His nostrils flared and then I knew who I sensed—it was Veylar. He paced, watching me. Maybe he was wishing Lioran was by his side instead.
“Let’s get you some water,” I whispered. Veylar stepped back. The feeling lingered, it wrapped around me. “Everything will be okay,” I crooned as our foreheads met, my tears releasing onto the stallion.
Lioran shifted on his mat, turning toward me. Even though I didn’t utter a single word, Veylar followed me to the pond. When we reached the water’s edge, he lowered his head to drink. Lioran’s eyes met mine and he nodded back at me.
The sea of green parted until the golden tips of the palace towers glinted in the distance. It towered higher than my home in Bailoc. Sunlight painted the silver walls, like starlight through crystal.
This was his home—it was the very last place I’d ever see him again.
My grip on Gaia’s reins tightened, but she did not falter. Even as we slowed to a steady trot.
Golden gates drew back at the sight of the future king. Each metal rod was topped with a golden arrow that pointed up to the sky.
Lioran’s chin angled upward as he climbed from the saddle. Dozens of guards lined the path, bowing to the heir to the throne.
My twitching fingers slid into a guard’s cold, clammy palm. I longed to feel Lioran’s hands around my waist, wishing he would be the one to lift me from the saddle.
But he proceeded without a glance in my direction. A sharp chill trailed my spine.
Each guard held his head high as we walked past.
“Your Highness,” a fae knight greeted Lioran.
“It is good to see you, Sir Roman.” Lioran extended an arm out to the lord, who greeted him the same.
“You must be Princess Aelira.” Sir Roman towered over both Lioran and I, but his smile was tender and bright. “Welcome to the High Court, Your Highness.”
“Thank you, Sir Roman.” I bowed my head to him.
“No, Your Highness…a Princess does not bow,” Sir Roman said.
My title felt foreign. Everything had changed since I crossed the divide—Aelira was the only part of me that remained.
I looked to Lioran; afraid I would falter again. His eyes softened, but he quickly dropped his gaze.
“Prince Lioran, Prince Calyth would like to speak with you. He says it’s a matter of urgent importance.”
“Send him to my chambers,” Lioran commanded, his tone formal and cold.
“You haven’t much time. You’ll be expected in the throne room within the hour,” Sir Roman said.
Lioran warned they would waste little time when we arrived. Even still, I hadn’t expected to stand before them immediately.
“I would like to change.” The grime of the road had settled on my skin. I was desperate to wash it way.
“Certainly. We will have a lady’s maid show you and Lady Cora to your chambers,” Sir Roman said.
Our chambers. A place for Cora and I to remain, but Lioran wouldn’t enter. The air released from my lungs and threatened to live outside of me only.
I forced an inhale so that I could speak again. “Thank you, Sir Roman.”
“Your Highness, my lady. I will show you both to your room. Your things will be brought up shortly. You must prepare to meet the king and queen,” an older fae woman greeted us, silver streaks peeked through her jet-black hair. She smoothed a plain, gray gown. I glanced over my shoulder at Lioran as we stepped forward into the palace.
One last look at my heart as it left my body.
Crystal doors walled off the palace from the outside world, but the outside glow trailed inside. Cora offered her arm to me. I was grateful for her steady presence.
The winding halls of the palace were etched with golden filagree. Paintings full of muted hues spanned the length of the walls. Chill air held stagnant as if the entire wing of the palace were rarely ever used.
