Chapter 25
Silas waited outside the ritual hall with me while Ronan spoke privately to his father and the elders. I glanced around the village and noticed something strange. Although the threat of Keldara loomed over them, the Crimson Clan looked relatively happy as they enjoyed the freedom of their land.
“I’m sorry,” Silas cut into my thoughts. I turned to him with a furrowed brow. “You know … for kicking you out of our camp in the Central Plains. I should have known it was you. Ronan wouldn’t have acted that way if you weren’t who you are.”
I nodded. “It’s okay, Silas. I gave you reason to question me. Things back then were … complicated, to say the least. It’s all water under the bridge.”
He gave me a tight smile. “I owe you thanks as well.”
“For what?” I quirked a brow.
“For taking care of Ronan,” he answered simply. “I know you were angry with him, which I assumed was because of the prophecy, which you had every reason to be upset about. Just know he would never put you in harm’s way. ”
“I know,” I said. “At least I know that now .”
“Good,” he murmured and then cleared his throat. “I know Ronan doesn’t trust his father, but you have my word that I’ll help him with whatever he needs. We won’t let you die, Your Highness.”
“Thanks.” I smiled briefly. “But you don’t have to keep addressing me as Your Highness . Ronan still calls me Leila, and I actually prefer it.”
He bit his lip and winced. “You sure?”
“Positive.”
He nodded. “Very well then … Leila.”
I grinned. “So, tell me what foods I must try while I’m here and alive in the Grasslands. What’s your specialty?”
He gave his first genuine smile, which showed me he was passionate about food. “We don’t have any signature wines like you’re used to, but I know you have a sweet tooth, and while they’re not mooncakes, we have the lotus cookie and it’s very good. When Ronan returns, I’ll go get you a batch to try.”
For the moment, it seemed as if the tension that had loomed between us since we met started to lessen. We weren’t the best of friends in the Central Plains, but since we both cared about Ronan, it was a relief to patch things up without too much of a fuss. I was about to thank him for his offer of lotus cookies when Ronan stepped out of the ritual hall.
“How’d it go?” Silas asked as we stepped toward him.
Ronan blew out a breath and ran a hand through his dark hair. “The ceremony has been scheduled for tomorrow night. It was the latest I could get them to agree to do it.”
I frowned. “Under the full moon?”
“Tomorrow’s a full moon?” Ronan questioned .
I nodded. “It’s when I’m at my strongest. Why would they do it then? It can’t be a coincidence.”
Ronan shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Silas bit his lip. “I don’t know, Ro. Something doesn’t seem right. I understand why the chief wants to move fast, but this seems rushed. And Leila is right; completing the ceremony during a full moon when she’s at her strongest doesn’t make much sense.”
The three of us glanced at one another before Ronan turned to Silas. “Can I ask you to do some digging around? That way we can at least be prepared for any surprises they might want to spring at us.”
Silas nodded. “Of course. I’ll gather some information and bring it to you by morning, unless it’s an emergency. Oh! I was going to get Leila some lotus cookies.”
Ronan’s smile appeared. “Don’t worry; I’ll take her around the village and get her some. Thank you, Silas.” He patted his friend’s back.
“Sure thing. See you both later.”
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the village as Ronan led me through the bustling market. The air was filled with a mix of scents that were both unfamiliar and enticing. Vendors shouted about their wares and competed for customers, selling everything from spiced meats to fresh, vibrant vegetables, but Ronan had a specific destination in mind.
“Here,” Ronan said, pulling me toward a small, unassuming stall that was decorated with strings of dried flowers and herbs. “As Silas said, you have to try these,” he insisted, his voice filled with excitement .
The stall owner, an elderly woman with a kind, wrinkled face and crimson eyes beamed at us. “Ah, Ronan, you’re back! Brought a friend today?” Her eyes twinkled as she glanced at me.
Ronan nodded. “Yes, this is … Leila. Leila, this is Hana. She makes the best lotus cookies in all the Grasslands.”
Hana chuckled, her laughter as rich and warm as the afternoon sun. “Oh, you flatter me, young man. But you , dear,” she said, turning to me, “try these and tell me if he's telling the truth.” She handed me a small, delicate cookie, its edges perfectly crisp with a soft, almost translucent center.
I bit into the cookie and the taste was like nothing I had ever experienced. It was sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, with a hint of something floral that must have been the lotus. The texture was divine, melting almost instantly when it touched my tongue.
“They're incredible!” I admitted, unable to hide my delight.
Ronan's face lit up with a proud grin. “I told you,” he said. “Hana, we'll take a dozen.”
