Page 16 of Warrior Princess (Blood Weaver Trilogy #3)

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A fter ensuring that the bodies of our fallen warriors were securely transported back to the Grasslands, we returned to the last place I thought I’d ever see again—my clinic. It stood quietly in the heart of Lomewood, its familiar structure offering a sense of solace despite the somber reason for our visit.

The clinic was exactly as I had left it, save for a layer of dust that coated the wooden counters and the shelves lined with neatly labeled bottles of herbs and medicines. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting beams across the worn wooden floors and the modest, sturdy furniture that had seen countless patients and many long nights of care.

The door creaked softly as we entered, and I was hit by a wave of nostalgia. No one had disturbed the space in my absence; it was a small mercy amidst the chaos of recent events. I walked through the rooms, each step raising a small puff of dust from the floor.

Leaving the men downstairs, I took a much-needed bath, washing away the grime and stress of the past few days. Slipping into clean clothes felt like donning a piece of my old life, one that was familiar and comforting. Silas, ever thoughtful, volunteered to fetch some food from the market, leaving Ronan and me alone in the quiet clinic.

The silence that enveloped the room was heavy, filled with unspoken thoughts and shared grief. Ronan paced slowly around the clinic, examining the jars of dried herbs and the various medical instruments I had left in their proper places. His hands occasionally brushed against the surfaces, tracing the contours of my world with gentle reverence.

“It feels like a lifetime ago that we were here,” I murmured, watching Ronan carefully replace a jar of dried lavender back onto the shelf.

He paused and turned toward me, his eyes reflecting a blend of nostalgia and sorrow. “It does,” he agreed softly. “It's peaceful here, despite everything.” His voice carried a wistful undertone, as if he longed for the days when our concerns were more mundane.

I nodded and managed a sad smile. “It is. Times were simpler back then.” The memories of those days seemed like pages from another life, one far removed from the complexities and dangers we now faced daily.

“Things will get better, Leila. I promise,” Ronan said with conviction as he approached and folded me in a warm embrace. He gently brushed a lock of hair from my face and planted a soft kiss on my lips, his touch rekindling a spark of hope within me. “What do you want to do before we leave for the Grasslands tomorrow?”

We had agreed to spend the night here in Lomewood before heading back. For a split second, I wondered whether I should just go straight to Valoria since we were so close to the border. My father had been exceptionally quiet, and it seemed strange that he didn’t come to my aid while I was being held hostage in Keldara. Especially when the king sent a letter… Then again, if Caelan intercepted one letter, it was highly probable he would have intercepted others.

“Hmm… why don’t we stop by Anna’s bakery for some mooncakes and check out the Rose Petal Lounge for A Thousand Roses wine?” I suggested, forcing a grin. The thought of indulging in some of my favorite treats offered a brief respite from the darker thoughts that lingered at the back of my mind.

Ronan chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “In other words, you want food and drink. Is that all you think about?” he teased, playfully raising an eyebrow.

“No,” I retorted softly. “I think about you, too.”

Ronan’s response was immediate and fervent. He grabbed my face and kissed me passionately, his hands framing my cheeks. I responded with equal fervor, pulling him closer by the leather of his jacket, lost in the moment.

The door to the clinic swung open with a creak and Silas entered, halting abruptly when he saw us entangled. “Ah!” he exclaimed, quickly turning around to give us privacy. “Apologies; I should have knocked.”

I laughed, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks as I stepped back from Ronan, who let out a playful groan of disappointment. “No, it’s fine,” I assured Silas, who cautiously turned back to face us. “What did you bring us to eat?”

Silas, now fully composed, grinned and handed me a bag filled with food. “Some meat, bread, and of course, some mooncakes.” He winked, nodding toward the bag.

“Thank the goddess,” I murmured, eagerly digging into the bag and pulling out a mooncake.

As we settled into a comfortable routine, Silas's expression turned thoughtful. He began to pace slowly around the room. “I’ve been thinking,” he started, his brow furrowed in concern. “Don’t we find it strange that Caelan had Ellyndor soldiers with him?”

I stopped mid-bite as my earlier unease returned. “I was trying not to remember,” I admitted quietly.

“I think he has a secret army,” Ronan interjected, his voice low and serious. “ And an agreement with Ellyndor. They usually don’t get involved with anyone outside their borders, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were supporting him. He is half fae, after all.”

The room fell silent as we considered the implications, and the burden of our situation settled around us once again. If Caelan was in cahoots with Ellyndor, this wouldn’t end well for anyone.

