Lost Heir (Blood Weaver Trilogy #2)

Chapter 12

12

I searched the crowd for Ronan but couldn’t find him anywhere. In the meantime, I was stopped by almost everyone in attendance. I politely excused myself from one fawning group before I turned around and saw Adler, the third prince of Eldwain standing next in line.

“Princess Lyanna.” He took my hand in his and gave it a light kiss as he bowed. “It’s been a long time.” He lifted his head with a smirk and a wink. “You’ve grown into quite a woman.”

I quickly snatched my hand back, feeling oily and unclean under his touch. “Adler. It’s been a long time.” I stared up at the silver haired half-fae with barely disguised unease. His hazel eyes, so much like Caelan’s, glinted back at me with the knowledge of how I felt about him.

“It really has. I thought you were all but dead. Had I known you were still alive, I would have made an effort to find you myself. Maybe then it would be me asking for your hand in marriage instead of my little brother.”

I rolled my eyes. “As if you would have bothered. You were never interested in me before, why would you be now?”

He shrugged. “You never know, Lyanna. Things could have been completely different—”

“But they’re not,” I interrupted. “You’re just mad because Caelan’s attempt at a marriage alliance could earn him Eldwain’s throne,” I declared confidently. “I might have been gone ten years, but I haven’t been living under a rock,” I retorted.

Adler snorted. “Well, then you must know King Malik would never agree to a marriage between you two.”

I shrugged. “You never know, Adler. You heard my mother. She’s very keen on this marriage.”

I wasn’t normally this petty, but Adler had irked me since we were children. He had a tendency to pick on Caelan since he was the youngest of the five princes, and since Caelan and I were such good friends, that meant he picked on me as well. He had a cruel streak that must have bled into Caelan’s personality over the years. Once when we were young, he flung Caelan into the lake before he knew how to swim and watched him indifferently as he gasped and almost drowned. If Marcellus and I hadn’t been around to fish him out, Caelan would have surely died that day.

Adler rolled his eyes. “You might have fooled me ten years ago with that lie, Lyanna, but not now. The two of you have been apart for a very long time, and it shows.”

I wanted to argue, but I’d made my feelings known all night. There was no use refuting them now. “I’m not interested in joining your family’s political strife—”

“Good,” Adler interrupted. He grinned wickedly. “Then stay out of it, because I will never allow an alliance with Valoria … At least not through my brother.”

I stepped toward him and lifted my chin to look up into his smug face. “That’s not up to either of us, so move out of my way, asshole,” I growled. Pushing my shoulder into him, I almost knocked him over as I stormed around him.

I was tired of so many … men getting in my way, thinking they knew better than I did what I wanted in life. There was only one man I wanted to see, and he was nowhere in sight.

Lifting the skirt of my dress, I bustled out of the Grand Hall and angled toward the gardens, hoping I would catch him outside. The air was cold and winter’s early chill was making itself known in the north. My skin prickled with goosebumps as I searched the area for Ronan. Relief swam through me when I found him in the garden maze with Silas.

“Ronan!” I yelled and hurried toward them. Silas and Ronan turned around, and to my surprise, young Henry was with them.

His eyes were as bright as the stars in the sky when they caught sight of me. “Miss Leila!” Henry shrieked as he pushed past the Crimson Clan warriors and ran toward me. Meeting each other halfway, Henry wrapped his arms around my mid-section without a care in the world. “Miss Leila, I’ve been so worried!”

I squeezed him tightly. “By the goddess, Henry! Where have you been?”

He lifted his head from my mid-section and grinned up at me. “I’ve been with Silas,” he announced proudly, showing a bright smile that was missing several teeth.

I brushed the hair back from his face and kissed the top of his head. “Your teeth!” I giggled.

He nodded with a laugh. “My baby teeth are falling out.”

I hugged him even tighter and took in his freshly bathed scent. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

Ronan and Silas approached and answered my question. “ We smuggled him in,” Silas admitted. “It’s nice to see you again … Your Highness,” he said with a bow.

I bit my lower lip, feeling awkward around Silas. The last time we saw each other was on the battlefield after Ronan had been taken hostage. It wasn’t on good terms.

“No need for formalities,” I murmured. “It’s nice to see you as well.”

“Are you getting married?” Henry asked, gaping up at me while hugging my stomach. “That prince doesn’t seem like a very nice person,” he admitted with a frown.

