45. Chapter 45

forty-five

N evander’s quill hovered over the document, his hand trembling with suppressed rage. Talos would keep his holdings, despite nearly killing Kallessa. The memory of her frail body in that dank cell, hours from death, burned in his mind. He could still smell the putrid air, feel the chill of her skin.

“He’d only become a burden on society without something to do,” Kallessa had whispered, her voice still hoarse from illness.

Nevander’s jaw clenched. He’d compromised, stripping Talos of titles and authority, but it wasn’t enough. The quill scratched against parchment as he signed, each stroke a battle against his instincts.

Later, out of Kallessa’s earshot, he’d cornered Talos. “Step out of line once,” he’d hissed, “and I’ll have you before the king as a traitor.” The man’s eyes had widened, fear replacing his usual arrogance.

Now, two weeks later, an uneasy quiet had settled over the estate. Tarrick had departed with most of the soldiers, complaining of boredom. Dovina, freed from the shackles of an arranged marriage, had promptly lost interest in the arrogant prince.

Nevander unfolded Ciana’s latest letter, the parchment crinkling under his fingers .

N,

Queen Lyra and the king have returned to the capital. Castien, Declan and I continue the search, but I suspect we’re approaching this all wrong. I’ll update you soon.

It appears Castien was overdosing on fireflower tea. His attacker may have inadvertently saved his life.

Wynna sends her love. Akeela pines for you.

I pray all is well with you and Kallessa.

C

The letter fluttered to the ebony desk in the dark paneled room.

He was so tired.

Nevander’s body ached, a bone-deep weariness that matched the heaviness in his heart. His bruised eye was almost healed, but the physical pain paled compared to the ache in his chest every time Kallessa looked at him.

Gone was the warmth, the spark. Now, her eyes held only cool detachment. He was no longer a man, but a title–a prince, unreachable and foreign.

That’s why he’d clung to the lie for so long. He’d known this would happen, had dreaded it with every fiber of his being. How could he make her understand that her distance was tearing him apart?

He was running out of excuses to stay, but he had to try one last time. Nevander lit a lantern on the desk, its warm glow a stark contrast to the chill that had settled inside him. He spread a large sheet of parchment before him, dipped his quill in ink, and began to draw.