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Chapter 10
Theo
Through the arched windows along the corridor of Brightwick, the sun dips behind the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. Sunsets in Lux are breathtaking because the limestone buildings reflect sunlight, creating the illusion of a glowing kingdom.
I pass only a handful of people as I walk the gray stone halls heading to my father’s chambers. Most servants are busy with evening tasks, and the guards are probably half-drunk by now.
I take a moment to draw in a deep breath before opening a set of heavy oak chamber doors. I prepare myself for the different possible outcomes of this meeting.
When the general found me earlier, I was stationed at the back door of Brightwick overlooking the river below, lost in the memories of laughter and love. A time when I was happy and dreamed of being a scholar.
My father’s harsh, deep voice pulled me back to the present. I would have much rather been daydreaming about the day of my first kiss than dealing with him. He told me to meet him before sundown in his chambers to discuss new information regarding the stolen amulet.
I send up a silent prayer to Astra, hoping my father’s going to tell me that we’ve received the break we need to get the amulet back and spare my men’s lives. Gods know we’ve lost enough already.
Opening the doors, I step into my father’s chambers. The quarters are sparse, with no personal items to be found—only a desk piled high with paperwork, and a large bed draped in elegant indigo sheets and far too many pillows for one person.
A long, dark wood table sits to the right side of his entryway, framed with four high-back, throne-style chairs. My father has always been one for proving his status through extravagant possessions. He believes money and power can get you everything in the realm.
I take a seat in a chair along the side of the table, knowing my father will take one at the head. While I wait, I take in how cold and empty the quarters feel—fitting for my father.
There was a time when warmth poured from this space. My mother’s lilac scent and gentle presence filled the quarters. I wonder what I would have become if my mother was still alive. She always said I could do anything, and that my destiny was beyond this kingdom. Maybe I could have been a scholar like I had dreamed. Teaching great minds all the knowledge of our kingdom. My days could have been filled with reading and researching a variety of subjects.
But the fates had other plans for me. Losing my mother at a young age was difficult, but even that didn’t prepare me for losing the love of my life a few years later, and then losing her mother.
Eleanor Clarke, with her beaming smile, wavy, auburn hair, and green eyes the shade of the pines along the mountains, was like a second mother to me. After my mother died suddenly from an unknown illness, Eleanor stepped in to ensure I still saw kindness and love as my mother would have wanted.
When we lost her daughter, we were both consumed with grief but found comfort in the time we spent together. Then she was gone, too. Someone evil took her from me three years later.
The castle seemed to tremble with grief the night of Eleanor’s murder, and, as if by the cruel decree of the gods, I was left alone with my cold, heartless father.
The door swings open and General Arthur Kincaid steps into the room, interrupting my trip down memory lane. He’s still dressed in his royal uniform from court earlier today, as regal as ever.
My father embodies everything of a true royal guard. After joining at age fourteen, he fought, deceived, and killed his way through the ranks. Eventually, he caught the attention of King Leopold, who saw his fierceness and knew he could use it to his advantage. Before the age of thirty, the king promoted my father to his current rank of general.
Now approaching fifty, he wears his battle scars proudly across almost every inch of his body. His gray hair and long beard add to the burly persona. Being an inch shorter than me and nearly as muscular as men half his age only amplifies his terrifying look.
My father’s drive has always been a thorn between us. His long-set desire is for me to follow in his footsteps into the guard and rise through the ranks to be his second in command.
The general takes a seat in the head chair, as I expected. He’s always so predictable. He sits with all the arrogance of a lethal warrior, practically lounging in the seat. I interlace my hands on the table.
“Why won’t the king dig into food reserves to lessen the burden on the villagers?” I ask the question that’s been burning in my mind since court this morning.
People from all over Lux packed the throne room, their body odor choking out the fresh air. Everyone wanted to know what King Leopold plans to do if the drought doesn’t end soon. Farmers are losing sections of their crops daily now and dread is spreading.
The king, however, announced no plans to lessen the burden for his people. While I’m loyal to the divinus of Lux, I rarely agree with his lack of empathy or care for his people. One day, Junie will become our queen, and our people will be grateful for a kind ruler.
“The drought will end as soon as we get the amulet back. It’s no coincidence it started right after those vile people stole from us. Astra is angry someone dared to steal from her divinus, and now we’re all paying the price for their actions,” he answers aggressively.
Distaste for Umbra and its hellion rings clear in his voice.
I shift in the uncomfortable, stiff chair, ready to be back in my chambers for the evening.
“You mentioned you had new information on the amulet. What is it?” I ask, not wanting to extend my time here longer than necessary.
He gives me the all-too-familiar assessing look, as if he finds me lacking.