That evening, we left Silas behind and headed toward the pleasure house called the Rose Petal, where I’d spent many long hours. The lounge was renowned in the region for its opulence and the secretive delights it offered to those who frequented its softly lit halls. As Ronan and I approached the grand entrance flanked by tall, velvety curtains the color of deep wine, I felt a pang of nostalgia. Memories of Selene, who once worked within these walls, surfaced unbidden, mingling with concerns about her current well-being back in Valoria with Marcellus… as well as little Henry, who was back home waiting for me.

The interior of the Rose Petal was a vision of luxury and discreet charm. Low, golden lighting cast a warm glow over plush, oversized seating areas that invited whispered conversations and clandestine meetings. The air was perfumed with the subtle scent of exotic flowers and the richer, underlying notes of fruity wine that seemed to permeate every corner.

As we entered, the soft murmur of conversations and the distant, melodious strains of a string quartet added to the lounge’s dusky allure, creating an atmosphere that was both relaxing and slightly intoxicating. I tightened my grip on Ronan’s hand as we navigated through the elegantly dressed patrons and scantily clad women.

We settled into a shadowed booth in the back, away from the most frequented paths of the girls. The soft flicker of candles emitted a gentle glow against the lush velvet drapes and rich mahogany furniture. The air was perfumed with a mixture of sweet incense and the heady aroma of aged wines, creating a clandestine atmosphere that was both inviting and mysterious. As Ronan and I discussed our next moves, our conversation was underscored by the muffled clinking of glasses and the low hum of the lounge’s patrons, each engaged in their own discreet exchanges.

“Do you think we should write to Orion?” I suggested quietly. “Maybe he can tell us a bit more about Ellyndor’s involvement with Caelan.”

Ronan looked pensive. “Why do you think he would know more than we do?” His voice was pitched low to match the hushed ambiance of the lounge.

“Well,” I began, unfolding a silk napkin onto my lap as I collected my thoughts, “before Caelan requested my hand in marriage at the banquet, Orion was just about to tell me something important. He already knew what Caelan had in mind. I didn’t think much of it until this morning, but now I wonder.”

“Do you think Orion is involved?” Ronan asked.

I shrugged. “I find it odd that whenever I found myself embroiled with Caelan while in the Central Plains, Orion was nowhere to be found. Yet he was supposed to protect me, according to the promise he made to Sir Edric. I don’t know, maybe it’s nothing. But as I look back at things, his words and actions don’t add up.”

The implications hung between us, profound with potential meanings and unexplored leads. Ronan’s expression grew more serious, his eyes scanning the lounge as if seeing it anew, considering it not just a place of leisure but a potential ground for gathering crucial information.

“If we contact him, then we’re at risk of letting Caelan know we’re looking into him. We can’t trust Orion.” Ronan’s brow was furrowed as he leaned across the table, his voice barely above a whisper.

I snorted softly, the skepticism clear in my tone. “You’re not wrong, but Orion is different. He made a pact with Sir Edric to protect me. I don’t think he’d do anything to harm me. At least, I hope not.”

Ronan chewed on his lower lip, visibly torn. “I don’t know, Leila. What if—”

His words trailed off as one of Madam Rose’s girls approached our table, her movements fluid and mesmerizing. She was scantily clad, her attire leaving little to the imagination, and her face was veiled, though her obscured features only added to her allure. The sheer cloth covering her nose and mouth rendered her unrecognizable.

Ronan raised an eyebrow and his posture stiffened. “And you are?” he inquired, his tone filled with caution.

“I’m a… friend,” the dancer replied cryptically, her voice a melodic whisper as she swayed gracefully in front of Ronan. He shifted uncomfortably and attempted to maintain a respectful distance. “Relax.” She chuckled, her voice tinged with amusement. “I know you’re taken, but for appearances' sake, I need to entertain,” she continued, her dance hypnotic.

“Who are you?” I pressed, my curiosity piqued. “I don’t recognize you, and I know all the girls here.”

Her laughter rang out, light and seemingly genuine. “I’m… new. But I have some information that could be valuable to you.”

“Which is…?” I prodded, eager to cut through her mysterious act.

She wagged a finger seductively. “All in due time, Princess Lyanna .”

Both Ronan and I stiffened, instantly alert. “How do you know who I am?” I demanded, my voice sharp.

She smirked, her eyes twinkling with secrets behind her veil. “I know all about you, and I can be of service to your cause.”

