Chapter 39
AURORA
The healer finally relents, stepping aside with an exasperated sigh, and I slip eagerly into the chamber where Thalric and Ryllen rest. The rich scent of herbs and salves fills the air, mingling with the faint metallic tang of blood.
As soon as I walk in Thalric’s head snaps toward me, his expression full of worry. “Are you alright?”
My chest tightens. He is the one who was hurt and yet his first concern is for me. It always is. “I’m fine. Thanks to you. How are you feeling?”
His intense gaze holds mine. “Better now.”
Eldrin steps into the doorway. “Thalric, your presence is requested by the king.”
“Can it not wait?” I ask. “He’s still healing.”
“Apologies, Princess, but this cannot wait.”
It’s strange to hear him address me by a title I’m still not used to myself, and I wonder if I’ll ever get used to it.
Thalric hesitates, clearly reluctant to leave, but his father’s firm expression leaves no room for argument. With one lingering look back at me, he nods and follows Eldrin out into the hallway.
Once they disappear, I turn my attention to Ryllen, crossing the room to his bedside.
“Just who I wanted to see.” He gives me a warm smile. “I believe a thank you is in order. You saved me, Aurora. You were incredible.”
I smile. “I should thank you as well. You came to my aid first.”
“I believe our engagement is off to a good start then, don’t you agree?” Ryllen grins, wincing as he sits up in the bed. “We saved each other.” He arches a teasing brow. “I’d hoped to impress you with my fighting skills, but I’m afraid I’ve ruined that, now, haven’t I?”
I laugh at his joking and decide to lightly tease him in return. “If you’re looking for a helpless and delicate princess, you’re definitely out of luck.”
His expression suddenly turns serious. “Aurora, if you’re worried that I would ever try to stifle who you are, please know I would never do that.”
“I believe you.” Guilt fills me. “But, I’ve already told you: my heart belongs to someone else. I don’t want to be cruel.”
“You’re not cruel, Aurora,” he reassures me. “You’re honest, and I respect that more than you know.”
Ryllen shifts, attempting to sit up straighter, and grimaces. Instantly, my hands move to his shoulders, gently pressing him back down. “You need to rest, Ryllen.”
I adjust his pillows, trying to make sure he’s comfortable. I hate seeing him in pain, and I hate even more that I’m the reason for it. He could have died trying to protect me. “You’ll tear open your wounds before they’re finished healing.”
He bites back a hiss of pain as he lies back down.
“I suppose I’m not quite matching up to your gargoyle protector, am I?
” A smile tugs at his lips, but it doesn’t quite meet his eyes.
“Thalric is already up and about, and I’m still lying here like an invalid.
Hardly a good way to impress my betrothed. ”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself.” I offer him a faint smile, settling back into my seat. “Gargoyles are hearty. Even when we were children, Thalric healed quickly. It used to frustrate me terribly. I’d scrape my knee, and he’d be perfectly healed from far worse by morning.”
Ryllen chuckles again before his expression turns serious. “I’m glad you had him then. And I’m glad you have him now.”
Guilt floods my veins. He has no idea Thalric is the very one who holds my heart so completely.
“Tell me about Oakvale,” he says, changing the subject. “I’ve never seen it.”
“It’s beautiful.” A wistful smile curves my mouth. “Quiet, but full of life. The villagers are warm and friendly, always willing to help one another. Every season is celebrated, and the gardens are full of herbs and flowers.”
“It sounds wonderful,” he replies. “You must miss it terribly.”
I nod. “I do.” I lift my gaze back to his. “Tell me about your home.”
“Andoryn is surrounded by forests full of trees with purple leaves that stretch to the sky. At night they emit a lovely glow that can be seen from the castle. It’s spring now, and we’ll soon have the festival of flowers. Moon blossoms, roses, tulips… in every color imaginable.
“The streets will be decorated with colorful banners and enchanted Fae lights.” A faint smile crests his lips. “The palace hosts a spring ball, and people from the other Fae kingdoms, like Anara and such, come from all over to attend.”
I’m captivated by the warmth in his voice as he describes his home. In another world, in another life, Ryllen and I might have fallen in love.
“My mother mentioned they’re planning a ball—a celebration of my return and our marriage.”
Ryllen’s eyes brighten. “Ah, you know, my people are famous for their revels. We’ve successfully charmed many partners through our legendary celebrations.
” He grins playfully, a teasing glint in his gaze.
“I’m an exceptional dancer, Aurora. If you’re not head over heels for me by the end of the ball, I’ll be the shame of all of Andoryn. ”
Despite myself, laughter bubbles up in my throat. “You’re impossible.”
He chuckles, eyes twinkling. “And you, my dear princess, are extraordinary.”
Warmth and friendship bloom easily between us, but even as I smile at Ryllen, my heart remains steady and sure. No matter how charming or kind the Fae prince may be, my heart beats only for Thalric. Nothing—not fate, nor prophecy—could ever change that.