Page 25 of The Lies of Lena (The Otacian Chronicles #1)

Chapter Twenty-Four

T hursday morning came. September 13th. Prince Silas La’Rune’s eighteenth birthday. The people of Otacia were bustling with energy, gathered as close to the castle as possible. It was the one day people from the Outer Ring could enter the Center, though we were kept far back, just at the border of the Inner Ring. Lively tunes were being played by a fanciful band just outside the palace, the notes carrying through despite all the chatter going about.

Voices of anticipation chattered around, and my body squished to Mother’s as people pressed in to witness. Class for today was canceled in honor of the celebration, so people of all ages were here.

I examined the obsidian walls, amazed yet again by the magnificence of the castle and its gothic architecture. I took my time peering first at the menacing gargoyles and then at the La’Rune family crest that was engraved over the front entrance: the four images displayed on a shield were an owl, a pelican, a raven, and a phoenix. Its artwork was interesting; the pelican seemed to be protecting the raven and phoenix from the owl. As I examined it, I wondered why the phoenix was being shielded. Why would an immortal bird need protection… from a pelican, of all things?

I met eyes with Torrin, who was stationed between the citizens of the Outer and Inner Ring. I knew he was reading my thoughts.

How rude to keep me all the way back here. Couldn’t get me the VIP pass?

He snorted.

My gaze moved to the top castle balcony when I heard the music come to a stop—the voices surrounding me quieting down.

Four royal guards walked out, followed by the Queen and King. Ryia was wearing a stunning blue form-fitting gown with long sheer sleeves. Ulric, on the other hand, wore his black, heavy-clad armor, always wishing to look ready for battle. His long black hair and facial hair only added to his intimidating persona. Both their crowns gleamed atop their heads.

Ulric and the Queen paced to the front of the balcony to address the people. “Thank you all for joining us in welcoming our son as your Prince,” the King announced, his voice deep and husky. “Nearly thirteen years have passed since our beloved daughter Aria was taken so soon from us. During those years, we have done everything to keep our son safe and craft him into the best warrior he can be.”

I scoffed.

If only the kingdom knew just how shitty of a father Ulric really was.

The King turned to Ryia, who smiled softly before facing the crowd .

Her voice was beautiful and clear when she spoke. “We are pleased to introduce our son, Silas La’Rune, your Prince.”

The crowd boomed as Silas emerged, his jet-black hair neatly styled, the royal crown on top of his head. He wore a suit of armor, primarily black like his father’s, adorned with plate mail and a deep blue cape. The cheering was so loud I thought I might lose my hearing.

“You and me both,” Torrin groaned.

Get out of my head!

Torrin rolled his eyes as mine flickered back to Silas.

He was grinning widely. I knew he was looking for me as his eyes scanned the crowd, but with the thousands of people gathered and us so far back, there was no way he would spot me. The smile on his face was so radiant, and in that moment, I realized that while I was dreading this day, he had been dreaming of it—the day he would finally be free.

He stepped forward, and the crowd began to quiet in anticipation of his speech.

“Citizens of Otacia, it is an honor and privilege to be able to serve you.” His voice was strong, elegant, and sexy, like always. Around me, girls were gawking at the sight of him, and I had to refrain from glaring at all of them. “The loss of my sister Aria will forever be a scar inflicted upon our kingdom.” Voices quieted down further at the mention of the late Princess. “My time in the castle has been used to forge me into the best prince I can be—the best leader I can be, and I cannot wait to serve you as my parents have.”

There was more cheering, and I couldn’t help but join in. I hadn’t seen Silas present as a prince since the day I discovered who he was. And what a prince he was. He was everything and more than what I had imagined Silas La’Rune to be. I still couldn’t believe he was mine…that he wanted me.

For now, anyway.

I sighed and pushed away the thought.

“Now we enter a new era—one where Otacia is stronger than ever before. Where we have obtained more territories to strengthen our defenses, where trade has boosted our economies.” He spoke like a true prince—a true leader. He cleared his throat. “I know those in the Outer Ring still have not fully reaped the benefits of our kingdom’s success.”

At that comment, the King shot a glare at Silas from behind.

“But my promise to you, dear citizens of the Outer Ring,” he resumed, “is that conditions will improve, and you will flourish. I see it as one of my most important ambitions.” Those surrounding me, fellow Outer Ring citizens, erupted into a cheer, those of higher class merely clapping. The King shifted his glare from Silas to the crowd, and his frown remained. The Queen was grinning and applauding.