“I have no cause,” I countered, wary of her intentions.

“Well, you should.” She drifted closer, her movements sinuous. “As you’ve already figured out, Prince Caelan is working with Ellyndor. But it’s more than that… He has a secret army there, just waiting for him to say the word.”

Ronan’s gaze snapped to mine, his expression one of shock and concern. “A secret army?”

The dancer nodded, her glittery eyes serious. “It’s all part of his plan to unite Asteria under one nation— his nation.”

I shook my head in disbelief. “No. He can’t do that!”

“He can and he will, if we don’t do anything about it,” she asserted firmly as she wrapped her sheer scarf around me playfully while continuing to dance. “You may not remember me, Lyanna, but we used to play as children.”

I frowned and wracked my brain. There weren’t many princesses with whom I’d interacted with as a child. One name came to mind. “Avery?” I studied her as she lowered her veil and winked.

“I see you do remember.” A mischievous smile played on her full lips as she glanced around to ensure no one was paying attention to our exchange.

“Avery?” Ronan echoed, looking between us in confusion.

I nodded. “Princess Avery, to be precise—Caelan’s little sister.”

I wasn’t sure it was possible for Ronan to look more shocked. In a heartbeat, his expression shifted to one of guarded skepticism. “How can we trust you?” he asked, his hand reaching out to me protectively.

Avery snorted lightly, a sound that was both amused and dismissive. “Relax, I won’t harm your woman. I’m merely here looking for an alliance.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite the situation. “An alliance? Are you trying to claim the throne?”

“Yes,” Avery admitted with a nod. “You were always quick witted, Lyanna. Yes, I’m secretly fighting against my brothers because they’re all morons.”

I chuckled and the tension eased slightly. “Does Caelan know?”

She shook her head, her expression turning serious. “No. They’re all clueless.”

Ronan frowned as he glanced around the Rose Petal. “How did you know we’d be here?”

Avery smirked. “I have eyes and ears everywhere. I’ve been following you since you arrived in the Central Plains. But all that aside, I have information you need, Lyanna.”

“Okay, what is it?” I leaned forward, my interest piqued.

Avery leaned in closer and lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Now, now, I can’t just give this information out freely. I need you to do something for me.”

I frowned, suddenly wary of the implications. “So we’re negotiating now? What do you need?”

She draped herself across our table, her manner seductive as she played her role to perfection, causing Ronan to avert his gaze uncomfortably. “Caelan isn’t the only one with a secret army,” she murmured. “I have my own, composed of women from all over Asteria.”

My eyes widened at the revelation. “Is that so?”

“Yes. You've even met one of them,” Avery said, her tone somber. “Tessa.”

I gasped, and my surprise turned to shock. “Tessa?” My voice rose above the low hum of the lounge, drawing a few curious glances from nearby patrons.

“Leila,” Ronan cautioned, his hand gently squeezing mine under the table, a silent plea for discretion.

Avery nodded gravely. “Yes, Tessa was one of ours. Unfortunately, as you're already aware, she's no longer with us—Caelan's doing.”

I struggled to process this information as the pieces of a puzzle I didn’t even know I was assembling fell into place. “How? Tessa was Valorian. She wouldn’t have betrayed her own people—”

“She wasn’t a traitor,” Avery interrupted firmly, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and pain. “Tessa fought for peace across Asteria. She worked to ensure that those who shouldn’t wield power would not. She never betrayed Valoria.”

Realization slowly dawned on me. Tessa's actions, her motivations—so much about her remained a mystery, revealing shades of a person I realized I’d never truly known. My mind raced with questions. Did Viktor know about her affiliations? It seemed improbable that he would place her with me if he had known.

“Are there others I know who are part of this secret army?” I asked, pitching my voice low, mindful of the eager ears around us.

Avery smirked as she looked across the room and nodded toward a corner. I followed her gaze to see Madam Rose watching us intently. She sent us a little wave and a smile before turning away.

My mouth fell open with a gasp. “Madam Rose?”

Avery nodded. “She’s a good source of information, as much of it passes through the Rose Petal. Didn’t you find it strange that she never turned you in to the governor when she caught you in her establishment when you were being hunted by my brother?” She raised a brow.

More puzzle pieces were falling into place, but still. Madam Rose hadn’t necessarily been a friend, either. “Anyone else?”

Avery shook her head. “No, you don’t know any others. But I’m currently facing a dilemma.”

