Chapter 19
Seeing as it’s been days since the second trial ended, and the third hasn’t been announced yet, maybe we’re being given a break after Cromwell’s death.
My father still hasn’t tried to speak to me since our conversation in his office.
Maines returned to the House of Hedro to continue her research and care for her patients, while Oak acted as if our adventure out of the castle never happened.
I have spent the last few days adhering to my routine, avoiding unwanted company, and chatting with Rose and Lang in the kitchen.
Rose remains suspicious when the subject of my mother comes up, but she doesn’t pry.
Silas continues to occupy my thoughts, and I can’t help but wonder what he has been doing in the meantime.
Whispers of the third trial being announced soon ripple through the castle, creating a buzz of excitement.
The extra guests make the castle feel vibrant—almost whole—again.
A small ceremony was held the day after Barlowe’s death, where a tree was planted in his memory. I didn’t attend, and no one cared why. The new tree symbolizes life and rebirth, which is ironic since it grows in soil filled with tragedy.
I haven’t visited the site where the tree is planted.
I haven’t been brave enough. The challenges that lie before me are going to require bravery, so it’s time to pay my respects.
An intense pull drags me from the castle walls and outside to the small green courtyard where my brother took his last breath.
The sky is filled with soft white clouds, offering a bit of shade as I kneel beside the young tree, still growing on the barren ground.
“What am I going to do, Barlowe?”
The tree sways in front of me. My eyes begin to well up—pooling with sorrow—as tears fall to the ground. “I can’t do this without you. You never deserved this. You should have stayed away forever if returning meant this. This is all my fault.”
I bury my face in my hands as a soft sob escapes my lips.
The wind stops, the birds cease chirping, and the world seems to pause, granting me a quiet moment to grieve.
“Something is wrong with me, brother. Darkness surges inside my chest, desperate to be freed. I’ve kept it at bay all these years, but it’s becoming harder.
I need to understand what’s happening. I need your help. I need to know what you knew.”
For a moment, I let myself remember us as children—racing through this very courtyard—full of dreams that now seem far away.
Barlowe never wanted to rule Daramveer. He told me from the start he would step down and let me become queen.
His passions lay in combat—becoming a top commander, leading men to victory, and basking in the glory of war.
He wanted songs and stories told about him around campfires and would have gone to the ends of the earth to achieve this glory.
The tears continue to fall. “I love you.”
I place my hand on the soft earth, and the grass tickles my fingers. In this moment, all I want, more than life itself, is to have my brother back.
“He knows that.”
The words shock me, and I jump to my feet, quickly wiping the tears from my eyes. My father stands behind me, his hands tucked into his perfectly tailored jacket.
“How long have you been standing there,” I snap.
“Only a second.” He states, moving closer.
His presence makes me instinctively step back.
He sits near the tree, avoiding eye contact.
“Things are only going to get harder. I hope you’re prepared.
I’ll stop at nothing to finish my plans.
And believe it or not, Briar, I wish you had never gotten involved. ”
“You brought me in from the start. The blood being shed is on your hands—the destruction you're causing is all due to you. Don’t attempt to make me pity you.”
He nods. “I’m aware, and that is something I can live with—can you?
Let’s remember that you also have blood on your hands.
You are not so innocent in these trials either, Briar.
We are more alike than you wish to believe.
” His eyes darken as he takes a relaxing breath.
“I’m doing this to see who is the strongest amongst us.
Your mother and I were married through an arranged union. ”
The mention of her makes me flinch. “I’m aware.”
“We were very young back then, deeply in love at first. Over the years, we drifted apart. I never repaired our relationship—I never even attempted to. I filled my time with other important things and people, and I’m on the verge of achieving what I’ve always desired.
Yet, I do regret allowing my relationship with your mother to fade. Maybe things would be different.”
I snarl, “But you don’t regret her dying? Does it even bother you that she’s gone?”
He doesn’t respond. Instead, he rises from the cold ground, never meeting my gaze as he walks toward the castle.
The air around me seems to lighten as his darkness fades away, but the hurt within me deepens.
He may be a monster, but he is still my father.
