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S itting in front of the roaring fire, I can’t help but think of Lukene. I know I shouldn’t. Prince Elliot is sweet and handsome, and his people seem to love him. Yet he… he isn’t him . I hate Lukene for making me fall for him, only to give me away like I’m nothing—like I’m trash, just another disposable peasant. My chest aches with emotional heaviness; my truths weigh like a burden too heavy to bear.

So badly, I want to explain to him that I would choose him. If it was a possibility I’d pick him, every single time. He may think he is a monster, but if he is… then he is my monster. After suffering in my own thoughts for a while, I decide to do something foolish. I get up, determined to head to his room and tell him. Feeling lighter at the thought, I leave my room and turn toward his, but I suddenly halt, frozen in my tracks.

A female servant, dressed in a skimpy nightgown—if you can even call it that—knocks and enters his room. My heart sinks in my chest. Fire breaks out of my palms. I’m suffocating, my fury flames, stealing all my oxygen. My fire burns large and bright. I will it to stop, but it won’t.

I retreat back into my room, slamming the door shut behind me. Unable to control the tears that flow, fire begins to dance across my skin. I need to bring them in before they reduce the room to ash, but they are as stubborn as me. My tears trail down my singeing skin, evaporating into steam.

Have I fallen for a lie? Am I a fool? It’s a game for him—a ‘try to win what you can’t have’ type of game. What a dark twisted bastard.

Desperate to think of anything but the betrayal flooding my heart, I slowly inhale and release the breath. Calming my breathing helps. Gradually, I manage to draw my fiery magic back in. Expending that much magic so rapidly leaves me spent and exhausted. Lying on the floor like a sea star, limbs extended, I watch the ceiling and the shadows dancing from the firelight.

Closing my teary eyes, I think of my father. I wish he were here to guide me. I’d even welcome my mother at this point. When I open my eyes, I swear the shadows have grown larger. Looking at the fire, I notice it doesn’t appear smaller. Maybe exhaustion is taking a toll on me, or perhaps my broken heart is warping my perception of reality.

* * *

The servant brushes my long hair, pinning it up in a style I don’t typically wear. She brings me a blue dress for the day, but I request a black one. Within minutes, she returns with a stunning black dress. It features tight lace sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a long skirt that flares slightly—completely black. Perfect.

Prince Elliot has invited me to walk the gardens and enjoy a private breakfast this morning. As the servant and I step out of my room, I can’t help but glance at Lukene’s door, wondering if the servant is still in there, servicing him. The thought has bile crawling up my throat.

Following the servant through the winding halls, we finally reach the grand gardens. Prince Elliot stands at a quaint little table, already set for breakfast. When he sees me, a huge smile lights up his face. Inhaling sharply, I walk toward him—toward my future husband or executioner, toward a future that doesn’t include Lukene.

“My lovely Lavender… You look beautiful as always.” He takes my hand and kisses it. “Shall I show you the gardens first?” He extends his arm for me to take while the cold breeze tousles his sandy blonde hair. Nodding, I lock my arm in his.

The gardens are massive, open, and bright. The sweet fragrance of flowers fills the air like a magical aroma. Inhaling deeply, I try to cleanse the angst and worry swirling within me.

“How are they so vibrant? Winter will be upon us soon?” I ask, admiring the brightly colored blooms.

“We have an Infinity who wields plant magic. She’s from your kingdom, actually. She keeps them beautifully bloomed all year long.”

We stroll through the lush greenery and vibrant flowers until we reach rows of rose bushes. My eyes widen with delight, and Elliot chuckles.

“Real rose bushes!” I lean down to smell one of the buds, reveling in the sight of normal, non-cursed blooms. “They are magnificent.” When I look up, Prince Elliot’s blue eyes sparkle at me, and he grins with bewilderment.

“Yet they are dulled in comparison to you,” he replies, causing my face to heat. He plucks a deep purple rose from the bush, steps closer, and gently places it in my hair. A smile spreads across my face, warmth flooding my chest.

We walk back to the breakfast table and sit down. The garden is beautiful, but with the changing weather and the lacy sleeves, I feel cold. Prince Elliot notices my shivers and stands immediately.

He removes his thick blue cloak and drapes it over my shoulders before sitting back down. It’s warm and comforting, infused with his scent—wood and warm honey. It’s refreshing.

Breakfast is delicious, featuring an assortment of fruits, eggs, oatmeal, and meats, all except pork. He must have remembered Lukene’s comment. Then it hits me… I haven’t thought about Lukene this entire time. Good. I wish I hadn’t just remembered him.

Prince Elliot is charming, keeping me giggling throughout breakfast. I gaze at him, momentarily trying to gauge whether a marriage to him would be terrible. As of now, I can’t imagine it would be.

Maybe the Mother is looking out for me by making this my task. Guilt settles heavily in my stomach at the thought. It’s a lie. I’m here for information, to be Umbrahdor’s informant or assassin. If that isn’t wrong enough, I’m in love with Prince Lukene. I sigh loudly, apparently drawing Elliot’s attention. He reaches over and touches my hand, causing me to startle and look at him.