As Hana packaged the cookies, I took the moment to observe the village activity around me. Children ran past, playing with homemade toys, and the air buzzed with the chatter of daily life. It was peaceful here, a stark contrast to the ever-present political tensions of the palace.
Ronan handed me the package of cookies, his hand lingering on mine as he did. “There’s more to see, and even more to taste,” he promised, his voice low and inviting.
I nodded, excitement bubbling within me. My heart was full of anticipation for other secrets Ronan might share with me about his home.
The simplicity and warmth of the Grasslands were infectious, and I found myself wishing the day would never end. Especially since my death was imminent. I think we were both hoping for a distraction for what lay ahead.
Ronan guided me to another vibrantly colored stall draped with various fruits and spices displayed like a painter's palette. “You must try the fire berries,” he said, picking up a small, bright red fruit that looked innocent enough, but which promised a burst of intense flavor.
I wisely hesitated; I’d heard stories of their potency. “Are they as fiery as they say?”
Ronan laughed, a sound that made the worries of the past few days seem distant. “Only one way to find out.” He popped one into his mouth, his expression teasing.
Encouraged by his boldness, I took one and gingerly bit into it. The berry was a burst of sweet heat that somehow didn't overwhelm but delighted with its complex flavors. “Wow, that’s surprisingly good!” I exclaimed, reaching for another.
“See? There’s magic in the Grasslands' food,” Ronan boasted, his eyes gleaming with pride for his homeland.
We moved on, stopping here and there for Ronan to introduce me to more of the local delicacies—each one adding layers to my understanding of the Grasslands and its rich, vibrant culture. Ronan seemed to relish sharing this part of his life with me, and every smile and look he gave filled me with warmth.
Eventually, we reached the edge of the market where the crowd thinned and the view opened to a sprawling field dotted with wildflowers. The sun had begun its slow descent, casting a golden hue as its broad rays lazily brushed the land.
“Let’s take a break,” Ronan suggested. He pointed towards a small hill that offered a panoramic view of the village and its surrounding fields.
We climbed the hill and sat on a patch of soft, lush grass. The village was nothing more than a gentle hum in the background as we soaked in the peaceful scene before us. I retrieved the package of lotus cookies and handed one to Ronan.
“As much as I love showing you the Grasslands, it’s these quiet moments I treasure the most,” he said, his voice soft.
I nodded as a deep sense of peace settled over me. “I can see why you love it here,” I responded, taking in the view, the scents, and the sounds. “It feels a world away from everything.”
Ronan leaned back on his hands and peered up at the sky painted in shades of deep orange and purple. “It is, and I’m glad I could share it with you. No matter where our paths take us, I hope you’ll always remember this day.”
I reached out and gently squeezed his hand. “How could I forget?” I whispered. No matter what happened next, this moment—this day—would be etched in my memory forever, a poignant reminder of life's simple beauties. “But my path will always lead me to you, Ronan. Don’t you forget that.”
“I won’t,” he murmured, reaching his hand around my neck and pulling me toward him until our lips crashed into each other. His tongue met mine and I reached for him hungrily, needing to touch him and feel his warmth.
“Ronan,” I whispered against his mouth. “I need you.”
He laid me down on the grass, and then his hand glided up my leg and under the skirt of my dress, his touch blazing a trail of fire on my skin. Normally, I would be embarrassed since we were out in the open and anyone could come up here, but with the knowledge that my life was about to end, I didn’t care. I wanted him any way possible. It wasn’t just a want; it was a need . A hunger I’d never felt before. And no matter how much I was fed, I always wanted more.
His fingers slid beneath my underwear and slid straight to the space between my folds, rubbing the wetness that pooled between my thighs. His finger slid inside me, making my breath hitch. He pumped in and out of me slowly before inserting another finger as his thumb rubbed my clit.
A moan slipped out of me and I wrapped an arm around his neck to bring him closer to me, feeling his hardness against my thigh as he laid partially on top of me. I felt an orgasm building and I was ready to explode when his hand suddenly stilled and his body fell on top of mine, unmoving.
“Ronan?” I croaked and shook him lightly, which was when I saw the dart imbedded in the side of his neck. “Ronan!” With unexpected strength, I pushed him off me, hurriedly adjusting my dress and searching the area for the threat. A threat I should have seen coming.
“Apologies for interrupting,” Chief Aryan simpered as he climbed up the hill with half a dozen Crimson Clan warriors at his back.
I scrambled to my feet and stood, my muscles coiled and ready for their attack while simultaneously trying to protect Ronan’s limp body on the ground. “What’s going on?” I gritted between my teeth.
Chief Aryan shrugged one shoulder. “I thought it would be good for us to speak … without Ronan. He seems very protective of you.”
