Chapter Twenty-Five

Ellesandra

The palace that is to be my new home looms in the distance.

Fifteen skinny square towers sprawl across the dusk-painted horizon. Each tower is built on various tactical spots for defense and are connected by high marble walls. I snort as I take in the grand windows scattered across the walls, and the small holes that I imagine are for archers and artillery. I suppose one must always be prepared for attack when waging war.

I squint when my gaze latches to the glow of a single flame flickering in the tallest window. A silhouette with glowing blue eyes watches me through the glass. With my next breath, it vanishes. The sheer, silver curtain that flutters with movement is the only reason I know the sight wasn't an illusion of my mind.

Despite unease trickling through me, my gaze flickers to the lake of starlight that sits in front of the palace. Golden light illuminating from inside the castle reflects off the smooth, mirror-like surface. Trees with white bark plant their roots around the water's edge, their silver leaves glowing in the dying daylight. Even as a prisoner, I must admit there's a certain beauty to the portrait that's painted.

My gaze snaps to the path ahead as the warmth from Felix's palm seeps into the small of my back. People of Felix's court await us in front of the wrought iron gate. The Risian crest, a waning half moon surrounded by stars, sits in the center of the gate and acts as a backdrop for the letter C that stands front and center.

Although they don't wear distrusting expressions, my unease swells as the people who call this palace home gape at me. Ladies in simple day gowns with smocks tied around their waists stand to my left. If their dresses weren't telling enough of their status, the loose knots of hair fashioned on top of their heads do. Excitement dances in their eyes as they curtsy for their king. Why anyone would feel joy when laying eyes on the King of Risian, I'll never know.

The lords and ladies to the right couldn't illustrate a more different scene. One lady with olive skin wears a forest green silk gown. The wrinkles that mar the skin around her eyes speak to the years she's seen pass. For a reason I can't understand, she smiles at me, revealing a set of perfect white teeth. Her hand rests in the crook of the elbow of the man who stands beside her. He looks to be in his fifth decade of life, with slightly lighter skin and a long gray beard that brushes the top button of his black velvet doublet.

My apprehensiveness ebbs as the woman holds my gaze for a moment, then ducks her chin in greeting. With the peaceful aura that swirls in the air, I don't feel threatened by the lords and ladies who stare. It's strange.

The losses they've suffered and the gold they've spent have all been in the name of defeating the enemy. Me. I can't fathom why they would look at me with any emotion besides disdain.

Felix's thumb sweeps soothing circles on the small of my back as each lord and lady steps forward to greet us. Their eyes come to rest on the Risian King, then flicker to me curiously before they return to their places. A man clasps Felix's shoulder with a wide grin and nods.

The woman, who I presume to be his wife, startles me by taking my hand in her own. "Welcome to Risian, Your Grace. We welcome you at long last."

My gaze flickers between her eyes as I'm stunned into silence. The warmth behind her bright blue eyes speaks to the genuineness behind her words.

The King clears his throat. "Thank you, Lady Dorantin."

Squeezing my hand, she ducks her chin once more and returns to her husband's side.

Relief sweeps over me when I spy long sable strands approaching out of the corner of my eye. Those gathered offer their princess a similar greeting as she comes to stand at my side. Sianna angles her head in silent question when I turn to look at her. I nod. While I appreciate her worry, I'm a pillar who doesn't crumble beneath the weight of my burdens.

My gaze snaps forward when a squeal of excitement rings through the air. "Princess!"

I frown when I trace the sound to a woman who looks to be of a similar age to me at the far end of the procession. Her flaming red curls blow effortlessly behind her in the wind as she bounds in our direction.

Sianna steps forward with a tight smile that doesn't quite meet her eyes as the woman crushes her in an embrace. Her gaze flits to the king at my back over Sianna's shoulder. A feeling I don't recognize slithers through my chest and roils in my stomach when, so subtle as another may miss it, Felix stiffens. My interest piques when the woman whispers something into her ear and the Risian princess pales.

