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I’d lived in the Night Kingdom my whole life, and sure there were storms on occasion, but I couldn’t recall a single earthquake or natural disaster. Was that what had happened here when he’d first come to power? I shook my head, focusing my attention since Torvo was still speaking, describing even more horrors.

“His men are patrolling the streets, enforcing early curfews and spy spells. He declared martial law in the guise of protection because of my mother’s assassination.”

“He killed her himself!” I knew Torvo already understood the truth, but I couldn’t’ keep the outburst from my lips. Around us, the wind rose again, and Torvo’s immense frame stumbled when it hit.

“The castle sits in the dark. Black ooze has coated the crystals, preventing others from seeing in,” he continued, stepping closer.

I pictured the great sparkling spires made of crystal now covered in creeping onyx and dark clouds. This was so much worse than I expected. I began to pace.

“My intent is to entreat your sister to join our rebellion. With her power we can defeat him.”

I stopped, one foot raised, then spun to face him. “She won’t. She’s terrified of him.” I couldn’t keep the bitterness from lacing my words. “He broke her long ago. Believe me I’ve tried to change her mind.”

“My relationship with her is…different than yours,” he said carefully.

“You mean her version of rebellion was me, so why act on her own?” I laughed bitterly. “If even I, an illusion, am too dangerous according to her, what makes you think she’ll ever step up and do the right thing?”

“She hasn’t destroyed you. She doesn’t want to for a reason. She liked the taste of freedom, and she must be convinced to face her fear and try again.”

The wind died around us again, and I drew a shuddering breath. “If you think you can convince her, do it. I don’t care what it takes.” Even if it meant she no longer saw a need to keep me around.

Torvo nodded, and I grabbed his arm to prevent him from turning to leave. “Please try to help Rivven if you can. He doesn’t deserve any of this.”

With another fierce nod, Torvo pulled me into his arms for a hug I desperately clung to. Then, burying his face in my hair, he murmured, “You are so much more than an illusion, Nyah. I believe in you.”

Before I could protest, he backed up and faded from view. And I was alone once again.

Five

Leuruna

“Does your mount have magic?” I asked, leaning so far forward my forehead nearly connected with Torvo’s, who sat across from me among the scattered pillows on the floor.

“She does. Her horn can be used as a weapon or for minor healing. Alicorns used to be hunted so their horns could be ground up and used as a numbing potion or anesthesia.”

“That’s horrid,” I said, hugging a pink satin cushion. “I’m glad that doesn’t happen anymore. I wish I could meet her.”

“Perhaps you will one day. Ash would like you, Princess.”

The moniker he’d given me caused a blush to warm my cheeks. I sensed something behind the word, like a hidden tease meant just for me, and I liked it. I liked everything about this handsome prince.

“Maybe you’ll bring her to the castle one day,” I agreed, tucking some white whisps of hair behind my ear.

“I’d rather keep her safely away from your father. But perhaps you and I can travel together.”

“Oh.” I bit my bottom lip, trying to calm the thunderous heartbeat that answered his suggestion. “I don’t think I’d be allowed to go anywhere. It isn’t safe. Not without father or Serano.”

Torvo’s hand gently tipped up my chin. He tended to do that whenever I averted my gaze to my lap. I’d never realized how often I did that until our talks. Indeed, we’d spent hours already just today, deep in conversation. My thirst for knowledge of the outside world only grew it seemed, as did his patience and willingness to indulge me.

He’d visited me for three days now, each time dropped off by father or a guard. Each time we laughed as we made sensual noises to satisfy those who might be listening, then curled up together on the rug near the hearth to talk.

Last night I’d dreamed of him—of what his full, soft lips might feel like against my own. It was so obvious when I blushed because of my pale complexion, and even the fleeting memory probably lit me up like the fire beside us. Always the gentleman, Torvo said nothing about it, and I was even more grateful.

“Would you like to travel, Princess?” he asked, scooting closer and taking my hand in his.

“It doesn’t matter,” I answered. “Why wish for something unattainable?”

Torvo brushed my hair behind my shoulder, letting his fingers slip through and land on a patch of bare skin, so close to my neck that gooseflesh formed. A tingle of anticipation had me drawing in a sharp breath. “Nothing is unattainable unless you label it so. I think you would love to travel and see the world. It is only dangerous to your father, not you. And I am fully capable of protecting you myself.”