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Groaning softly, Anthea pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to stave off the dull throb in her head. Flashes of the unsettling nightmares plagued her thoughts, making her grimace. Every time she closed her eyes, haunting visions replayed—twisted faces, echoed screams, the blood.
She shuddered.
Pulling the blanket around her tightly, she looked around the room. The soft golden hues of the morning sun streamed through the room’s lone window, creating patterns on the wooden floor. Elegant, copper drapes hung on either side, their tassels gently swaying with the morning breeze. The walls were a rich shade of earthen brown.
She swung her legs off the bed, her feet landing on a plush, soft rug. Anthea raked through the tangled mass of her hair with trembling fingers, trying to tame it into something presentable. The dress she had worn last night clung to her in rumpled folds. Taking a deep breath to bolster her courage, she paused for a moment before pushing open the door. The sight of Eldrion, engrossed in a book, took her by surprise. The soft morning light made him look serene. Almost domestic.
His eyes flicked up to her, darting over her disheveled appearance and lingering on her puffy eyes. Anthea swallowed as she stood by the door, thinking back on the previous two occasions they had been alone. Would he say anything about it? Should she? She fidgeted with her hands.
He closed his book and put it away. “We leave tonight,” he merely said, eyes still studying her. “Eat, rest, gather your strength.” He gestured toward a dark brown armchair, where a folded garment lay. “There’s a dress for you there. Wear it. It’s more . . . comfortable than what you have on. As for tonight . . .” he added, pointing to a sleek, black dress draped over the chair’s back, “that one.”
They weren’t going to talk about any of it. Maybe it was for the best. Anthea glanced at the simpler dress he had indicated, grateful for the change. The ornate gown from the previous night felt like a burdensome reminder of the horrors she had witnessed. She offered him a small nod, before walking to the chair and gathering the clothes. Anthea felt his eyes on her the whole time, felt the lingering sensation as she closed the door behind her.
As Anthea changed into the woolen gray dress, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. The material was comforting against her skin, warm and soft. Taking a few moments to freshen up, she splashed cool water on her face, willing away the residue of last night’s memories.
She forced down a modest meal left for her. She would need the energy. Would need the strength for the following days. They were going to follow through with the plan. That was good. Her misstep hadn’t changed that. Anthea felt relieved. She had a chance to make a difference. To save the next ones?—
Evening draped its shadowy cloak over the world as she got dressed. The black, lacy dress she had been given was undeniably beautiful, yet it seemed utterly impractical for the cold autumn air. Its design left little to the imagination. Anthea traced her fingers on the lace detailing around her cleavage, wishing for something more substantial. But that was the part she had to play?—
She wondered how they would sneak her out of the castle.
Gazing into the mirror, Anthea attempted to fashion her hair into a braided updo. Her hands trembled slightly as she wove the plaits. The final look was a bit more disheveled than she would have liked, but under the circumstances, it was passable. It was tight enough to hold for the journey. She stilled. Muffled voices came from the main room. Endreth’s familiar timbre carried a hint of unease. Quickly, she grabbed the golden collar and headed for the door.
As she stepped out, the conversation between Endreth and Eldrion paused, and Endreth’s blue eyes met hers. He was dressed in a dark gray tunic adorned with silver embroidery, his auburn hair, trimmed to the nape of his neck, gleaming under the bright light. Anthea's gaze swept over the elves—two beautiful males, their attention focused on her. Somehow, both had managed to get under her skin. Her gaze shifted from Endreth to Eldrion; they were of exactly the same height, towering over her. The Nephrite warrior was dressed more finely than she had ever seen him, in a black tunic with silver detailing, worn over a white, silky blouse. She glanced down at her dress; the shades of black matched.
The Crimson prince took a step closer. Gently, almost hesitantly, he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Anthea . . . I’m sorry I made you watch what happened last night. Truly.”
She offered a small, feigned smile. “Don't worry about it. If anything, it gave me an extra boost in motivation.”
His answering grimace was tight; he had learned to read her expressions too well. "Are you ready for tonight?" he asked instead, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
“Yes.” Glancing down at her lace dress, she added, “Although, I’m not sure hiking up the mountains in this was part of the plan.”
“It’s just for the walk inside the fortress. Once we’re out of sight, you’ll change into something more . . . practical.” Eldrion’s low grumble answered from the side. Anthea wanted to ask how far she would have to hike in this lacy number, but Endreth’s hand on hers distracted her. The Crimson prince took the golden necklace still clasped into her hand. His fingers brushed against her collarbone as he fastened the collar around her neck.
“One last time,” he said.
One last time. That sounded good. Never again would she have to wear this. She traced her fingers on the hard metal?—
“Did it cause any problems? Me leaving the way I did?”
Endreth shook his head. “I handled it,” he said, though there was an edge to his voice. Whatever he needed to do to make it right—he wasn’t happy about it. Seeing her concerned expression, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I told those who asked I had grown tired of you and Eldrion had taken an interest. And I let him have you.” He looked slightly pained admitting it. “But don’t worry, it works in our favor—it gives us an excuse for Eldrion to be seen with you around the fortress tonight.” As he said this, she glanced at the Nephrite warrior, gauging his reaction. His face was a stone mask, utterly unreadable, as he kept his eyes on the Crimson prince. If Anthea didn’t know better, it almost seemed like he was avoiding her gaze. Then Endreth moved, and before she could react, she was wrapped tightly in his embrace. The warmth of his body and the familiar scent of the sea enveloped her, his heart racing in tandem with her own.
“Promise me you won’t do anything impulsive or reckless out there,” he whispered fiercely. “And please, listen to Eldrion. Do as he says.”
Anthea nodded against his chest. “I promise.”
Endreth pulled back, his gaze locking onto Eldrion’s. “Keep her safe.”
Gray eyes flickered to Anthea, the hard edge in there softening momentarily before he met Endreth’s gaze again. “I will,” he said.
Endreth kissed the top of her head, and stepped away. She blinked rapidly, fighting against the tears threatening to spill. It felt like a goodbye. Was he saying goodbye? She refused to let the tears fall—she was so done with feeling weak. Forcing a bright smile onto her face, she met his gaze, as deep and tumultuous as the ocean.
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
Another tight grimace—somehow, she couldn’t deceive him anymore.