“Don’t worry, Henry.” I met Ronan’s eyes. “I would never marry him.”

Ronan snorted. “As if you’ll have a choice. You heard your mother when—”

“My mother does not dictate who I get to marry,” I interrupted. “I’m no longer the same princess I was ten years ago. I’m in control of my life. No one else.”

Ronan gritted his teeth and looked away, running a hand through his long, dark hair. “Leila, I can’t—”

“I know,” I said. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it. Just … relax.”

“Is … is everything okay between the two of you?” Silas glanced between us. “The last time I saw you together, you were boiling his blood.”

Henry released me and darted his eyes between the three of us, wholly confused. Embarrassed, I scratched the back of my neck.

“That was a … misunderstanding,” I muttered sheepishly, “that has since been resolved.”

Silas, still unsure, continued to look between me and Ronan. “Well … I guess that’s good.”

I chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah …”

Henry grabbed my hand and then Ronan’s, bringing them together. “You two should get married,” he said innocently as he clasped our hands together. “Then you can both adopt me. Right, Miss Leila?”

My mouth fell open, and I looked away to hide the tear that slid down my face. I quickly wiped it away and turned back to Henry with a watery smile. “That would be ideal.” I brushed his hair back with my free hand.

“Yes … it would be,” Ronan said to Henry, but his crimson gaze was locked on mine.

“Ronan—” My words faltered, cut short by an unexpected interruption. The sound of someone clearing their throat echoed behind us, a signal that our solitude had been breached. Ronan and I disentangled ourselves and turned to face the newcomer.

With a start, I realized it was Ronan’s father, Chief Aryan of the Crimson Clan. His presence was commanding and imposing. The resemblance to Ronan was unmistakable—those same piercing crimson eyes set beneath furrowed brows; long, dark hair that cascaded down his back, braided at the sides in a show of tradition and strength. His skin, a canvas of intricate crimson tattoos, spoke of battles fought and victories claimed. Adorned in battle leathers that hugged his muscular frame, he bore the aura of a warrior born, albeit unarmed as per the palace's strict regulations regarding weapons.

“Well, look who we have here!” Chief Aryan announced, stepping forward with a confident swagger that filled the space between us. His hand instinctively reached for a sword that wasn't there. All weapons had been taken at the gate. “Your Highness,” he greeted with a stiff bow. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

I felt Ronan’s presence behind me in a protective stance as his father held out a hand for me to shake. Tentatively, I took it and his grip tightened on mine in a knowing manner. “The pleasure is all mine,” I managed, even as his grip intensified, signaling a challenge rather than a mere formality.

The moment stretched, charged with unspoken tensions, until he finally released me, a wide grin unfurling across his features. “I’ve heard much about you from Ronan. A healer, is that right? I heard you’re among the best in the Central Plains. No surprise, given your blood mage heritage.”

I mustered an awkward smile, downplaying the compliment. “I wouldn’t go that far, but thank you.”

“Oh, don’t be modest, Your Highness. Little Henry hasn’t stopped raving about you since he came to the Grasslands.” His gaze drilled into me, carrying infinite layers of meaning. “Although I will say I’m a bit disappointed that you didn’t come visit us when you were relatively still unknown. We would have welcomed you in the Grasslands with open arms.”

I swallowed the snort that threatened to escape. “Right,” I murmured, my voice laced with skepticism I couldn't fully hide. I was sure they would have welcomed me … and then they would have sacrificed me to the fox demon right after. Except he didn’t know I knew the truth. At least, I didn’t think he did.

“Father.” Ronan emerged from behind me, his tone laden with a blend of surprise and caution. “What brings you here?”

Chief Aryan's eyebrow arched, a hint of amusement in his gaze. “Is a man not permitted to seek a breath of fresh air? The confines of the hall have become rather … oppressive wi th all the … strategic discussions underway.” His glance towards Ronan carried an unspoken message, one that seemed to stretch beyond mere words.

“I assure you, Father, everything is handled,” Ronan said. I peered over my shoulder at him with an arched brow.

“I'd hope so,” Chief Aryan remarked, his voice carrying an edge of expectation. “Well … I guess I should return before anyone notices I’m missing.” Turning towards me, he added, “It was a pleasure, Your Highness. I anticipate our paths will cross again soon.” With a final nod, he departed, his silhouette merging with the shadows as he made his way back to the Grand Hall.

