Page 61 of Where We Belong

I shake my head, sliding my hand into his and locking our fingers together. “She forced you.”

“No. Not after the first time. It may sound like it, but I made a choice. There’s always a choice. I chose to preserve myself and not take Herod’s wrath.”

I force the lump down my throat. “And Lili?”

“Magenta had threatened her too. Lili made her choice, same as I made mine.”

“How do you still work together?”

He chuckles. “When you live for hundreds of years, it can become easier to forgive, for some anyway. She’s also a damn good soldier and magic wielder. She was cornered, like me. And she has paid for her choices. The brand on her throat marks her as ‘the deceitful one.’ It came from Vale.”

As much as I hate what Lili did, it doesn’t seem fair for someone to be branded for eternity for one bad choice made under duress. I’d be branded all over if that was the law. “I’m sorry, Kaed, for what happened to you. And for assuming the worst before asking.”

He brushes it off. “Don’t be.”

I rest my head on his shoulder, inhaling the sweet scent of him, and we both watch the fish dancing across the morning sky.

“I need to talk to your brother this morning. Would you like to accompany me? I can see you two have been getting on as of late. As much as anyone can get on with Aiden anyway.”

Chapter 55

Aiden

So strong, so true, and great her name,

and I reflect, am I worthy at all?

The library is the only place where my mind is wholly at peace, the only place where the headaches stop. Where I am finally in control. Reading and learning were always deemed weak by my grandfather. To him, power came through combat, through bloodshed. He wanted me to be someone who carved my legacy in battle, but it had never come as naturally to me as strategy. My intellect has always been my weapon of choice. When I was younger, I often wondered if that was my mind magic. Learning. But grandfather had remained unconvinced. Agnis mind magic is interesting. My running theory is that she can see a person’s worst memories. I shall avoid her touching me. I must protect Eira.

I thank the gods that my uncle and father, for the short time I had him, saw things differently. Father would slip books into my chambers under the cover of night, eyes warm with encouragement. He never forced me into combat, though he made sure I could hold my own. Here, surrounded by the city of ancient texts and forgotten histories, I can breathe. Here, I am untouchable. This place knows me, and I know it in return, every turn of its paths, every murmuring shelf, every quiet corner where thought is allowed to finish itself.

The library is a world unto itself, carved deep into the rock. It goes back for miles. Vast, arched ceilings of glass stretch upward until they almost kiss the seas. Light filters down in patterns, as if the ocean is reading over our shoulders. Endless levels spiral outward, the books forming streets and quarters, districts marked by subject and temperament. They stack themselves into neighbourhoods, towers, and landmarks.

Along the lower levels, books on construction and engineering trundle past in orderly lines, building and rebuilding their surroundings. Shopfronts fashioned from ledgers and manuals are staffed by volumes on trade and negotiation that forever haggle and rearrange their displays. Further in, quieter districts of chapels and temples whisper with philosophy, and prophecy. Ms. Arina had been the librarian since the days of my grandfather, and like most others, was relieved when his soul finally left us. She has been a kind presence in my life. Keeping my secrets just as I had kept hers when I stumbled upon her and Mr. Brimstone embracing in one of the library’s alleyways, formed of dark romance novels.

She sets five books onto the table in front of me with a wide, red-lipped smile.

“Look what I found, something you haven’t read yet,” she announces with a triumphant grin.

“There are plenty of books I have not read.” I smile politely, examining the stack she brought me. I run my fingers over the shivering, aged spine of Beasts of Old. “What do we have here?”

“They were found in Vale’s quarters after he...” Her voice dips slightly before she regains her usual cheer. “The King’s advisors were trying to look through them, but they wouldn’t open. Apparently, they mention your sister.”

“Hmm.” My eyes flick up to her. “You would get along with her.”

“I’d be delighted if you brought her here to meet me.”

I try to smile but end up wincing instead. “Oh, no. No. No, thank you. I would not want—”

“Fuck me.”

I inhale deeply at the unmistakable voice that rings through my bones. Agni. I turn in my seat just in time to see her spinning on the spot with the wonder of a tourist. The poor book I am holding almost leaps out of my arms. Kaed stands a few paces behind her, something dancing in his golden eyes, until he spots me. I cannot be bothered with him today. I can barely be bothered with her. I turn back to my book. “Captain, if you will excuse me, I— well, I guess not.” Kaed pulls out the chair beside me and thumps his massive body into it.

Ms. Arina bows to Agni, who gives her a cheerful grin. The librarian quickly finds herself somewhere else when she realises Kaed is staying.

“Prince, I have a favour to ask,” he says quietly, eyes still on the librarian retreating to her office.

A favour. I am, of course, going to refuse, but I am curious. And Agni has already made herself at home. Hovering over me and plucking books from the stack. I try to take them back from her hands, politely, but she looks at me as if I am being absurd. So, I let her keep them. Still, I cannot help but smirk when one lifts into the air on its own, snapping shut in front of her face before flying off.