Chapter 33
AURORA
Istand rigidly beside my parents in the vast throne room, my pulse skittering nervously beneath my skin. My stomach twists into a tight knot as the immense doors slowly creak open, their echoing groan reverberating off polished marble and gilded columns.
Anticipation coils in my chest, mingling with dread as the herald’s voice rings through the throne room: “His Highness, Prince Ryllen of Andoryn.”
I stand between my mother and father, my hands clasped to hide the trembling. Thalric and his father, Eldrin, hold their posts behind us like silent, watchful shadows of stone.
Prince Ryllen steps through, and for a breath my world narrows to a single, startling thought: no one told me he was Fae.
His dragonfly-like wings unfurl in a sweep of shimmering blue, their translucent membranes catching the light as he moves. His hair is long, perfectly straight, silk-white that spills like moonlight over his shoulders.
His ears are elegantly pointed, his face is handsome, aristocratic features and full lips that curve into a charming grin, flashing the barest hint of fangs.
He is taller than me, lithe and lean-muscled. His intense, sapphire eyes lock onto mine, and all I can think is: he is not Thalric.
Ryllen is nothing like my Gargoyle with his strong jaw and the harsh, angular planes of his face. With his deadly talons, powerful leathery wings, and his tail that betrays his emotions so readily, and a steady rumbling purr that reminds me I’m safe and protected when I’ve had a bad dream.
“Your Majesties.” Ryllen’s voice is smooth and deep as he bows to me and my parents. “Princess. Thank you for welcoming me so graciously. I came as soon as I received your raven with the news of your return.”
“Thank you,” my father replies. “The Goblin witch—Malvara—is aware that my daughter has come out of hiding. I propose we have the wedding at once to safeguard her against the witch’s curse. The priest has assured me it can be performed at dawn.”
The words settle in my chest like a heavy stone.
Ryllen nods solemnly, his gaze flickering back to me, concern softening his striking features. “Her safety is paramount. However, might I request a private moment with the princess first?”
“Yes,” I reply, before my father can answer for me. “I would… like that.”
Ryllen extends his arm toward me, elegant and courteous. My fingers tremble slightly as I place my hand upon his forearm. Together, we leave the silent tension of the throne room behind.
He leads me toward a grand balcony with a breathtaking view of the gardens below. “I’ve heard the gardens here are especially lovely.” Ryllen turns to me. “Would you care to walk with me there, Princess Rose?” he asks, using my proper name.
“Aurora,” I correct him. Even if everything else has changed, I will at least keep the name I’ve known all my life. “I prefer to go by Aurora, Prince Ryllen. It was the name my guardians used while I was… in hiding.”
It feels strange to say it aloud. Part of me keeps thinking all of this is some sort of strange dream and that I’ll wake up in my bed back in the cottage at Oakvale.
“Aurora,” he replies solemnly. “You may call me Ryllen.”
“Ryllen,” I repeat his name and offer him what I hope is a friendly smile. “And yes, I’ll accompany you to the gardens.”
Ryllen pauses, an unexpectedly playful grin tugging at his mouth. “May I carry you? It will be quicker than the stairs, and perhaps more enjoyable.”
Hesitantly, I nod. With effortless grace, he gathers me into his arms, holding me securely as his wings stretch out wide and we lift into the air.
My gaze flicks back, seeking Thalric instinctively. He is there, watching us with unreadable intensity, his powerful form reassuringly close as he follows.
Beside him is another Fae that I assume must be Ryllen’s personal guard.
Ryllen descends gracefully, setting me carefully upon the ground. Before we start down the path he introduces me to his personal guard—Lorys—and I introduce him to Thalric.
Thalric bows his head respectfully, but I notice he doesn’t look in my direction. I ache with the want to run into his arms, and I can only imagine this must be as difficult for him as it is for me.
After the introductions, Ryllen turns back to me, offering me his arm once more. “Shall we?”
