Page 3 of Ravenrose

His answering grin is infectious, and I turn to check the height of the sun. “We have to be quick—and take the servants’ passages to avoid Alita.”

He nods, already halfway to the door. “Give me a minute. I’ll grab the bows and the quivers. We can take the passage from my room—maybe steal a muffin from the kitchen on the way out.” He winks and I laugh, already feeling lighter as I watch him disappear.

Stealth is necessary. With the sun fully risen, Alita is sure to be awake, likely taking her morning tea. And my governess would certainly not approve nor allow such unprincesslike activities. Gods forbid a princess learn to defend herself.

“That’s what princes are for…”

I can’t help but roll my eyes just thinking about it.

Light-blessed, that is what princes are for, and my two princely brothers made sure to train me well.

I sigh. Despite the grim future hanging over my head, it is a beautiful day. I rest my arms lightly on the railing, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin, releasing a slow breath, centering myself. The breeze carries the scent of roses from the gardens below—sweet, familiar; something in it settles me, my body finally relaxing.

I let my gaze drift past the gardens and the castle walls, to the tree line and further, to where the light doesn’t touch. Shadows dance and twist within the dark forest; the sight of it has me leaning closer.

Shadows, yes—but something about them seems… unnatural. I watch more intently, my heartbeat slowing to a crawl when they shift—all on their own. Darkness grows between the trees, spreading wide, even though the leaves above haven’t shifted, the wind still.

My arms slip from the railing and I take a step back, panic seizing my chest, instincts already screaming.

The darkness continues to spread between the trees, swallowing light; the shadows bend between the trees in ways they shouldn’t. As if—as if they were alive.

“No,” I whisper, taking more steps back before turning sharply and running for the door. I reach it in seconds, hauling it open, glancing back over my shoulders to find⁠—

Nothing.

I freeze, breathing hard, my heartbeat pounding in my ears, looking out at the forest, at the light sprinkled through. That impossibly dark void gone.

My eyes dart back and forth, scanning the entire length of the forest, but there’s no trace of the fast-spreading shadow storm I thought I saw.

I grip the doorframe, feeling light-headed while questioning reality.

Light.

For a moment there— I shake my head, releasing a shaky breath. I need sleep, because even with the sun shining high above, my daydreams are no longer safe from the dark.

Chapter 2

ROWAN

Sure, maybe it was reckless and ill-advised, but after only an hour in the woods with a bow in my hands, I’m finally feeling like myself again.

I inhale the familiar pine and cedar scent of the Wyldewood, letting the wind whip the dark hair out of my face before slowly releasing my breath—steadily—alongside my arrow, only to huff out another breath immediately in frustration when the arrow hits to the left of my target.

“You’re still dropping your shoulder,” Riven calls from where he’s lounging in a small patch of sunlight, atop the flat boulder we’ve longed since claimed as our own. The natural gold highlights in his reddish-brown hair shimmer in the early afternoon sun peeking through the thick trees above.

His bow lies abandoned not far off, while he lazily sharpens his sword, his eyes on the blade and not on me.

“I am not,” I snap, rolling back the shoulder I had, in fact, dropped with a scowl. I stalk over to retrieve my arrow, ripping it from the tree before glaring at the tiny red center of the target. Its unmarred paint mocks me.

“Rowan,” my brother chastises when I yet again take up position.

I ignore him, taking another arrow out of my quiver and loading it into my bow. Taking aim, I roll my shoulder back. Now stay there, I tell it.

Neither of us wants to admit it, but it’s probably about time to face the day. Both of us have a full schedule of engagements, and our absence will not go unnoticed. News of the wedding will spread quickly through the court. Honestly, I’d be surprised if word hadn’t already traveled all the way through the stables by now.

There are plans to make and dozens of arrangements to see to. I’m sure Alita’s already adjusted my schedule to extend the already arduously long etiquette lessons.

I dip my chin, the only sign I heard him, as I lift my bow higher, determined to pierce the heart of the target before attending to my long list of pointless duties. Busy work for an idle princess.