His icy blue eyes shine brightly. “A lot on your lovely little mind, Lavender?”

I smile weakly. “I was thinking about how easy a life with you could be. You seem loving and kind.”

His smile falters slightly. “Are you not used to kindness?”

Swallowing the lump forming in my throat, I reply, “I am. I just wasn’t expecting you to be so kind. I don’t know what I expected.” The honesty feels refreshing yet painful.

“I bet you didn’t think I’d be so handsome…” He wiggles his eyebrows, and a chuckle escapes my lips at his flirty words. “Come. Let’s get you inside.”

Prince Elliot walks me halfway to my room before leaving, stating he has business to attend to and will see me at the ball tonight. When I reach my room, Lukene storms out, looking like a demon from the double burning hells. I swear the ground trembles with fear.

“Where the hells have you been?” Anger radiates from him, dripping from every word as he backs me against my door, caging me with his arms. A prominent crease appears between his brows.

“It is not your concern, Prince Lukene,” I snap back, my heart in my throat.

“Everything that concerns you is my concern!” Tiny tendrils of shadows swirl around him, darkening the air.

His searing gaze takes me in. He notices the flower in my hair, then his eyes travel down to the cloak draped over my shoulders. His chest rises and falls almost as rapidly as mine. “Nothing about me should concern you anymore. You made sure of that when you decided to give me up to the highest bidder for the best information. I meant nothing to you. I’m a mere piece in your game.” I yell, frustration spilling over.

“That is where you are wrong. Dead wrong, Reign!” I shift, trying to back away, but I’m still trapped against the door. He notices my all-black dress. “Why are you dressed like someone died?” he huffs between angry breaths.

Shoving him back hard, I open my door and say, “Because my feelings died for you last night when I saw a servant dressed like a cheap tavern courtesan enter your room—” I slam the door shut in his face, locking it for good measure.

He bangs on the door. Thump. Thump. Thump.

“Reign, let me in!”

“Go away, Prince!” I yell back.

Pulling a chair in front of the fireplace, I remove the cloak and sit down, covering my ears to drown out his relentless pounding. After a minute, the noise stops, but my heart continues to hammer in my chest, mimicking his angry fists. I release my hands from my ears and turn around, only to find Lukene in my room, leaning against the shut door, shadows swirling around him. He unlocked the door with his shadows!

“Out!” I scream as I march toward him.

“Nothing happened,” he says calmly, yet his eyes betray a whirlwind of emotions.

He reaches for me, and I yank my stone palm blade from its hidden spot in my dress. Pressing it against his chest, aiming for his heart, I repeat myself with a shaky voice. “I said… leave.” I’m panting now, my emotions spiraling out of control.

He chuckles, as if it’s amusing that I have a blade to his chest. “Oh Reckless, I am not going anywhere.” He grabs my hand, holding the blade in place against his chest. I try to yank back, but he’s too strong. “Would it make you feel better to stab me, Reckless.” He grins. “Go ahead. Puncture my heart. It’s already bleeding watching you fall out of love with me.” He pushes the blade ever so slightly into his chest.

“Don’t lie to yourself, Prince. I don’t love you.”

“Lies.” He grins as he forces my hand to push the blade deeper.

“Stop!” I scream, struggling to free myself, but he holds firm.

“Admit it.”

“Lukene, stop!” I scream again as he presses the blade further.

“Admit it!”

“I love you!” The confession bursts from my lips, and he immediately releases my hand. I throw the blade to the ground, seeing the tip stained with blood.

“You love me?” he says, amusement sparkling in his eyes, as if the world has shifted on its axis.

“You are sick!” I seethe. “You give me away to the prince, you sleep with a servant, and then make me confess how I feel… all while you make me stab you.” I shake my head in disbelief. “Next time, I really will stab you in the heart, Prince. It’s a promise.” I say it with conviction as I walk away from him, sinking onto my bed, staring into the dancing fire.

“I hope so…” he replies, walking closer. I can hear the grin in his voice. “Reign, I did not sleep with her.” I look up at him towering over me. “She came to my room, and I immediately sent her away.”

I stare into his stormy eyes, searching for truth. “That’s the problem with lies and betrayals… You can never trust what someone says once the trust is broken.” I turn back to the fire, but he swiftly yanks my face back to his, gripping my chin.

“I haven’t been with anyone since that night I saw you in the Hollows. I haven’t wanted anyone since I laid eyes on you.” He gently rubs his thumb along my face while still gripping my chin, sending shivers down my spine.

“Well, it doesn’t matter anymore, does it, Prince? If Prince Elliot will have me, I’ll be his wife.” I feel so weighed down, my heart is so heavy, so saddened.

“Because it would be easy to have a life with him?” His voice drips with bitter pain and jealousy.

“You were listening?” I scrunch my face in disbelief.

“I was.” He sits beside me, his leg bouncing nervously as he stares into the fire, searching for answers to questions he didn’t ask. “Do you think you could truly be happy with him?”

I shrug, shaking my head slightly with a sigh. “I… I don’t know. But I don’t have a choice. It was taken from me. All I can do is go along with it.”

