Kane was right; Alderic is a good man.
From the moment he reentered the castle—and against Kane’s, his mother’s, and his physician’s demands— he began restoring the kingdom.
Kane stops to chat with an elderly woman selling bouquets of lavender. She hands him a small bundle, and when he places three gold coins in her weathered palm, she tries to hand them back. He shakes his head and turns to me, tucking a fragrant blossom into my hair. I laugh and thank her, my heart swelling with gratitudeand love for this man who forced me to be brave enough to discover myself.
We continue walking, and soon we spot Alderic standing by a group of townsfolk, discussing the plans for rebuilding a section of the marketplace. He looks up as we approach, and his face lights with a genuine smile.
“Kane! Hannah!” Like Kane, Alderic is at least a head taller than everyone around him. That and his golden-blond hair make him hard to miss. “Come here!”
Kane claps Alderic on the back as we join him. “Look at you, back on your feet and already ordering everyone around. Just like old times.”
“Someone had to get things running smoothly. I owe Pentacles that much at least.” Alderic laughs, his eyes creasing at the corners. No longer the electric, icy blue that they were under Four’s control, Alderic’s eyes are a rich, deep blue, the cobalt depths of a tranquil lake. “Besides, you’d be lost without me.”
“Me, lost without you? Are you sure you’re not still ill?” Kane grins. “Without me, who would pull you out of all the trouble you get into?”
“I have Hannah for that now.” Alderic winks at me, and I roll my eyes.
It’s only been a few weeks since I’ve gotten to know the real Alderic, but in that time, he’s become the big brother I never knew I wanted.
“Hannah wasn’t there the time you forced us to sneak into the kitchens to steal chocolates.” Kane turns to me, shaking his head. “We got caught by Cook. I covered for him, of course. I thought she would skin me alive.”
“I know.” Alderic laughs so hard, he’s breathless.“You immediately started crying.”
Kane narrows his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest in mock offense, but the corners of his mouth twitch with a smile.
“What can I say?” Alderic leans forward, stretching his long arm to reach a glazed strawberry tart. “I have a weakness for sweets.” He pops it into his mouth and closes his eyes for a moment, savoring it. “In fact, I think I’ll go on a tour of the kingdoms. Taste all the delicacies Towerfall has to offer.”
“Maybe in a few years, but for now, our kingdom needs its king,” Kane says.
Alderic throws his arm over Kane’s shoulder and looks out over the crowd, his gaze softening. “If I had to choose a way for it to end, it would be like this.”
Kane’s brow arches. “What are you getting into that Hannah and I will have to save you from?”
Alderic’s answer is a sly smile that dimples his left cheek. “You know me. It’s always something.”
Marion rushes up beside me, pink cheeked and breathless. She grabs my arm, practically bouncing on her toes.
“Where have you been?” I wiggle my eyebrows and scan the crowd, searching for the lover no doubt still reeling from their tryst.
Since leaving her husband, Marion has transformed into a vibrant force of nature. She’s taken charge of her life and is helping young girls do the same—to follow their own dreams and passions instead of living for their future husband.
“Oh, you have no idea!” she practically squeals, her curls bouncing against her shoulders. “But you’ll seesoon enough.”
Kane and I share a confused glance, but before either of us can question our friends, the brassy blare of trumpets pierces the courtyard.
The palace doors open, and Queen Lockhart emerges. Her gold velvet gown sweeps the stones beneath her feet as she walks out onto the steps above the crowd. The murmurs of the townsfolk quiet, and all eyes turn to the queen mother.
The Empress is hot against my chest, warming my core, making sweat bead against my forehead.
Alderic pats Kane on the back. “Come, brother. This will be the last time I need your rescue.”
The crowd parts as Alderic walks toward the stairs leading to the palace’s front doors. Kane follows, his steps confident. Although when he glances over his shoulder and takes my hand in his, I feel his hesitation.
My lungs squeeze with anticipation as we make our way through the crowd, and I can’t tell if the energy in the air is electric or if it’s the Empress pulsing against my heart.
When we reach the front of the crowd, I stop and let go of Kane’s hand. He pauses, looking at me like I might run away if he wanders too far. There aren’t enough days in this realm or breath in my lungs to explain how much I want him, that I need him—that I’ll never leave again.
Marion and I stand together and watch Kane ascend the stairs. His back is straight, his movements smooth and sure. His broad shoulders are powerful, his thick muscles flexing beneath his shirt. He is strong in so many ways, and that strength has always drawn—and will forever draw—me to him.
