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His gray eyes stare into mine as he tilts his head to the side. “What are you thinking?” I take a deep breath and open the drawer of my desk, pulling out a piece of paper and pen.
“I’m going to write a letter to Junie asking her to meet with me in Terra. I have to go there in a few days to speak with Royce regarding the new trade agreement. It would be on neutral ground with fewer concerns about being overheard or watched.” My words are flat as I look down at the blank page.
Nyx steps closer to my desk, placing his hands atop it. “Do you think she will help us and go against her father?”
I bring my gaze back to Nyx.
“I think she will once she learns the truth. Once Theo and Junie have their memories back, there’s nothing Leopold can hold over me anymore. I’m done hiding, Nyx. For Theo. For me. I’m no longer hiding in the shadows. The time of Asher is behind us.” Rage boils deep within me, craving the revenge I so rightly deserve.
His hand squeezes mine. “I’m with you until the very end. Write it and I will portal a messenger to Lux right away,” he encourages, before releasing my hand and leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I stare down at the paper, willing the words to come to me. What can I say to convince her to meet with me? What will I say if she does? I take another deep breath to calm myself, and I write.
Princess Juniper,
Theo is safe. He’s alive and unharmed, finally living like a scholar. There are many things your father has been lying to you about. Things forced to hide in the dark are ready to see the light. If your curious mind still seeks to know the truth, meet me in the tavern of Terra in three days when the sun is at its peak.
Sincerely,
What lurks in the shadows
Satisfied with my letter, I fold it, placing it in an envelope and sealing it closed. I write Junie’s name in script on the front, like I did when we were children. Holding the letter to my chest, I say a prayer to the gods that she will listen and meet with me.
When I leave the council room, Nyx is waiting for me outside the dining hall. I hand over the letter and my adveho ring. He gives me a kiss on the cheek before he’s off to handle my errand. I stroke a strand of hair, trying to ground myself. My anxiety twists my insides like a knotted rope.
The scent of fresh apples drifts in the air, and I find Kira leaning against the wall. I clench my jaw at the sight of her, knowing she’s stalking me. Taking long strides, I storm over to her. A coy smile curves her lips as I near.
“Where’s pretty boy at?” she snarks. My shadows swirl with agitation beneath my skin as I step into her space, towering over her. She stares up at me, disgust twisting her features.
“You’re to stay away from Theo, Kira. That’s an order,” I sneer. Her lips curl back in a snarl, exposing her teeth.
“So protective of a traitorous, pathetic man. I thought you were better than that,” she says, taunting me. I grab her by the throat, shoving her hard into the wall. A mocking smile spreads across her face as I apply pressure.
“If you harm even a hair on his head, I’ll kill you.” I bark at her as my shadows seep from me. They vibrate with annoyance, sending sparks along my skin. Her chestnut eyes don’t break from mine as she glares at me. I want to wipe that cocky smile right off her face.
My shadows ripple as my temper rises. Pebbles roll along the stone as my power surges, hot and untethered. My breath quickens as new depths of my well glow brightly in my mind. It calls to me, asking to be opened.To be set free.
“My queen?” Hiram’s raspy voice sounds from behind us, laced with uncertainty. I drop my hand from Kira’s neck and take a step back. My shadows reluctantly recoil, not finished with this fight.
Kira’s look is sinister, and I hope she doesn’t make me keep my word. A large hand slides along my back as Theo steps beside me. I look up to find him glaring at Kira, jaw flexing. “Go, now,” I bark the order at Kira. She pushes off the wall and strides away, never taking her eyes off Theo.
“Is everything ok?” Theo asks, turning to face me. Hiram joins us, confusion furrowing his brows.
“Where were you?” I look him over, noticing a gleam of sweat on his forehead.
“He was with me, my queen. I’m sorry. We wanted to get a run in before the rain started,” Hiram answers quickly. Theo rubs the back of my hand as I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.He’s here with me. He’s safe.
Theo’s eyes trail over me, and he pulls me into him. I bury my face in his chest, inhaling his sweaty cedar scent. Tears threaten to fall as he rubs my back, trying to soothe my panic.
“I’m going to take her back to her chambers, Hiram. I think she could use a break.” Theo says as he turns us toward my quarters. He holds me tight to him as we make our way down the hall. My arms wrap around his waist, focusing on my breathing. My shadows hum in response to Theo’s touch.
Once in my chambers, Theo sets me down in one of the entry chairs and kneels before me. He lifts my chin gently, so my eyes meet his. “What happened with Kira?” I try to lower my gaze, but he pushes back, preventing it. He stares at me, waiting for an answer.
“Today or in general?” I huff my reply. He blinks slowly at me, not amused. “She’s been stalking us, so I confronted her. It didn’t go well, as you saw.” His hands slide from my chin and rest on my legs.
“Why would she be stalking us?” His question sounds genuine, and I know I should have told him about this before now. “She’s my ex-lover. We had an on and off again, ... um ... relationship, for the past few years. I ended it over a year ago when she said she loved me,” I answer hesitantly but honestly.
Theo’s eyebrows raise as he slowly nods. I take his hands in mine as he seems to process this information. His eyebrows and lips pinch together. “Men and women then?” he asks while narrowing his eyes. I give him a small nod, causing him to let out a sigh.