Silence enveloped the garden in his wake, leaving me with more questions than answers. “Everything is handled?” I echoed Ronan's earlier assurance, my frown deepening. “You and I both know that's far from the truth.”

Silas’ eyes widened in surprise. “She—she knows ?”

Ronan bit his lower lip and nodded without looking at Silas. “I can’t tell him the truth, Leila. I don’t know what my father would do if he knew. He might even be foolish enough to start a war by kidnapping you from your own home. I can’t take the risk of that happening.”

Frustrated, I ripped the tiara from my head and was about to run a hand through my hair before I remembered it was in an updo. I gave an irritated growl. “I won’t do it, Ronan,” I whispered.

“Wait!” Silas cut between us. “If you know about the fox demon, then you know Ronan’s plan. You won’t stay dead! He’ll bring you back—”

“I know,” I interrupted, narrowing my gaze at Silas. “But I can’t take the risk that something will go wrong.”

Silas stumbled backward, deflated that I’d shot down all their plans to resurrect the fox demon. “Then we’re doomed.”

I sighed, the weight of their predicament bearing down on me. “I told Ronan that if we explained to my father what was happening to the Crimson Clan, I’m sure he would help. But—”

“No,” Ronan said. “I’ll figure it out.” His determination, while noble, left us entangled in a complex web of duty, loyalty, and the desperate search for a peaceful resolution.

“What’s going on?” Henry interjected innocently. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

I smiled down at him and squeezed his bony shoulder. “No, Henry, there’s not. Thank you, though. We appreciate your offer.”

“We should return to the festivities before we’re found out here together,” Ronan suggested. “It wouldn’t look good if you’re found with us,” he said with a bit of anger.

I wanted to argue and say I didn’t care, but truthfully, I did care. If rumors spread about us before I could lay the foundations of our relationship, it wouldn’t end well for any of us.

“Leila?” someone whisper-yelled. We all turned around to see who was coming. Selene emerged from around the orderly row of bushes, holding up the hem of her maroon dress. “By the gods, Leila!” she said in relief once she spotted me. “Everyone is looking for you. There’s trouble inside the Grand Hall.”

“What?” I frowned. “What’s going on?”

She looked between me and the two Crimson Clan members and whispered, “Someone is claiming you’re not the lost princess. That no proof has been given other than the crescent moon birthmark on your forehead. ”

My eyes widened as I gasped. “What? Who would dare make such a claim?”

“From what Prince Marcellus said, it was a prince. Prince…” She furrowed her brows and attempted to remember the name. “Ah! Prince Adler.”

I rolled my eyes and snorted derisively. “Of course it would be Prince Adler.”

“Do you know who he is?” she asked, confused by my nonplussed reaction.

I nodded. “He’s the third prince of Eldwain. One of Caelan’s older brothers.”

“We should hurry. They’re looking for you and if they find you out here … with them , it won’t look good,” Selene insisted.

“You’re right.” Lifting the hem of my voluminous dress, I turned back to Silas and Ronan. “I have to go and see about this disturbance.”

“We’ll go with you—” Ronan attempted, but I held up a hand to stop him.

“No. If we go in together, it’ll look suspicious,” I said quickly. “Just wait a few minutes after I leave before you go back in.” With hurried steps, I followed Selene out of the garden maze and back to the Grand Hall. I could hear the tumult before the doors were even opened. The instant the sentinels opened the doors, everyone turned to see who had entered. A hush fell over the crowd. “I heard someone was looking for me?” I said loud enough for everyone to hear.

The crowd parted as I walked down the center of the room where Adler was standing in front of the king and queen’s thrones, with Caelan standing protectively in front of my parents. I didn’t think Adler was stupid enough to attack my parents in front of so many witnesses, but I wouldn’t put it past him .

Adler spun on his heels and faced me as Selene and I walked toward him. “Ah, there she is!” he said with a grin. “The girl of the hour.”

“The woman of the hour,” I corrected. “I stopped being a girl a long time ago.”

Adler snorted. “Apologies. I was just telling the king and queen how lovely it is that you’ve returned, even though most of us here have the same question.”

I cocked a brow. “Which is?”

“Are you really the lost princess?” he asked with a smirk. “The birthmark doesn’t really tell much, besides that you’re Valorian.” He turned to face the crowd, raising his voice to captivate the audience with his foolish theory. “We all know the lost princess is the only female blood mage since the Goddess. Isn’t it within our rights to ask for a demonstration? To ease our worries, of course.”

