Page 119 of Taken By the Lord of the Nocturne Court

I kiss the antler ring Luke so lovingly slid on my finger last night and drop into a chair, staring at the moon rising above the ocean. Back when I was hidden away, freedom and a life of normal experiences seemed like an unachievable dream, but while I could envision material goods, privilege, and the attention of handsome men, I never let my imagination drift off to a fantasy where someone saw me as worthy of true affection.

When I claimed Luke a month ago, it didn’t occur to me our bond could go beyond physical attraction, but he’s become my world. I want to give him all the riches I have and the most tender affection. Everything I have is his, and last night, when he held me in the sanctuary, I knew that our feelings for one another would never falter. He is so sweet in the way he surprises me with little things and forgives me for my blunders. His heart is much kinder than he lets on, and I love that I’m the one who got to pry its shell open and feel its softness.

I need to stand triumphant today, if not for myself then for him.

A knock on the door startles me, and I get to my feet.

Sabine looks as though she hasn’t slept all night, and that could actually be the case, for which I am eternally grateful. She is so far into her pregnancy and should be resting, not spending time navigating legal texts and arguing my case.

She gets straight to the point. “Because the prejudice against a twin is not law, and no one can actually prove fratricide was committed, you are allowed to participate in the tournament.” She has to take a deep breath and holds her belly as her eyes close. I help her sit in the chair I’ve just vacated. She’s pale, and her hair is more out of order than usual, but a smile tugs on her lips.

“You’re really not Kyranis, are you?”

I flinch, stepping away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to be deceitful. It just seemed like the only way to… join life,” I utter.

She waves me off, and when I offer her a glass of coralberry juice, she drinks it all as she takes me in. “You don’t have to explain it, little cousin. What’s done is done, but I’m looking forward to getting to know you once all this is over.”

I’m struck by a tightness in my throat, but when she smiles and strokes my forearm, I understand that she wants me to win this, and I kiss her cheek. “Thank you. May your child have all the blessings.”

She chuckles. “Don’t get so sentimental on me, Kyran. They’re waiting for you at the arena.” I exhale, nod, and rise to my feet, heading for the marble console by the entrance, where I left Gloomdancer. I’m dressed for the challenge, in my riding clothes, but it’s only as I pick up the blade that reality sinks in.

I shall win the title. For myselfandLuke.

“My promised as well?” I ask, anxious to see him.

Sabine smirks when I help her to stand. “You mean yourDark Companion?”

My heart beats faster when I remember I can call him that now. “And husband,” I add with pride.

She shakes her head and walks with me to the carriage that will take her to the arena. “Congratulations. I heard from Tristan, and I can’t wait to see the faces of the Goldweeds when the two of you announce the news. Elodie might also have a Dark Companion, but I’ve not heard from her yet.”

I’m surprised she has no similar news on Anatole, but it’s irrelevant, so I thank her once more and step outside, where two guards who arrested me yesterday wait for me with severe expressions. They were just doing their job, of course, but I let them roast in uncertainty and lead the way down the hallway, then across a reception space, and through the empty palace.

On days like this, even those lowest in rank are offered unconditional leave, so almost all the servants are at the arena, awaiting the spectacle.

I’m ready to give them one, and as I take Crab’s reins from Drustan’s hand, the slivers of doubt I’ve been plagued with all night start growing thin.

“Good luck, Your Highness,” Drustan says before whistling for a mount of his own, and I embark on the royal trail, with the two guards as my entourage.

Sabine apologizes for keeping me collared, but apparently her husband, who is one of the Law Keepers, awaits me by the arena with a key. I can’t wait to get the damn thing off. It’s because of it that I almost didn’t bond with Luke last night, so its existence grates on me even more. I was on the verge of tears, but Luke thought on his feet as usual and embraced me with his own shadow. I can’t think of a more perfect way for him to use his new powers.

We begin our descent into the bay, but I can already see the arena built out of black rock in the shape of an amphitheater facing the sea. At least it’s no longer raining, but the wind remains strong, and brings high waves onto the sunken stage. The moon is bright and silver when it slips out from behind the clouds to wish me luck. It was a witness to my marriage after all.

Spectators hold flags with the colors of all the royal houses, even the Bloodweeds, despite none of them participating in the challenge. The noise made by countless elves reminds me that my life and Luke’s aren’t the only ones at stake today. I am the superior choice for the new Lord—the most skilled warrior, and unlike Anatole or Elodie, I shall never prioritize my dynastic interests over the goodof my people.

I know what it means to be left wanting.

I know how it hurts to be ignored.

I will not only be a champion in the hour of blood and sword, but also a fair Lord in peace time.

I need to win today.

And I shall.

As I ride through the open gates and onto the parade track climbing along the edge of the arena, the noise of the audience briefly dies, just to erupt in a mixture of cheering and jeers. It seems the entire principality has come to watch the freak of nature who replaced the heir apparent in secret. But I keep my head high and seek the familiar figure in the royal box.

Luke smiles at me, and the sight of him brightens my heart in ways I can’t describe. He’s a ray of moonlight in any darkness that might encroach on me. I want to keep him hidden from danger, but as my Dark Companion he’s ready to be at my side, and he’d resent me if I didn’t accept his help.