence for a moment as our ride begins to move.

“Where are we going?” Reign finally asks, pinching her bottom lip between her fingers and rolling it absentmindedly.

“It’s a surprise. Patience, Reckless.” I smirk, amused by her restless curiosity.

She exhales a long breath, her shoulders easing as she leans back in the seat. I release her hand, settling into the seat beside her, though my mind refuses to rest. Thoughts of the trials and their true purpose flicker in the back of my mind, but I push them away. Tonight isn’t the time for that. I’ll deal with it when the moment comes.

As I lean my head back against the carriage, my eyes wander to her again. The curve of her lips, the intensity in her gaze, the fierce yet graceful way she carries herself—it’s all mesmerizing. She’s wild and unpredictable, dangerous yet radiant, the light to my darkness. Noticing my gaze, she turns to meet my eyes.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks, a hint of self-consciousness in her voice.

“Like what?” I grin, enjoying her discomfort.

“I... I don’t know. You should be looking out the window. You’ll miss the view—fall leaves are beautiful this time of year.” She straightens in her seat, sitting tall.

“I much prefer the view in here.” My grin widens as she rolls her eyes playfully.

“You’re a relentless charmer.” She laughs, the sound light and musical.

“Only when I find something worth pursuing. So... You think I’m charming?”

She shakes her head, smiling despite herself. “Gods and goddesses, I can’t stand you.”

“We both know that’s not true.” My smile deepens as I catch the faint blush rising to her cheeks.

“I bet you say this to all the ladies,” she teases, tilting her head slightly.

“I don’t.” My voice softens, the truth slipping out before I can stop it. “I’ve never wanted to pursue anyone—not like I want to pursue you.”

Her cheeks redden further, but a subtle smile plays on her lips, hinting at the emotions she doesn’t voice.

The rest of the ride passes in a comfortable silence, the air between us charged with unspoken words. When the carriage slows to a stop, I step out and offer my hand. She takes it, and I help her down from the carriage.

Curiosity flickers in her eyes as she looks around. I don’t let her linger long, grasping her hand, I lead her forward. We walk through tall, overgrown weeds, the stalks brushing against us as we push forward.

When we finally break through the dense growth, her breath catches. The lavender fields stretch endlessly before us, vibrant and lush, untouched by the autumn’s chill. Purple blooms sway gently in the breeze, their green stems standing tall against the backdrop of fading foliage.

Her eyes widen, glassy with emotion as she turns to me. “How... how is this possible?”

I tug her hand gently, guiding her into the field. “I had some help to make sure they bloomed just for you.”

She stops abruptly, pulling me to a halt. Her expression shifts, too many emotions racing across her face for me to read them all. “You did this... for me?” she whispers, her voice thick with disbelief.

“I did.” I pause, savoring the moment. “Lilyana, Kylo, and even Elm helped. That’s why I was needed yesterday—they came to revive the plants.”

“Why?” she asks softly, emotion tightening her throat.

I don’t answer her question. Instead, I smile and tug her along. “Come on, let’s enjoy the fields.”

We wander deeper into the lavender, the plants brushing against us as their scent fills the air—a soothing fragrance that feels like a balm to the soul.

In the heart of the field, we find a blanket spread out with a basket of fruits, pastries, and a bottle of her favorite blackberry wine waiting for us.

I motion for her to sit, and she does, her eyes alight with joy as she takes in the view—the endless fields, the forest in the distance, and a brook bubbling softly between the two.

I pull the cork from the wine and hand her the bottle. “I forgot glasses. This sort of thing is new for me. When I gave Elm the list, I didn’t think to include them.”

She grins, an adorable smirk playing on her lips as she takes the bottle and drinks deeply, downing a quarter of it in one go. She wipes her mouth with the back of her hand before passing the bottle back to me.

“Can I walk through the field for a moment?” she asks softly, her voice threaded with emotion.

“Of course.”

I watch as she stands and drifts through the lavender, her arms outstretched, fingertips brushing the tops of the flowers. She moves slowly, as if trying to absorb the moment. After a few minutes, she returns and sits back down on the blanket, silent tears streaking her cheeks. She wipes them away quickly, but they shimmer in the fading light.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice low.

“Yes, just thinking about how beautiful it is.” A soft smile touches her lips. “It’s like I can feel my father here with me.”

She dries her face with the edge of her sleeve, then picks up a strawberry and takes a bite. The juice runs down her chin, and without thinking, I reach out, brushing my thumb along the trail of it. I bring my thumb to my mouth, licking it clean. She watches me, amusement flickering in her gaze.

The sun is starting its descent, painting the sky different hues of purples, blues, and oranges. A cool breeze stirs her hair, making it dance along with the swaying lavender. She closes her eyes and inhales deeply, as if breathing in the essence of the field. In that moment, she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

When she opens her eyes, she catches me watching her. “Is something wrong with your eyes, Prince?” she asks with a playful smile.

“Why, yes, there actually is…” I reply, sitting up straight. “They are hopelessly transfixed; I can’t seem to take them off you. You have bewitched me with your beauty, Reckless.” I take a deep breath. “You have rattled me, my Reckless Reign—body, mind, and soul. You have rattled me. This once icy heart is thawing, and you’re the flame.”

She stares at me, those mesmerizing lavender eyes sparkling as the first stars emerge in the twilight sky. The silence between us feels heavy, charged with something unspoken.

“What’s changed?” she asks softly. “Just a few days ago, you snapped at me for hugging you...” Her teeth tug at her bottom lip, and it takes everything in me not to claim it with my own.