I take his arm, and we step onto the gravel path. If not for my nerves, I’d probably appreciate the gardens. It truly is lovely with an array of colorful blooming plants with red, yellow, pink, and blue flowers scattered throughout.
“I cannot imagine how overwhelming this must all feel.” Ryllen’s gaze meets mine. “I’ve known of our betrothal my entire life. But I understand that you only discovered who you truly are just days ago. And now to face a sudden marriage… it must feel utterly surreal.”
I blink at him, startled by his understanding. “It’s been… a lot,” I admit. “Everything is happening so fast.”
He inclines his head. “Then forgive me if anyone has rushed you. Fear tends to turn urgency into a virtue. No one should be joined to a stranger, regardless of a curse. If you wish, we can delay the wedding by a few days. Perhaps give ourselves a chance to know each other better?”
I’m stunned by his offer; he’s not what I expected. Something loosens in my chest at his sincerity. “That is… generous. Thank you. I would like that.”
Ryllen nods. “Then, that is what we will do.”
We continue on the path with our guards trailing behind us. Although they are far enough away that I doubt they can hear our conversation, I can still feel the intensity of Thalric’s gaze like heat at my back.
Prince Ryllen seems like a good man. And because he has been so open with me, I decide to be completely honest with him even as guilt slices through me. Taking a deep breath, I turn to face him. “I have to be honest with you. My heart already belongs to someone else.”
He goes very still. For a heartbeat his expression is unguarded.
A mix of surprise and hurt flit briefly across his refined features.
“Oh,” he murmurs, then composes himself quickly, offering me a faint smile.
“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re lovely, Aurora.
I’m sure you’ve had no shortage of suitors eager to win your heart. ”
Warmth flushes my cheeks at his gentle words, and I nod awkwardly, searching for the right way to explain.
I open my mouth to speak, but Ryllen lifts a hand. “Before you answer further,” he murmurs, “I ask that you please give me a week. A single week to get to know me, to let me show you who I am beyond our betrothal. Perhaps you might change your mind.”
Softly, I bite my lower lip as conflicting emotions swirl deep within. I do not doubt my feelings for Thalric, I’m simply trying to figure out the nicest way to turn down Ryllen’s offer.
Ryllen notices my hesitation and continues gently, “If there were any other way, Aurora, I would gladly step aside out of respect for your heart.” His eyes search mine. “But this curse… it could cost you everything.”
From the genuine concern etched in his face, I realize he isn’t trying to manipulate or hurt me. He’s merely trying to protect me the only way he knows how. But still… I don’t understand. We’ve only just met. How can he care so much?
“I—” I hesitate a beat, unsure how to begin. I meet his gaze evenly. “Does it not… feel odd to you that we should be bound so soon and we barely know each other?”
“As I mentioned earlier, I grew up knowing of you,” Ryllen explains.
“Not so much as a princess, but as an innocent person whose life was threatened by an evil curse. My father told me that the measure of a male is how he honors those he’s bound to protect.
So when I learned that we were betrothed…
that you were destined to become my mate, how could I not care? ”
Ryllen is not what I expected. He’s a good person. Kind and honorable. Perhaps in another life, I could have fallen for him.
Even so, my heart still yearns for Thalric. But I know he’s committed to his duty, and that means he will protect me at any cost, even if it means giving me up to another.
But if I accept Ryllen’s proposal, it gives us time to figure out a way around this curse without rushing into a marriage neither of us truly wants. “Alright.”
“Good.” The tension leaves Ryllen’s shoulders. “Thank you.” He offers his arm again, and I take it. “Perhaps we might partake of midday meal together after our walk?”
“Of—of course,” I reply a bit awkwardly.
As we continue on the path, Lorys steps forward to fall into place. Thalric moves as well, seeming to detach from the shadows, and for a heartbeat, our eyes meet.
My heart clenches fiercely, longing to walk beside him instead. But for now, all I can do is pray we can somehow find a way to be together, despite the curse.
Sighing heavily, I force myself to look away as the Fae prince leads me through the gardens.