After a long moment, the woman steps back and brushes a wild curl from her face with a bright smile. Despite her pale, porcelain skin, straight nose, and small waistline, my gaze is drawn to her spring green eyes that remain fixed on Felix.

"Larkin," he says in a dull, flat tone as she approaches.

Her tongue darts out to flick over her perfectly shaped bottom lip as she drops into a curtsy that would have my mother rolling over in her grave.

For reasons I don't dare contemplate, the rage of a thousand suns rushes through my veins when her lashes flutter and she dips her chin demurely. "My King."

Our gazes clash when she lifts her head. Despite my anger, I will a bored, impassive mask of disinterest into place as I scan her form. The onyx gown that clings to her waist does nothing for her too small bosom, in spite of the corset she wears beneath. The intricate beadwork that waterfalls down the skirts of the gown is not of the latest fashion and is far too sheer for the cool temperature. And the silver necklace that rests on her collarbone looks gaudy and cheap, though the fine metal the necklace is composed of speaks to her wealth. A shame, truly.

She raises her chin when my gaze returns to her face. I cock a brow in response. Being a woman of royalty, I became a master of this game long ago. One doesn't need a sharp tongue to disparage those beneath them, as my mother would say.

With triumph dancing in her eyes, she flashes a mocking smile before turning heel. My eyes never stray from her as she makes for the end of the line to stand beside the woman I surmise is her mother. Peering over her shoulder, her gaze skips past me and lands on the King.

A maelstrom of emotion coils around the thread in my chest. I inhale a slow, measured breath to ensure the muscles in my face remain relaxed. It's both a fiery anguish and an icy rage that nestles into my bones and burrows into my depths.

Though Felix says nothing, the breadth of his chest presses further into my back. The warmth that radiates from him acts as a salve to the bond, slathering reassurance onto the wound of his transgressions. I've long known that the King of Risian doesn't practice celibacy. Only a foolish being such as the bond would be naive enough to believe he's gone five centuries without touching another woman. If the bond saw reason, it would allow Larkin to have her victory and rejoice with the knowledge that it would be left unscathed.

I cast aside the bond's misery and square my shoulders as Felix nudges me forward. The sea of fae part to clear a path for their king. Felix nods to several lords and ladies as we pass through the gates. Sianna falls into step alongside me. The ire that sings in my blood sees me shake off her touch when she reaches for my hand. Despite my best efforts, the emotions that roil in my chest leave no room for comfort.

Dwelling on past transgressions, as the bond commands, is of little use. Instead, I reach for the darker, more nefarious thoughts that speak of blood and vengeance. Though I find violence to be messy and distasteful, I must admit there would be a certain satisfaction in seeing sweet Larkin's green eyes removed from their sockets.

The loss of warmth upon the small of my back cuts into my thoughts as Felix flanks to the right of me. "Did you know you're positively stunning when you're furious?" he murmurs, pressing into my side and leaning closer. The heat of his breath sails across my cheek. "Jealousy suits you, Lumina."

I keep my eyes trained ahead, disallowing him the opportunity to bring my anger to the surface. "I'm unsure as to what you mean."

He chuckles darkly. "Your eyes turn into shards of obsidian when you're angry, and as onyx as the darkest night in Risian when you're furious."

I do those among our party the dignity of not responding.

Guards cloaked in onyx from head to toe dip their chins and push the palace doors open. I must admit, the imagination of a young princess did little justice to the entrance hall that's revealed. My eyes first touch the grand staircase ahead that leads to at least three different levels of the palace. Elegant cream columns adorned with whorls of silver make up the balustrades and handrails.

A mural that depicts the Risian lake of starlight is affixed to the ebony wall above the staircase. Flecks of lustrous starlight sit beneath the still, translucent water, a silver moon casting an argent glow across the lake's surface. When the bond stirs and I feel bright blue eyes fixed upon me, I know my gaze has remained on the depiction for a beat too long. I cast my eyes away.

The onyx floors are made of marble even finer than that in the Amber Palace. The glow of the two ornate chandeliers that hang from the ceiling reflect across the smooth surface with ease, no less than three hundred flames bathing the entrance hall in hues of soft orange and gold.

