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T he room is dimly lit, as if the sun shares my trepidation about today. I feel strong warm arms wrapped around me, and I realize I am lying on Lukene’s sleeping chest. I wish so desperately to stay like this, but if he wakes and notices me on his chest… I don’t know what would happen, and I can’t upset him like that, no matter how angry I am. I try to get up and back away, but he pulls me closer, tightening his grip. Not wanting to wake him, I decide to lie still until his hold loosens.

Staring at him, I take in all his features, so I never forget them. I smile at the thought because I know I could never forget them even if I tried. His stoic face bears black stubble that traces down his sharp, glass-like jawline. His black hair is tousled, hanging over his forehead and into his eyes.

I wish so badly that things could have been different, that I wasn’t a Drifter or a prisoner. Maybe if I had noble blood, we could have been together. Reaching up, I push the hair off his forehead and gently rub my hand down his face, feeling the prickly stubble. I trace my fingers over his lips, which I long to kiss. To my surprise, his lips curl into a smile. My gaze drifts to his bright green eyes, which dance with amusement.

“Are you thinking about my lips on yours, Reckless?”

I jump, realizing I’m sprawled on his chest. My heart hammers away. “I’m so sorry! I woke up on your chest. I tried to roll away, but you pulled me closer. I didn’t mean t?—”

“Reign, it’s okay.” He pulls me back down against him. “Just don’t put your hands on the center of my chest, and I’ll be fine.”

My head rests more on his shoulder and the crook of his arm than on his chest. We stare at each other for a long moment while I lie in his arms. He lifts his hand and pulls me into a kiss. It’s tender and soft—a plea, a question of forgiveness, a forbidden promise, and a dark secret. When he pulls away, I sit up.

“This”—I gesture between us—”isn’t a good idea… I still hate you.”

“I know.” He smiles knowingly and sits up.

“Thank you for last night, but today we’re enemies again.”

“One last kiss…” He leans in.

I back away. “No… If things go right, I will be betrothed. You’re already betrothed, Prince. Don’t complicate things for me more than you already have.” He swallows loudly, revealing his internal struggle, the turmoil beneath the surface, until he adjusts his dark prince mask, hiding it away like always.

I want to kiss him, but I can’t. I won’t. I have learned that life will always beat you down. It’s bad enough I lost my parents, was married off once, thrown into the Hollows, lost Larah, and now this. Now I’ll be forced to marry again while losing the only person I’ve started to love and wholeheartedly trust. But it was a lie. He knew this was my fate and hid it from me.

Climbing over him, I get out of bed, grabbing my outfit from my bag, and head to the washroom.

* * *

Landing in front of a huge, immaculate palace, Lukene and I dismount our wyverns. The palace stands grand and beautiful, with gray stone pillars lining the front—a testament to the kingdom’s strength and unity. Perfectly manicured cobblestone walkways, flanked by welcoming greenery, lead to the entrance. Torches line the path to the entrance as a beacon of hope, directing the misguided. Bright blue and silver flags hang near the tops of the palace towers, billowing in the wind as if waving hello. An overwhelming sense of calm rushes over me at the sight.

We are greeted by several royal guards. Lukene speaks to one of the men, then gestures for me to follow as he hands our bags to someone. The sun shines brightly on the silver tops of the palace, casting a beautiful light over everything.

Following the guards inside, the atmosphere feels bright, warm, and inviting. It doesn’t carry the weight of dark secrets or hidden agendas lurking in every corner. Instead, it offers a breath of fresh air. Bold blues and silvers adorn the palace, and although it is large, it does not boast of riches. Simple yet tasteful sconces hang on the walls, accompanied by beautiful landscape canvases. Large windows in the cathedral ceilings filter in sunlight, illuminating our path.

Finally, we arrive at the throne room. Four thrones stand proudly, but only one is empty. A handsome man with blonde hair and bright blue eyes stands before us, light stubble across his face. He has a tall, muscular frame, though not as imposing as Lukene’s. A genuine smile graces his lips as he speaks. “Prince Lukene.” He bows slightly. “I was expecting you yesterday. How were your travels?”

“Prince Elliot,” Lukene replies with a bow. “Sorry we were delayed. Our travels went well.”

“My mother, Queen Mary.” He gestures to a beautiful woman in a dark blue gown who smiles warmly at us. “And my younger sister, Princess Sarah.”

We bow in respect.

“And is this her?” He descends the three steps from the dais and approaches me. I glance nervously at Lukene, then back to Elliot.

“Yes, this is my distant cousin. This is?—”

“My name is Lavender.” I smile and bow. “Your Majesty.” I try to keep my voice soft and sweet.

Elliot takes my hand and kisses the back of it. “Well, aren’t you a rare beauty.” He gently releases my hand and walks back to his throne. “I would like to get to know you a bit before I agree to anything. It is true I am looking for a wife. You are definitely breathtakingly beautiful; however, you may try to slit my throat in my sleep?” He chuckles.

“I would never! Don’t be callous…” I smile slightly. “I would do it during the day for all to see.”

Prince Elliot tilts his head, assessing me, and I fear I may have made a poor joke at the wrong time. But then he grins from ear to ear and laughs heartily. His laughter lightens the heaviness in my heart a bit. Maybe the goddesses are looking out for me after all.