I fought the indignant anger that coiled within my blood. “What’s in the dart? Is it poison?”
Chief Aryan scoffed as if the thought was distasteful. “You think I would poison my own son? What kind of monster do you take me for? No, he’s just asleep for a little bit. He’ll awaken tomorrow morning, no worse for wear.”
I gulped as the chief’s warriors surrounded me until I was stuck in the center with no way out. “You needed all of them just to talk to me? I don’t know whether to be insulted or flattered.”
“Definitely flattered,” he said. “You’re strong. We all know it. Just look at this as a precaution.”
I narrowed my eyes at Ronan’s unhinged father. “Fine. Then talk.”
Chief Aryan edged closer, his eyes glinting. “I’m hoping you and I can come to a business agreement without any fuss. Are you willing to hear me out?”
I nodded slowly.
“Perfect.” He rubbed his hands together eagerly. “So as you and my son may have realized, I agreed to do the sacrifice tomorrow night during a full moon.”
I raised my brow and spat sarcastically, “Let me guess, change of plans?”
The chief smiled, though it lacked humor. “Yes. I hoped we could complete the ceremony now . Tonight. The witch doctor and elders are assembled and waiting to begin. It will be quick,” he assured me as he edged closer. “Ronan selfishly wanted one more night with you, but we really don’t have the time.” He offered a sly smile. “I understand the passion held by young hearts, but this is a business transaction of the utmost importance for my people.”
“Why does it have to be today? If we hadn’t showed up, this wouldn’t even be an option.”
He nodded, the deepening shadows of dusk turning his face into a macabre mask. “Very true, but the gods must be on our side. Keldara is scheduled to send an envoy tomorrow to collect our tributes. If the fox demon is awakened before then, we’ll be prepared to fight and save our people.” He crossed his arms menacingly and his warriors edged closer. “What do you say, Your Highness? Are you willing to play your part and complete the ceremony voluntarily, or will it have to be by force?”
I bit my lip and evaluated my chances against the Crimson Clan warriors. I could take on one or two using my blood magic, but that would give the others time to attack, and then I would be too tired to fight back. I was outnumbered and with no weapons, and my sworn protector was unconscious on the ground at my feet. This wasn’t how we wanted things to go. I wanted to spend my last hours with Ronan before the inevitable… Before my death.
While I trusted Ronan and knew he fully intended to bring me back with the demon fox’s wish, there was a small voice in the back of my mind that doubted just a bit. Especially considering how tricky Chief Aryan was.
I narrowed my gaze on him. “It doesn’t seem like I have much of a choice, now do I?”
He shook his head, his face grim.
I raised my head defiantly. “Can I ask a question?”
He nodded and motioned for me to continue.
I asked the question that had been gnawing at me; the one I was fairly certain I knew the answer to, and the one I didn’t want to hear. “Will you bring me back afterward by using the fox demon’s wish?”
Chief Aryan began to chuckle, which quickly turned into full-blown laughter. Once he calmed himself down, he wiped his eyes and shook his head. “Come, now, Lyanna. I didn’t peg you as the na?ve type. Of course not. I refuse to waste a wish on something so trite. We need that wish for far more important things, Your Highness. I’m sure you understand. ”
I wish I could say I was surprised by his response, but I wasn’t. Even as Ronan and I cut through Keldara on our way to the so-called sanctuary of the Grasslands, I secretly knew that was Chief Aryan’s plan all along.
I refused to cower or show that his words affected me, even as my insides roiled. “Your actions will start a war with Valoria. Do you understand that? My father will have your head!” I threatened, hoping to change his mind and alter his bloodstained path.
He gave a dark chuckle and the sinister glimmer in his eyes returned. “Valoria can try, but with the almighty fox demon on our side, we’ll be unstoppable.”
I didn’t understand the history and lore of the fox demon, but from what I’d gathered, its incarnation would be as if a god was walking Asteria and the impossible would be made possible. It was a scary thought, especially when I didn’t know what Chief Aryan planned to do with that new-found power. Would he be happy freeing his people, or did he thirst for more?
He met my heated stare unflinchingly. “What do you say, Your Highness? Will you lay down your life to help Ronan and his people by choice, or by force?”
“Fine,” I gritted, staring deep into his cold, crimson eyes. “I’ll go willingly.”
Either way, I was ready to die. Truthfully, I should have died a long time ago. I’d lived on borrowed time for the last ten years. I dropped my gaze to where Ronan slept at my feet and tried to memorize every inch before we were torn apart forever.
He would never forgive his father for this, though in the years to come, he may come to terms with the benefit my sacrifice brought to his people.
“Goodbye, Ronan.”