Page 16 of Crownless Heirs

Sorcha’s mind began to reel, and suddenly the blush on her cheeks spread everywhere like wildfire.

“It’s really okay. There must be a lot on your mind. Why don’t you walk with me?” Sorcha smiled as he handed her a fruit. “If you haven’t had one yet, it’s a real treat. In your world, the closest thing to it is an orange mixed with cream and butter. Go on, give it a try. We call it a Sunbutter pod.”

Sorcha examined the vibrant pink fruit. It bore deep red bruises, likely from a fall, and its scent was wonderfully citrusy. Taking a bite, her eyes sparkled. “This just melts in your mouth!” she exclaimed mid-chew.

Titan chuckled, “I enjoy growing them. When I’m not on the battlefield, I’m on my farm. It’s peaceful, apart from those pests always trying to steal them.”

“Is that where you were coming from?” She asked, wiping honeyed juice from her chin.

“Yes, and now we’re heading for the treetops. I live at the very top; most of the military does. We can see for miles, giving us an advantage in an attack. Old habits die hard.” He winked.

Sorcha walked with Titan, watching the world below shrink until the buildings were mere specks. Houses clung to tree trunks, their balconies alive with children’s laughter as they ascended. She was panting and sweating by the time he stopped at a dwelling larger than the others, nestled between two colossal, split trucks. The house boasted a massive balcony that extended far beyond the trees, jutting out like an outpost.

“Here we are,” he announced, pushing the door open with his tail. Sorcha followed him inside. The home was a seamless blend of wood and stone. An enormous basket of fruit sat on a giant oak table, its contents spilling over. He emptied his hands, letting the fruit tumble beside the basket. Pinned to the walls were maps, battle plans, and surprisingly, a map of Eadartha. On the far wall, above the fireplace, a collection of weapons caught her eye. Most appeared ornamental, likely trophies from won battles, but a large, freshly sharpened scythe drew her attention. It gleamed, catching the light with remarkable care. As she admired it, Titan stepped beside her.

“That’s my favorite,” he stated plainly. “It’s my weapon of choice in battle.” She looked at Titan, the muscles in his arms resembling the sturdy tree trunks outside, his imposing frame dwarfing her.

“I use a sword in close combat, but I love the bow,” she replied, continuing to admire the weaponry.

He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Come on, I want to show you something.”

He turned and walked toward a large glass door, holding it open for her. She followed across the house and out the door to behold a massive expanse of the Otherworld. Here, a pale twilight sky stretched endlessly, dipping down to touch impossibly distant hills. The city below resembled a scattering of ants, and she could make out the reaches of forests, the Nathair, which from this height looked so small. The upside-down castle seemed closer somehow, its full grandeur now visible. Waters flowing from the castle shimmered like diamonds, leading to a massive stone fountain. At its center stood a woman, bent forward with hands outstretched, as if holding up the world and falling backward simultaneously, one foot extended, the other planted in the circular basin from which water flowed. Sorcha squinted, trying to see the rose garden that climbed and wound around lattices, forming a wall around the castle. She walked to the edge, hands on the railing, leaning forward. She strained to see a shadow moving about the grounds when Titan spoke, startling her.

“It’s a God who lives within the castle; he wanders like a ghost,” Titan said, leaning forward with elbows on the railing.

Sorcha took a deep breathe “It’s beautiful up here,” she murmured, as birds chirped and butterflies danced among silver blossoms on the trees.

“It is,” he agreed. “It’s our secret, the one that keeps us safe from the dangers beyond these walls. Will you keep our kingdom safe, Sorcha?” he asked, his gaze fixed on her. Sorcha took a deep breath and turned to Titan, meeting his eyes.

“With my life, Titan.” She said, full of conviction.

Titan watched her, his eyes peering into hers. “There is a lot of skepticism around your arrival and your marriage to him. Do you love him?”

Sorcha’s whole body seized up, struck with an icy wave of shock. She loved Maelan; he was her friend, but was she in love with him was an entirely different question.

“I love him.” She replied carefully, willing as much confidence as she could.

Finally, Titan replied, “I have no doubt you do, but others will challenge that if given the chance.”

Titan walked over to Sorcha and smiled. “Let’s get you back down. You have more of the kingdom to see.”

7

Moon phases

Titan led Sorcha back down the paths, leaping from one bridge to the next and waiting for her to catch up. As Titan made one last jump, landing in front of someone who was speaking, Sorcha finally reached the last bridge. She could see who Titan was talking to. The crescent moon birthmark on his face, a dead giveaway, confirmed it was Maelan; his silver jewelry glinting as he spoke. He seemed surprised when Sorcha approached Titan, who was deep in conversation with him.

“Next time, warn me how far we have to walk,” Sorcha huffed, glancing back towards the treetops, convinced she had already walked miles.

Maelan shot Titan a look. “You didn’t tell her she could use the pulley system?”

Titan replied with a wicked smile, “She never asked.”

“You mean to tell me there was an easier way than hiking up all those miles? That the last three hours could have been minutes?” Sorcha looked at Titan in disbelief.

“In all fairness,” Titan quickly responded, “if we had done that, I wouldn’t have gotten to know our future queen. It’s important we got a little bonding time.”

Maelan patted Titan on the shoulder and smiled, “I’ve got it from here.”