Page 93 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

“These,” he says, finally breathing normally. “I think it’s a pen of sorts, though I can’t make out what kind of creatures they have.”

My jaw ticks as I stare at the herd of creatures. I exhale, shoving a hand through my hair. “I want a full team on this. More scans, and I want Protos stationed around the moon. I want new scans completed every half day. Notify me immediately if there are any developments.”

He nods, and when I hand him the tablet, I say, “Once you’ve relayed the order, get some sleep.”

He stutters out, “Yes, Your Majesty,” before disappearing down the hall from which he came. When I finally reach the war room, I relay the findings. The room erupts, but there’s nothing to be done. Not until we know more.

The inaction is a poison in my blood. My father spent years making me feel like every failure was a personal choice, and now, staring at those war camps, I can practically hear his voice telling me I’m not doing enough. I want to burn the camps to ash, but instead, I have to stand here and play the role of the patient Prince while the system bleeds.

After the meeting is over, I’m called back to command for another mission. King Bastian pats me on the shoulder as we both enter. King Bastian, my mother, and I decided this morning we’d send another mission to Draerr. Despite King Alexi’s threat, our men are still there.

Just like we did with Khyreth, they’ll stay in the lower atmosphere, using the radars to try and gather information. We don’t want to lose another team. I drop into my seat, my hand rubbing nervously along my chin.

I still have so much to do before the Ceremony, before the wedding. My last fitting is in an hour, and there’s a press conference before dinner. Everyone is wondering why now? Why is Raea’s Ceremony here? So many questions to answer.

I haven’t seen her for but a short moment in passing when she was asking about going to work out . I had pinned her against the wall, needing a moment with her in my arms. This whole situation with my father has left my world feeling like it’s spinning off its axis.

I don’t understand why he’s here. Why now? He won’t give us any damn answers, and the only thing he’s clear on is that he’s against Raea and me being in any sort of relationship.

Too fucking bad.

Tomorrow is her ball, and the day after, I’m going to wed her and make her mine in front of the entire system. I’ve heard this is the most anticipated event in over a century. None of that matters to me, though.

Only her.

When the team moves into position, I signal for the all clear. I watch as the live-feed disappears into a thick cloud of onyx. When the systems glitch, the room holds its breath, then a moment later, the captain relays back that they’ve begun the scan.

Once the first image comes in, I ask them to send for me when they’re done. It will take hours to complete the rotations necessary for a clean scan.

When I step into my chambers, my mother is there, sitting on one of the sofas, her face flushed with tears. My fingers curl into a fist as I wait to see her dead eyes turn on me. Instead, when she looks my way, her face relaxes into a soft smile, and she pats her eyes dry.

“What a day.” She sighs.

I nod and cross the room, dropping into the spot beside her, wrapping her delicate hand in mine.

“I’ve spoken with your father,” she starts. There’s a tremor in her voice she attempts to hide, but I hear it. “I think with all the attention from the media, it’s best that he remains behind the wards until after the wedding. I don’t want your brother and sister finding out either.”

I offer her a reassuring tug on her shoulders as I place a quick kiss on the top of her golden hair. “Whatever you think is best.”

She sits straighter, exhales, and then pulls her face into a smile. “You’re going to be married in two days.” Her palm rests on my cheek. “I haven’t been a good mother these past years, but I wanted to tell you how extremely proud I am of you and how grateful I am. You have every right to resent me, and yet, you’ve become this amazing man who is so compassionate and kind. I see how you are with Clara. I saw it all, even if I couldn’t show it.”

I look at her, and the 'mask' I’ve worn since the day my father disappeared feels like it’s finally cracking. “I did it for you, Mother,” I say, my voice thicker than I intended. “And for Clara. I didn’t want his shadow to be the only thing you had left.”

I swallow down the thick lump of emotions. My mother has told me she’s proud of me over the years, but not like this.

Her clear blue eyes search mine. “You’ll be an amazing husband to Raea. I see how much you love her and how much she loves you. All will be okay. Just remember, when life gets rough, choose each other. Take the time to nurture your friendship, even when you’re tired and busy. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you’ve drifted apart. Right now, you’re each other’s best friend. Stay that way.”

She takes my hands in hers, squeezing tight. “I love you, Anders.”

I nod, inhaling deeply to keep the emotions at bay. “I love you too, mother.” I press a kiss to her cheek before she stands, taking her leave so I can do my final fitting.

She teases me when she gets to the door that she’s headed to Raea’s rooms to see her gowns.

I smile and respond, “I’d rather do that.”

When I follow her out, she laughs, throwing her head back. “Nice try.” She pats me on the chest before disappearing.

The flashes of the cameras are like silent explosions, momentary bursts of white that make the ‘Prince’ mask I’m wearing feel more brittle by the second.