I hope Silas won’t get in trouble for that statement.

“Oh, I’m sure he will,” Torrin spoke in my mind.

I wanted to scream at him to get out of my head again, but his statement caught me off guard.

Will he hurt him?

“I’m not sure what goes down between the King and Prince, but I know their relationship isn’t exactly a loving one. I can’t imagine him going off script will go over well.”

That I did know. Silas had told me he and his father were never close, that just as his father expected him to treat him as the King, he treated Silas as the Prince. Father and son were secondary, if not even considered.

I swallowed and felt my stomach drop as the King stepped forward. Mercifully, his scowl had disappeared, replaced by his usual indifference. Ryia also began to trek along until all three were next to one another, Silas in the middle.

“Citizens of the Center, we look forward to seeing you at the castle’s celebration in honor of Silas's coming of age,” Ulric spoke, the excitement from the front of the crowd booming. Of course, only the wealthiest and most elite were invited.

“Thank you all for gathering here today. I look forward to serving you.” Silas beamed and bowed, and after immense applause, the three of them, followed by their guards, went back inside the castle.

The guards blocking off the Outer Ring began to usher us back, and we all began the descent to our homes.

I already knew about the celebratory ball from Silas, but I couldn’t help but feel sad I couldn’t go, even if the less attention, the better. It was another reminder that despite everything, this life with him I dreamed up was not a possibility.

I was outside our cottage, tending the garden in the early afternoon sun later that day, enjoying one of the last days of warmth before the autumn breeze had me snuggled up in much warmer clothes.

I wore a light blue dress Silas had bought me, simple enough not to draw too much attention but beautiful all the same. It stopped just below my knees, was tight around the waist and bust, and was held up by two thin straps. My hair was up in a ponytail to avoid having hair blowing in my face as I worked.

As I snipped herbs and placed them in my basket, I began to hear gasping. I wiped my forehead, looked toward the commotion, and my eyes widened when I saw Otacian soldiers headed down our road. I quickly stumbled, running to the front of my home and getting in the same kneeling position as those around me.

Sweat trailed down my forehead. I stared at the ground, the sound of hushed whispering and the clacking of horses’ hooves against the cobblestone audible.

Why were soldiers coming down here?

I remained in my kneeling position and tensed when the horses stopped in front of my cottage. “Is this the home of Minerva and Lena Daelyra?” asked a familiar voice. I quickly glanced up to see Silas grinning, sitting atop a shiny black horse.

I gaped at him, then bit back my grin as best I could. “It is,” I replied as I stood. A soldier to my left then waltzed over, placing two large packages on our doorstep.

“Gifts from the royal family. You are invited to the celebration tonight in honor of your family’s successful business.”

My eyes felt like they would bulge out of my head, and I met eyes with Torrin, who was behind Silas on an equally magnificent white horse.

“Looks like you’ll be coming to the ball after all.”

My eyes darted back to Silas. “Thank you, Your Highness.” I breathed, bowing low .

When I raised my head, I was met with his extended arm. My eyes shot to his in confusion, but he just continued smiling. Hesitantly, I slid my hand into his, and he raised it while leaning down, giving it a soft kiss. I could hear gasps from my neighbors, who were all outside, witnessing something completely unheard of.

It was wild enough that the Queen would sometimes grace us with her presence, but the Prince, let alone on his first day of freedom? And to kiss the hand of a lower-class peasant…

I suppose Silas also did this to show he meant what he said—that the Outer Ring was a priority to him.

I felt my face light up, my cheeks burning simultaneously, and Silas gave me that damn lazy smile as he pulled his lips away. I was used to his lips on my body…but in front of all these people …

I couldn’t help but grin wider.

“We shall see you tonight, then,” he purred, and he and his men turned and headed back up to the Center.

I gazed ahead until they were out of view, multiple neighbors rushing over and asking me what had happened.

Market day was nearing its end—its start time having been delayed due to the Prince’s introduction. Mother wasn’t going to believe this when she heard it!

I decided to place the boxes inside on our dining table. I took a peek and was grinning so hard at the sight of two gorgeous gowns that my cheeks hurt. I went to take a shower to get any dirt from gardening off of me. With only hours until the ball, I would need every moment to get ready.