My breath caught. “I heard you tell Pyrran it’s why I’m here.”
“Eavesdropping?”
“It concerned me.”
He scoffed. My heart stilled for a moment as the room fell silent.
“Politics and roles of royals here are not like yours. My brothers and I were assigned our territories—they are ours to manage. Lythira’s responsible for agriculture—we providefood for the kingdom. Each year, the blight worsens, and I have less to give.” He reached over for his drink again and took a sip, thrusting it harshly back down on the table. “If my territory fails… if I fail…then entire kingdom of Nythrel fails.”
“Once you saw my magic you knew. You brought me here to save Lythira?” My voice strained.
Air held in my chest—I hoped he would tell me what I heard was wrong.
I thought he brought me here because he cared about me, but it was only for political convenience—for his kingdom’s survival.
It was foolish to ever hope I’d mean more.
“Aelira…” Something in his eyes was pleading. “You and I both have magic that can restore the land. Maybe together we can save it.” My eyes watered as he spoke the words I didn’t want to hear.
He ran his fingers over a rolled-up map.
I wanted him to tell me he cared about me beyond my magic.
His silence was answer enough. I couldn’t let it go.
My boots echoed in the circular study until I was standing before him. “I’ve been a political pawn long enough. I refuse to be yours. Take me back to the divide.”
His head tilted as his breath grew hot on my skin as he stepped closer to me. My hand slid to his chest, pushing him back. I couldn’t let him get closer.
His hand slid over mine, holding it in place on his chest “If you wish it, Your Highness.” He gripped my hand tighter. “I will take you there. You were never my pawn to wield.”
“We both know I will never belong here.” My voice was so low it barely carried over the crackling fire.
He released my hand, but histouch still lingered.
“Why didn’t you tell me that you and Cora were together?” I still couldn’t believe I didn’t know.
“We’re not. Cora and I were once together, a long time ago. Pyrran mentions it every chance he gets.” He sighed loudly. “Why do you even care?” His hand slid over his lips.
It should have made me feel better hearing they weren’t together, but it didn’t.
“I don’t need an explanation,” I said.
“You don’t need an explanation…but you pry until you get one. When I ask you about it, you don’t even answer me. How am I supposed to know what you’re thinking?” Lioran inched closer again, removing the lingering space between us. “What do you want, Aelira?”
He wouldn’t give me what I wanted.
“I want nothing…from you,” I said through gritted teeth.
He shook his head. “Then leave.”
He lingered beside me a moment longer, before returning to his desk.
“All of this was only ever about my magic. I thought you brought me here because you cared about me.” I choked on my words. They were barely a whisper. I wasn’t even sure he heard me.
It didn’t matter anymore. I needed it not to matter.
If I stopped to think about it, I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to come back from the pain that settled deep within me.