Ronan, ever pragmatic, cut to the heart of the matter. “What do you need from us?”

She exhaled heavily, the weight of her burden apparent. “The governor of the Central Plains, who as you know is under Caelan's influence, has two of my operatives in custody. They were caught spying on him and his movements.”

“And what do you want us to do?” I prodded, a sinking feeling in my stomach.

“I need you to help free them,” Avery stated matter-of-factly. “They possess critical information that we both need.”

Ronan's brows knitted together in concern. “Who are these operatives?”

With a slight smirk, Avery revealed, “They're both women—one from Keldara and the other from the Crimson Clan.”

Ronan’s reaction was immediate and fierce. “What? You have operatives from the Grasslands?”

“Quiet!” Avery hushed him, placing a finger to her lips. “I don't have any of your warriors... I have women whom your people have discarded as useless.”

Ronan's expression darkened, his voice a low growl. “No one from our lands is useless.”

Avery shrugged nonchalantly. “Regardless, these women have intercepted information vital to our cause. We need to act before Caelan decides to execute them.”

Skeptical of her true motives, I asked, “Why can't you handle this yourself?”

Avery sighed, frustration evident in her posture. “I can’t expose myself to Caelan just yet. And I can’t risk losing more of my people here in the Central Plains.”

“Do you have more operatives here?” I pressed, trying to gauge the extent of her network.

She nodded but remained silent as her gaze drifted to the flickering candles creating dancing shadows across the lounge’s walls. The implications of her network, her plans, and the dangers they posed hung heavily in the air, adding a layer of complexity to an already perilous situation.

“So, you expect us to risk our lives for your cause?” I challenged Avery with a dubious arch of my brow. The idea seemed reckless, especially with Caelan's forces likely on high alert. “Doesn't sound particularly beneficial to us. Caelan could just decide to kill us.”

Avery chuckled, a sound that carried a mixture of amusement and confidence. “Caelan wouldn’t dare kill you... Him , perhaps,” she nodded slightly toward Ronan, “but never you , Lyanna.”

“How can you be so sure of that?” I pressed, needing to understand her certainty.

“Because he needs you. To solidify his power over Valoria, he must marry you. With you by his side, he would control Valoria, Eldwain, the Central Plains, and Ellyndor. That would leave only the Grasslands and Keldara outside his grasp.”

Ronan interjected with a hint of doubt tainting his usually firm tone. “He’ll never manage to overtake two of the strongest nations in Asteria.”

Avery smirked, her expression one of knowing. “That’s what you think now, but imagine when three nations combine their forces against you. And if I’m not mistaken, Keldara is currently dealing with a civil war after their king’s death. It won’t be pretty.”

Ronan clenched his jaw, unable to conceal his frustration. He wanted to refute her claim, but the potential reality of her words was very real.

“Fine. If we agree to save your operatives, what's in it for us?” I demanded, unwilling to proceed without a clear benefit.

“Now we’re talking!” Avery leaned in, her gaze intensifying. “I have critical information about King Malik,” she whispered conspiratorially. The flickering candlelight played across her features, softening the harsh lines of her face.

I leaned forward, suddenly very interested in what she had to say. “What about my father?”

“He's in danger. Once you free my operatives, I'll tell you more.” Her hazel eyes, so similar to Caelan’s, locked on mine with a serious undertone to her otherwise playful demeanor. I saw tendrils of silver hair tucked beneath the red wig she wore to hide her identity.

Outraged, I nearly leapt from my seat. Only Ronan’s firm grip on my arm kept me in place. He shook his head, silently urging caution.

“If—and this is a big if —we agree to this, we'll need more than just a promise of information,” Ronan bargained, his voice low and steady.

Avery’s smile broadened. “Fair enough. In addition to the information about your father, I'll provide another piece of intel, equally valuable. But I can't divulge it just yet.”

I was eager to wrap up the conversation and move forward. “Where are your operatives being held?”

“In the dungeons.” Avery tilted her head, her expression unreadable. “I believe you’re quite familiar with them.”

Of course, she knew about my past imprisonment there. What didn’t she know?

Ronan whispered to me, “We can consult Silas about how he managed to get in to rescue you.”

Nodding in agreement, I turned back to Avery and extended my hand to her. “Fine. You have a deal.”

Her hand clasped mine firmly. “Pleasure doing business with you, Princess Lyanna.” The warmth of her grip belied the cold calculation in her eyes, reminding me that in this game of thrones, trust was a luxury we couldn’t afford.