Page 39 of Winds of Darkness
He placed the writing instrument back into the pot of ink before sitting back in his chair and sighing. His eyes wandered to the open veranda, the gauzy curtains tied back so he could see the waves off in the distance. It’d been six days since Princess Ashtine had been here, and it still bothered him how things had been left. His Court may be part of the Western Courts and hers part of the Eastern Courts, but that didn’t mean he didn’t like to keep good relations with them. There was enough tension between the Fire and Earth Courts without creating a rift between the Water and Wind Courts.
He’d thought about sending her a message, but he wasn’t sure how it would be perceived. She interpreted the world differently than the rest of them did. He didn’t want his word choice to be misunderstood. Speaking to her in person would be the most ideal, but he didn’t know how to set up that type of meeting without alerting the rest of her Court that she had been here. She clearly wanted that to be kept a secret.
A dinner invitation perhaps? But for what? He’d need to come up with a reason. And why was this so godsdamn difficult? He’d never had a problem communicating with the other Royals before.
Fuck it.
He’d just go to the Wind Court and see if he could speak with her. Say something about needing to …
What was he thinking? He couldn’t simplygoto another Court without invitation. Certainly not without some type of courtesy message. The Fire Court? Sure. He and Sorin were close friends and had grown up together. The Wind and Earth Courts? Absolutely not.
With another frustrated sigh, he got to his feet and made his way out to the veranda, leaning against the railing. The sound of the crashing waves usually settled him, but not today. He needed to visit with her. There would be no comforting this unease until he did. It was inexplicable, and, quite frankly, rather annoying that their interaction had taken up so much of his time and energy these last days. On top of all that, if she knew of a credible threat to the Courts, that needed to be discussed.
At least that was what he told himself as he sent a message to Sawyer, Neve, and Nakoa letting them know he was leaving for a bit before conjuring a water portal and stepping into the Wind Court.
He instantly regretted the brash decision when the icy wind of the Shira Cliffs whipped around him. He was in a lightweight tunic and pants, made for the sun and beaches. But he was already here, and there were likely wards alerting Ashtine and her Court. If he simply left, they’d be at his door within the day asking what he’d been doing there. He’d look even more suspicious if he left at this point. Swiping a hand down his face, he moved to face the consequences of his impulsive behavior.
Such impulsiveness was not a normal character trait for him, yet here he was, trying to think of a rational excuse for being in another Court without a moment’s notice. He made his way across the stone bridge that stretched across a cavern leading to the Wind Citadel. The domes of the various towers of the fortress reached into the clouds, the Citadel sitting atop the highest cliffs. He didn’t even have time to knock before the main doorwas thrown open, and he stood face-to-face with Sion, the Wind Court General.
The male’s light grey eyes studied him, narrowed in suspicion, and rightfully so. His black hair was cut short, and Briar could see the hilt of his sword over his shoulder. Thick arms were crossed over a broad chest, and he said nothing. Just stared at Briar.
“Sion,” Briar greeted, falling into his role of prince with practiced ease. “I apologize for the unannounced visit.”
“Then what is the purpose of it?”
The demand came from Renly, who appeared at Sion’s side. The male wasn’t as muscled as Sion and was a little taller, but the small vortex of wind swirling at his fingertips wasn’t missed. A reminder of where he was and that, in this place, Briar was not the greatest threat.
Then again, the greatest threat here was the princess housed within the walls of the Citadel.
But Briar smiled warmly, nodding in greeting. “That is a matter I need to speak directly with Princess Ashtine about.”
Renly’s lip curled into a small sneer. “Then arrange a meeting like anyone else.”
“Ah, but I’m not just anyone else, am I?” Briar replied. There was no threat in his voice, but the intention of the words was clear as he held Renly’s stare. The pair of them straightened, as if they suddenly remembered exactly who he was.
“You expect us to simply let you speak to the princess unannounced without just cause?” Sion asked.
Briar’s smile turned sharp. “You can announce me all you like, but if she is here, I will insist on seeing her unless she is indisposed.”
Sion glanced at Renly. “Do you want to consult Ermir?”
Renly continued to stare at Briar. “Ermir is out at the moment.” Stepping to the side, he added, “But please come in out of the cold as we discuss this further, Prince.”
Briar nodded in thanks, grateful as the door shut out the chill behind him. It may be the summer season, but this far north never saw the heat of his own Court. They didn’t say anything about Ashtine not being here, which gave him hope he could make amends with the princess and stop worrying about it. Then he could focus on the countless other things that demanded his attention.
“Can we get you anything?” Renly asked as Briar took in the grand foyer of the Citadel. It had been some time since he’d been here.
“Only an audience with the princess,” Briar answered.
“And you will not let us inform her of what this impromptu meeting pertains to?”
Briar shook his head. “It is of a sensitive nature.”
Renly seemed to debate his next words, but he finally turned to Sion. “Send word to Ermir. Let him know the Water Prince is here. I am sure he will be most interested in learning that. I will escort him to the princess.”
Sion nodded, some silent communication passing between him and the Wind Court Third. Sion left, disappearing down one of the corridors off the foyer, while Renly turned to Briar and said, “This way, Prince.”
Each Court had a library, as did the White Halls and Black Halls in the northern and southern parts of the continent, but none of them compared to that of the Wind Court. Its libraries were housed in catacombs beneath the Citadel, spanning the entirety of the structure and beyond. Few knew how big the libraries truly were, only that they were extensive and the Wind Court was extremely protective of the tomes they contained. Visitors were always escorted, never allowed to roam alone, and several areas were closed to outsiders.