“Oh, Reckless. That had everything to do with me, not you.” I exhale slowly, the weight of the truth pressing down on me. “I have a haunted past, one that sneaks up on me when I least expect it. When you touched my chest, it... it stirred something in me I wasn’t ready for.” My voice lowers. “I’m sorry if I hurt you. I used my own vulnerability to create distance between us because of... well, our situation. And for that, I am sorry.”

I lift the bottle of wine to my lips and take a long drink, needing the bitter sweetness to steady me. Vulnerability isn’t something I allow often—it’s foreign, uncomfortable.

“So, you don’t like your chest touched?” she asks gently.

I shake my head.

“Why? What happened?” she presses further.

“Not today. Maybe one day, I’ll tell you everything. But not today. Let’s just enjoy this, okay?”

She nods slowly, “I understand more than you know, Prince. I have my own haunted past.” Her voice is soft, tinged with empathy. “I’m the one that is sorry—for making you uncomfortable.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. We carry the weight life gives us the best we can—even when it’s heavy.”

She hesitates for a moment, then glances down at the hem of her dress. “What situation? Is it because I am a Drifter from the Hollows?”

Reaching over I lift her chin. Her eyes meet mine. “Where you come from makes no difference in how I feel about you, Reign.”

Handing her the bottle of wine, I watch as she takes a sip.

“Look!” she exclaims suddenly, pointing at the sky. “A shooting star! Quick, make a wish.” She is adorable. Her excitement is infectious, and I smile as she shuts her eyes tightly, making her wish. When she opens them, she turns to me, curiosity gleaming in her gaze.

“Well? What did you wish for?” she asks, tilting her head.

I hold her gaze, the intensity in my chest swelling into words I can’t hold back. “I wished for you to be mine—forever. To have you in my arms when the sun sets and when it rises again. Of all the things my hands have touched, you are by far my favorite—the most precious.”

She inhales sharply, her breath catching as my words settle between us. We just stare at each other. The pull between us is undeniable, the attraction thick and palpable, as if it has a gravity all its own.

“Reckless,” I whisper, my voice low and strained with desire. “I know I said you would beg me to kiss you again. But it is I who is begging. I can’t take it anymore. I need to taste your mouth. I need to feel your lips on mine. I need to feel you against me. I just… need you. A mere kiss will suffice. I know we shouldn’t. I know how damning it could be but, in this moment, I don’t give a damn. I care about you, about how I feel for yo?—”

She doesn’t hesitate. Her hands fly to the back of my head, pulling me toward her, and our lips collide in a desperate, hungry kiss. Our tongues tangle, tasting, exploring, consuming each other. I’m drowning… drowning in a sea of lavender—her lips are the lifeline… or maybe they are the anchor pulling me under. Either way, I don’t care. This is perfect. She is perfect. Every beat of my heart seems to chant her name.

I fist my hand in her hair, pulling her head back to expose her neck. She gasps, her breath hitching as I trail kisses down the curve of her throat, tasting her skin.

“Luke...” she moans, breathless and wanting. “Let’s... let’s take this back to the palace.”

With a groan, I stand, adjusting the hardened length straining against my pants. I offer her my hand, pulling her to her feet.

Holding Reign’s hand, I guide her through the palace toward her room. But as we approach, we both notice her door wide open. Alarm spikes through me.

Peering inside, my stomach clenches at the chaos that greets us. Her room is destroyed—curtains ripped down and tangled on the floor, blankets shredded to ribbons. A silvery dress lies torn to pieces. Perfume bottles lay shattered, their fragrances clinging to the air. Stuffing from pillows is scattered across the floor like fallen snow.

What in the double burning hells happened here?

Reign drops to her knees, clutching the remains of her father’s tunic—now shredded—against her chest. Tears stream down her face as she cradles the tattered pieces. I can’t even imagine losing an item like that. I would be devastated if something happened to my mother’s necklace.

Something inside me twists painfully at the sight. Shadows creep out from my hands, coiling with rage, ready to destroy whoever did this to her.

“Guards!” I shout, my voice carrying down the corridor as the shadows swell, ready to strike. “Guards!”

Within moments, guards appear, followed closely by Kylo and Sasha. Their faces reflect the same shock I feel as they take in the wreckage.

“Find whoever did this. Now.” My voice is sharp, edged with fury. “Where was the guard assigned to this corridor? Sasha, move her things to the room next to mine.”

Kylo steps inside, dropping to his knees beside Reign. He wraps an arm around her, pulling her against him as she lets out a quiet, broken sob.

Watching him comfort her sends a pang through me. I wish I could comfort her like that. I wish it came as naturally to me as it does him. I wish I could comfort her that way, offer the solace she finds so easily in Kylo. If it were anyone other than Kylo, James, or Elm, I would kill them for touching what’s mine. But I’m grateful she has him.

What I can do is protect her—and I will. I’ll move her closer, to the room next to mine, where she’ll be safe. Where I can keep her safe.

Footsteps echo down the hall, and I glance up to see Elm sprinting toward us, Lilyana right on his heels. Elm rushes past me without a word, going straight to Reign.

She leaps into his arms, burying her face in his chest. He cradles her, rubbing soothing circles into her hair.

A sharp ache blooms in my chest, one I’ve never felt before. It isn’t anger—it’s inadequacy. I realize, with painful clarity, that I’m not enough for her. She’s always been afraid she wasn’t good enough for me, when it is I who isn’t enough for her. I can’t comfort her the way Elm does, the way Kylo does. I’m not what she needs.

Sasha and Elm begin gathering Reign’s belongings, carrying them to the room next to mine. Lilyana sits quietly beside Reign on what’s left of her bed, murmuring soft words of comfort.

I take the opportunity to slip out of the room, Kylo following closely behind.

Whoever did this is going to regret it. And I won’t rest until I find them.