While Felix told many tales about his home, his stories can't compare to this. I can't recount the specific details told to me five hundred years ago, but I know this is a much different palace than the Risian heir lived in. The stylistic touches speak to a level of sophistication that I don't believe the former deranged king was capable of. No, the elegance of the Selenic Palace screams of a woman's touch.

I swallow back the questions that linger on the tip of my tongue as I glance over at Felix. To ask about his mother would only prove my curiosity. He'd surely find a twisted sense of satisfaction in that.

He laces his fingers through the hand at my side. "There's something I'd like to show you."

I frown when warmth flows through the bond with the contact. When I glance down, the back of my hand is barely visible. Its is swallowed in his large, rough palm. In the next breath—for a reason I can't know—I rotate our wrists. The motion serves to reveal our twin mating marks. Both are smooth and round blemishes beneath our thumbs, akin to a freckle in size. Save for the faint glow that emits, nothing looks out of the ordinary with them.

Whether it's a glow of recognition or omission, I can't be sure, but I've come to understand that physical contact fuels the bond. Felix stills when a breath of air whooshes from my lungs as memories of the nights we once shared arise. Soft kisses and words of adoration pressed into my skin, a whisper of wind floating through my hair as we counted each star in the sky beneath a pale moon.

I'm drawn from the past as his thumb sweeps over my mark. When I look up, a path of memories lies behind Felix's bright blue eyes. I scowl and withdraw my hand as his gaze flickers to my mouth.

His eyes flash with anger, but he says nothing. Instead, he wraps his hand around my wrist. My feet move of their own volition before I can protest. He turns and leads us toward the staircase, tugging me firmly behind him.

Each of his strides are powerful yet graceful, each sure and confident step telling of his growth from prince to King. While he's always had an irksome level of self-assuredness, it stands out tenfold within the comfort of his home. In what he wishes to be my home.

My short legs have me struggling to match his fluid movements as he takes the staircase to the right two steps at a time. I huff in annoyance and glare at his back when we reach the landing.

Servants stop to bow, casting their eyes to the sparkling onyx floor as the King leads us down a large corridor. The sweet scents of vanilla and spices float to my nose, ensuring my stomach rumbles and my mouth waters. While Sianna saw to it that I ate a small plate of food at the inn, I can't remember the last time I had a proper meal. Or a glass of sweet wine. Stars, what I would give to drink myself into peaceful oblivion right now.

"These are the kitchens," Felix says, stopping to gesture at a large room on the right side of the corridor. Women with aprons tied around their waists pause their tasks to curtsy as he speaks. An array of meats, potatoes, and fruits are in various stages of preparation before them. "They're preparing our dinner, but the servants will bring you anything you'd like."

Though he confirms my suspicions, I raise a brow in silent question. Our dinner? The ghost of a smirk plays on his lips, and mirth dances in his eyes. "We're to dine together later."

Ignoring my pointed glare, he nods at the staff who gape at us. They quickly resume their tasks as Felix tugs on my wrist. Further down the hall, he points out various other chambers, including a study that overlooks the lake of starlight, a grand library with silver velvet curtains, and a ballroom. Not to be confused with the Great Hall, he points out, which is on the main floor of the palace.

While I have no intention of stepping a toe outside of my chamber until my powers return, his peacocking about on this grand tour provides me with much needed information. He takes care to omit any mention of the entrances and exits, but I take note of the training yard and stables that can be seen from the high windows.

Shutting the door of yet another bathing chamber, he tugs on my wrist and steers me toward a long, narrow hallway. The silver moon that now shines through the windows intertwines with the low burning sconces scattered every few feet. Despite the almost serene ambiance the mingling light casts, unease arises within me.

Though Felix's confident strides tell me he knows where we're going, nothing but eerie silence surrounds us. The clean scent of pine lingers in the air, yet there's no sign anyone has walked these halls in recent days. There are no black and silver banners with the Risian crest along the walls. The stone beneath our feet is remarkably clean, so much so that our footfall morphs into light, high-pitched steps.

