Page 67 of The Throne Seeker

Tristan opened the door for her. “Let me walk you.”

Rose shook her head. “No. He’ll want to see you when he wakes.”

Tristan’s face grew stubborn. “He’ll want to see you, too. Don’t be afraid of my mother.Stay.”

“I won’t stay where I’m not wanted,” she said, despising the rejection.

“I want you here.”

“I know. But she’s right. There’s nothing more I can do. I’ll only be in the way.”

Tristan’s jaw clenched before finally conceding. “I’ll come find you as soon as I can.” He grabbed her hand and drew her into his chest, pressing his lips against hers.

She froze under his touch, shocked that he’d dare with his family just ten feet away, knowing he’d have to face his mother’s wrath later for it. Despite all this, she welcomed it, kissing him back with a longing she didn’t know she had within her.

All too soon, he pulled away, subjecting her lips back to the cold air. “I love you, Rosalie Versalles.”

“And I’m the luckiest woman in the world because of it,” she professed, squeezing his hand before slipping out the door.

Walking down the corridor, she rested a hand on her sword, her thoughts wandering back to the phoenix’s words. He had warned that her journey would be crucial for their realm, that she would need to confront an enemy to protect Vallor’s future. What could that possibly mean? What enemy? How was she to fight against an enemy who she didn’t know?

Rose returned to the grand hall, hoping to find Ingrid and the phoenix, but to her disappointment, they were already gone. She was on her own to decipher the meaning behind the phoenix’s words.

And she had a horrifying feeling that the answers may just alter her life forever.

CHAPTER 30

Rose felt like she’d just fallen asleep when warm yellow rays flooded through the window. She sat up slowly, wondering whether the knock she’d heard was real or just a figment of her imagination.

Another knock came.

“One moment,” she called sleepily.

She snatched a dress, threw it on, and went to unlock the door. As soon as she opened it, Tristan embraced her.

“He pulled through,” he said as his face buried into her hair. “We did it. He’s alive.”

She sighed in relief as she gripped him. “Thank the gods. I was so worried.”

“He wants to see you. He’s been asking ever since he woke… But first, how are you?” Tristan asked, his hands cupping her face as he searched her eyes.

“I’m fine,” she said, sliding her hand onto his wrist.

His thumb stroked her cheek tenderly. “I don’t believe you.”

Her gaze fell away from his. How was she supposed to explain how she’d sensed the danger at the ceremony? It had all happened so fast. She’d barely caught a glimpse of the man’s face before the arrow flew. Her eyes were sure it was Xavier, but hermind argued that it was impossible. He had been so far away, so how could she be sure? He had been banished and would be killed on sight if caught in Cathan. It couldn’t have been him… or could it? The question created a whole new dread in her heart.

“What’s wrong?” Tristan asked, his brow pinching together at her hesitation.

“Nothing. Really. I’m just… trying to wrap my head around what happened yesterday.” She observed his sunken eyes. “How are you?” She reversed the question, placing her hand in his as he dropped them from her face.

Tristan relaxed at the touch. “Well, I’m alive, thanks to you and Roman. I still have no idea how you managed to see it. It was a miracle.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay,” she said, looking down at his leg. “I should’ve said that already.”

“There’s been a lot going on.” He tucked her messy hair behind her ear, his voice becoming more raw. “You scared me yesterday with the phoenix; I thought it was burning you alive. I went to you, but Ingrid assured me you were okay.”

“She was right. I think it… it bonded us in a way.” Her eyes met his. “Have you told anyone?”