“Of course,” I said sarcastically. I held an arm up in front of Selene to stop her from following, then walked to the front of the aisle where Adler and Caelan stood.

“Lyanna, you have nothing to prove,” Caelan argued. “We know who you are—”

“Obviously your brother doesn’t. Seems he’s a bit skeptical that I am who I claim to be,” I said loudly enough for all to hear. “Let’s ease his worries, shall we?” I turned to face Adler. Lifting my hand, I seized the blood circulating in Adler’s veins and flicked my wrist downward, forcing him to his knees.

Caelan’s brother sucked in a pained breath and dropped to the marble floor, eliciting a startled gasp from the crowd. Adler scratched at his skin as I boiled him from the inside.

“I’m sure you’re feeling a bit … warm, right about now,” I taunted, then turned up the heat. “Why don’t I beat you to death and then bring you back to life with my blood? Would th at be proof enough for you and anyone else who doubts my claim?” I fisted my hand, seizing control of his body.

Adler collapsed to his side and curled into a fetal position. “S-Stop!” he gritted between his teeth. “P-Please!”

I snorted. “Sure. Why not?” Relaxing my hand, I dropped it to my side and relaxed my stance, gazing out at the crowd that watched in open fear. “Hopefully that’s proof enough for you all!” Spinning on my heels, I faced my parents and bowed to them in respect. “Apologies for the spectacle.”

My father waved me off. “No, no, no trouble, Lyan—” He didn’t have time to finish saying my name before there was a guttural scream behind me. My father’s eyes widened in fear.

I spun around in time to see Adler stagger to his feet with a dagger in hand, heading directly for me. Stunned, I was about to lift my hand up again when a hand intercepted the dagger, catching it by the blade. I gasped in horror as blood dripped from Ronan’s palm as he gripped the blade, forcing it back toward Adler.

“You dare attack the Princess of Valoria in her own home? In front of all these witnesses?” Ronan growled loudly enough for all to hear. His crimson eyes were the darkest maroon as they glared at Adler. The muscles in his arms stiffened as he grappled against Adler’s assault. He held the dagger so tightly, I worried there would be permanent damage to his palm.

“Stay out of it, you barbarian!” Adler shouted as he ripped the dagger out of Ronan’s hand, cutting his palm even deeper.

“Ro—” I attempted, but Caelan held me back with a tight grip on my wrist. I whirled on him, but he only shook his head in warning .

“ I’m the barbarian?” Ronan scoffed. “Yet here you are, attacking a defenseless woman from behind. I don’t believe anything is more barbaric than that.”

“For someone who wants my hand in marriage, you’re certainly not trying to defend me,” I hissed at Caelan as I ripped my wrist out of his hand. “Don’t try to stop me!”

I raced to Ronan just as Marcellus appeared with a cloth for Ronan’s wound. I took Ronan’s hand in mine and wrapped it. The crowd watched in awed fascination.

Adler laughed. “Why are you savages so serious? This was just a test. I wasn’t actually going to hurt her! Do you think my own brother would stand by idly while I killed his bride to be?”

“Yes. I think he would,” Ronan answered tersely. “Because unlike me, Caelan is afraid of you and what you’re capable of. That cowardice would compel him to stand by while you stabbed his potential bride.”

Adler’s expression darkened as he squared off with Ronan. Silas burst from the crowd to stand beside his friend, turning the situation to four against … two … as Caelan stepped past me to stand beside his brother.

“Please don’t start any rumors, Ronan. The relationship with my brother is solid.” Caelan looked between us. “I would never let him hurt Lyanna, nor would he dare to do so.”

Ronan laughed. “Right. Because what we all witnessed here was merely an illusion,” he said sarcastically.

My father bolted to his feet and cleared his throat, catching the attention of everyone in attendance to this spectacle. “Enough! Whether intentional or not, weapons of any kind are not allowed within the palace walls. And you, Adler, know that very well.” Snapping his finger for the guards’ attention, they quickly disarmed Adler and searched him for more weapons.

Adler bowed to my father. “Apologies, Your Majesty. The guards must have missed this one.”

I snorted and looked away, but my thoughts were clearly written on my face. If you dumped a million Glint at my feet, I still wouldn’t believe Adler’s claim that it was merely a demonstration.