“I’m not sure how much he knows yet. There is a process that Pyrran maintains as Guardian of Kybar—his merchantsprepare everything in advance. Our territories are now just starting to see the impact.”
“He lied to me.” I knew he would, but I was desperate to believe him.
“If you go with him, you may be able to protect Ashlyn. I will send whatever I can to the Vale, I can’t promise the same for Bailoc.” His gaze hardened and I felt my heart sever.
Tears streaked my vision. “You must have found your perfect match.”
“I have.” Lioran glanced the other way. “But I can’t keep you.”
Lioran left as quickly as he arrived.
Rough bark greeted my fingertips, as I braced a tree in the walled garden. I felt it hum just as I had in Lythira, but it was different here—a steady marching beat, that echoed my heart.
Ladies and lords walked throughout the walled gardens; their voices elevated above the winds.
My fingernails settled into the grooves of the tree and the onyx warmed against my skin as my eyes shut. Humming vibrations resounded in my chest, poured into the tree from my fingertips. The murmurs faded—rustling leaves and birdsong echoed above it all.
Footsteps struck the dirt, not one set of feet, but two—their cadence stilled before me.
The queen’s cold gaze greeted mine as my eyes opened, followed by Calyth’s. Dozens of newly formed white blooms danced around the tree. The queen’s lips pursed.
The silky petals slid beneath my quaking fingers. Myfingernails pinched the stem, freeing the foreign bloom. I presented it to the queen.
She let the bloom fall between us. “Moonflowers? What an unusual choice. I hope you can remove them as easily as you make them grow.”
Calyth held his mother’s arm as he assessed the fresh blooms. He looked so much like Lioran—the same silver eyes and dark locks.
“Perhaps you can convince your brother to pick a bride. He can’t reject them all.” The queen’s tone was flat. “I’ve finally found a proper lady who will entice him. He was never going to choose you, Aelira. My son will always prioritize the crown.”
Lioran’s future was sealed. Soon, mine would be, too.
“I need a word with Princess Aelira.” Calyth bowed his head toward his mother.
“You will be expected in the throne room shortly, for the remaining introductions. We can’t keep Lioran’s future wife waiting.” The queen left us without another word.
“Will you walk with me?” Calyth extended his arm, but my grip tightened around the tree. “I fear Pyrran has given you the worst impression of us.”
“Pyrran is…unforgettable.”
Calyth chuckled. We passed the rows of neatly arranged tulips, they swayed in time with the breeze—I breathed in their scent, savoring their sweetness.
“My mother sees you as a threat—one she must control.”
“I’m well aware.” My eyes met his only for a moment.
“They will not entertain his wish.”
“They haven’t sent me off to marry Thalen.” The words escaped my lips without thought. I had no idea what Calyth was capable of, or if I could even trust him.
“They haven’t. Which works inourfavor. Your magic is too powerful to be silenced in the Vale.”
“Our favor?”
“I would like for you to return to Eyrsea with me.” He tilted his head toward me.
I didn’t know why he would offer it. “Why would you want that?”
“My parents may be blind to what you have to offer… but I am not.” He shielded his eyes from the blinding sun. “The sea is mine to command—the land is yours. Together, we would be powerful. Eyrsea would thrive and you would be protected.”