“If he does decide to marry you, and you decide to stay with him, I need you to remember something.” He looks at me with a conflicted intensity that makes my heart ache. “Where darkness kisses light, I will always find you there. For even the smallest flame can produce the longest shadow. When you think of me, light the flame, and remember, I’m in the shadows.”

Luke stands. He leans down and kisses the top of my head before he exits the room, leaving me to my swirling thoughts. Where darkness kisses light … What am I to make of his words? My heart and brain are at war with each other. My heart aches for him and wants to believe him, while my mind screams that he lies and will continue to hurt me. With a bloody war raging inside me, I flop back onto the bed, wishing I knew what to believe.

* * *

Fully pampered with my hair pinned in an elegant updo, I walk to the ballroom in a fitted sapphire dress. The sweetheart neckline and capped sleeves give it a modest yet beautiful appearance—more reserved than the other ball gowns I’ve worn.

As soon as I step into the grand ballroom, Princess Sarah, Elliot’s sister, greets me. This room must be the most luxurious in the palace, with light and dark blue gemmed chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceilings, casting dazzling shades of blue that sparkle around the room. Everything is adorned in silver and blue. Unlike Umbrahdor’s ballroom, the air here feels refreshing, filled with renewed opportunities. Happy conversations swirl around us as we make our way to a table laden with liquor.

Princess Sarah wears a deep navy dress that hugs her curves, featuring a high slit on one side. Her long sandy-blonde curls sway as she turns to hand me a glass of light-colored wine. I take a sip, allowing the cool, refreshing notes to slide over my tongue and down my throat. It’s sweet and crisp—apple wine, and it’s delicious. As I scan the room, I see Prince Elliot dancing with several maidens, but there’s no sign of my dark prince.

“Want to dance?” Princess Sarah asks.

“Sure!” We both finish our wine, setting the glasses down before heading to the dance floor.

Sarah can dance. She spins me around effortlessly, making me laugh—dare I say, better than Elm. We glide across the dance floor, filled with joy and laughter. Princess Sarah is hilarious and so much fun. I could definitely get used to being her friend. Suddenly, her expression shifts, and she stops moving. Following her gaze, I see a stunning woman with the palest honey-colored eyes, a striking contrast to her glistening dark brown skin. Her loose black curls cascade to her shoulders, and she looks breathtaking in her sunrise-colored dress.

“She is so beautiful it hurts…” Sarah breathes, a mix of awe and longing in her voice.

“She is,” I reply, sensing the magnetic pull between them. Their attraction feels palpable.

“She is the love of my life. Can you believe that she is mine?” Sarah’s face radiates with admiration for her lover.

“Go. Dance with her. I’ll find some fool to dance with.” I chuckle as she walks away, but I notice a soft jingle, like coins rattling, as she leaves.

Turning to exit the dance floor, I suddenly feel a grip on my wrist. Looking up, I see Prince Elliot, his bright eyes and wide smile warming me. “Dance with me. Let me make every man in this room jealous because I get to dance with such a rare beauty.”

Chuckling at his words, I grasp his hand, and he pulls me close. Our bodies nearly touch, and my heart begins to hammer wildly, matching the tempo of the music as he leads me around the dance floor.

By the end of the song, a genuine smile lights my face. The music has stopped, yet Prince Elliot holds me tightly. “You are stunning, Lavender. Truly.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks. “And you blushing every time I compliment you is adorable.” He rubs his hand soothingly up and down my back. “I must say, I am smitten with?—”

“Brother…” Princesses Sarah cuts in.

“Mother needs you. It’s urgent,” she pleads.

Elliot glances between his sister and me. He steps back, bringing my hand to his mouth and kissing it. “I’ll be back shortly. Save at least one more dance for me.” He winks and rushes off with his sister.

Letting out a huge breath, I walk to another table filled with glasses of wine, downing one before grabbing another, completely oblivious to my surroundings.

“You two look good together.”

Turning at the voice, I see Lukene, his expression sullen but sincere. For some reason, that makes a heaviness settle upon my shoulders and a pain throb in my chest.

“Care to dance with the Dark Prince?” Lukene extends his hand. A faint smile lingers on his lips, but the look of defeat is prominent. I accept his hand, and he leads me toward the dance floor.

As if the musicians know the turmoil I’m feeling, they play a song that resonates with my emotions. The violins cry out as the piano notes thunder. Sad, solemn, yet strong emotional notes fill the air around us. Lukene gently slides his hand to my lower back while holding the other, and we move slowly in tune to the beat.

It’s as if a thousand words are spoken with our bodies, our eyes, yet our mouths never open. There is apology, forgiveness, possession, understanding, yearning. His grip tightens, pulling me flush with him as he stares deeply into my eyes and suddenly, I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes

I want this man. I want a life with him. I had decided to give up my revenge for him, the only thing I thought I lived for. But I’m wrong. I don’t live for revenge anymore. I live for him. My heart beats for him. I’m breathless, overwhelmed by emotions. As if he can sense it, his thumb rubs lazily over my back as we continue to dance slowly to the melancholy tune—my last dance with the devil.