My tongue clings to the roof of my mouth. It's almost as if this section of the palace has been sealed away from all forms of life; an entombment for any who enter.

After passing what seem like hundreds of identical rooms, the Risian King brings us to a stop in front of a slender white door. The thread in my chest sighs when tendrils of midnight shadows flow from the tips of his fingers and fill the keyhole. Yesss, it hisses, beckoning the magic within his veins closer, like a lover's prayer.

He whirls on me with wild eyes when the tendrils crawl from the keyhole and dance in the space between us. I choke back a gasp when they hover in front of me, then wrap around my wrist. Flecks of starlight churn beneath the storm blue shade Felix's eyes take on as I look up and our gazes connect.

His features soften as he takes a step forward. The breath in my lungs stalls when he raises a hand to brush a loose curl from my face. Gooseflesh erupts over my arms as the warmth of his fingertips seeps into my bones.

He angles his head downward, bringing his lips a hair's breadth from mine. My tongue flicks out to sweep across my bottom lip. Burning need radiates from him and, though I want to turn heel and run, my muscles refuse to move. Blessedly, the spell is broken a moment later and he takes a step back.

While he's held control over his powers for the better part of five centuries, his shadows are reluctant to return to him when he silently calls for them. I stiffen, seeing that in all the moons we spent together, I recall only once when they refused to obey his command.

He seems to come to the same realization because, in my next breath, he plies his fingers from my wrist. Although the bond fills with dejection, relief sweeps over me when the shadows release their hold on me and filter back into his chest.

"Come," he says roughly, though he makes no move to grasp my wrist again.

Soft candlelight illuminates the room when Felix pushes the door open, revealing white marble that stretches from the floor to the ceiling. A round, midnight fur rug lies in the center, giving the room a sense of elegance I didn't believe the Risian King was capable of. He isn't known to create beautiful things, after all. He's known to destroy them.

To my right, the largest bookcase I've ever seen towers above me with gilded shelves. It stretches the length of the room. At its center sits a wooden ladder of equal height, each rung of smooth oak beckoning me to read every book.

"What is this?" I breathe.

On the left, a closet to rival my own in the Amber Palace appears as deep oak doors slide open, revealing an array of fine silk gowns. They hang on gold wire hangers in shades of deep crimson, silver that looks to be spun of moonlight, and royal navy. It takes all my strength to fight back the urge to take the two strides forward and run my fingers through the skirts of each gown.

Jewels of various shapes and colors shimmer in velvet cases aligned in neat rows atop the golden shelves on the wall. A necklace with an amethyst stone the size of a robin's egg and a ruby bracelet encrusted with diamonds are among the pieces that catch my eye.

It's the translucent dome in the center of the topmost row, however, that stands out among the rest. A circlet of molten silver rests on a black velvet pillow. A waning half moon adorns the front, while delicate onyx stars adorn the sides. I tilt my head to the side when a sense of familiarity washes over me.

"Father had the room built for Sianna before she left," Felix says, reminding me that I'm not alone.

I whirl around to find one of his legs is bent at the knee and propped on the wall behind him, his arms crossed lazily over his chest. As with every other star forsaken moment that we're near one another, I find that his stare upon me. The gray storm within his eyes has vanished, replaced with bright sapphire that's riddled with reluctant curiosity.

He shrugs when my eyes narrow upon him. "Sianna has always loved pretty things."

While Sianna loves jewels and gowns, we both know it's a far omission of the truth. Sianna was a child when she left Risian and became my mother's ward. These gowns are made for the body of a mature woman.

Pushing off the wall, he crosses the room in three long strides and pauses when his fingers curl around the door handle. His free hand flexes once at his side, then twice, before he twists over his shoulder and pins me with his gaze.

"Your room is three doors down and to the right. We're to have a ball in a week's time. Choose anything you'd like," he says simply before disappearing into the hall.

Ellesandra,

What must I do to make you see?

Tell me, and it's yours.