I remain in the courtyard—absorbing the peaceful breeze flowing through my thick hair, the soft grass tickling my legs—as I sit once more, staring at Barlowe’s tree.
I swear I hear the wind whisper something in my ear.
Maybe a bit of combat will ease my thundering heart.
As much as the constant pestering bothered me, I couldn’t help but appreciate the distractions provided by the trials.
After finishing my training, I towel off my face, sweat beading on my forehead from the morning sun.
At this moment, the thought of a bath sounds more pleasurable than anything else when a sudden change in the air stops me.
Spinning on the step, I’m blinded by the sunlight—except for a tall, dark figure blocking half of the opening to the roof landing.
“Hello, my Briar,” the deep voice carries down the stairs. Goosebumps rise on my skin as I instantly recognize the accent—Silas.
“Hello, Prince.” My lip curls, “At this point, it’s safe to assume that you are stalking me.”
“You haven’t seen me in days; I would be the worst stalker ever, don’t you think? Or does that make me a great stalker?” He grins, stepping down the stairs, his presence growing.
My stomach churns with excitement. “Well, I suppose it depends on who you're asking. I’m more accustomed to you entering my bedroom uninvited.” I roll my eyes and turn around.
“Would you like to invite me to your bedroom next time, Princess?”
The tone of his voice—serious and hungry—turns my core molten. Biting back the urge to run up the stairs toward him, I reply, “I don’t think there will be an invitation extended anytime soon.”
Not waiting for a response, I continue down the stairs. The dark stone walls feel suffocating. “Briar, stop!” he calls after me, and I freeze. His deep, longing voice—calming yet commanding—makes my heart race.
I slowly turn. My gaze meets his as he continues, “I thought we might talk.” He moves down the stairs, shadows swirling around his muscled body.
My darkness pulses when he’s near, yet I can’t pinpoint where I’ve encountered him before. “What would you like to discuss, Prince?” I play along, nearly laughing at his awkward attempt at conversation.
“Daramveer is different from Andorwood,” he says, slumping against the stone wall, arms crossed as if unsure how to speak to me.
“Andorwood is dark and cold. The people there aren’t ones for casual conversation.
I apologize if I seem short on words. Besides a few close friends and my horses, I haven’t had anyone to talk to over the years. ”
I understand that feeling more than he knows.
I nod. “Maybe Daramveer isn’t so different. That happens here a lot, too. I’m not exactly the most liked person in the castle.”
He smiles, his posture softening. “You? Not popular? I find that hard to believe. You’ve been so warm and welcoming.”
The sarcasm drips from his tongue, and I chuckle. “Yes, that’s the reputation I hold. The Princess of Daramveer, the 'kind-hearted’ ruler of a despised kingdom.”
“I saw your horses when you arrived,” I add. “I was on the balcony watching the ship’s dock. Your ship is quite impressive.”
He nods, a smile still lingering on his lips. “So, you were watching me? Who’s the stalker now?”
I playfully push him at the comment. “Are your horses staying in the stables? I’d love to see them sometime. My father thinks riches are more important than companionship.”
“Yes, they are,” he laughs. “I’ve threatened the stable boy to keep them well-cared for. I’d love to show you someday if you aren’t too afraid to be alone with me.”
I smile. “That poor stable boy. Please don’t scare him to death. And I told you, Silas, you don’t scare me.”
“I’m sure afraid of you, my Briar.” His gaze burns into mine, but he claps. “It’s settled, then. Our first date.”
His looming intensity grows, yet happiness sparkles in his eyes as I blush.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Prince,” I say with a wink. "I’m just flirting for the sake of the competition. I get so bored in this big castle. I must entertain myself somehow.”
He smiles, the conversation quieting.
“Where have you been the last few days?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.
“Have you missed me?” He takes a step closer, his presence towering over mine.
I chew on the inside of my cheek, waiting for him to continue.
“I’ve mostly been with my horses, Xena and Myah,” Silas says, his tone shifting to something more serious.
“They’ve been through everything with me.
They’re family. I owe it to them to keep them safe.
” He glances down, deep in thought. “It may sound silly, but they were my escape. I’d ride for hours through the mountains of Andorwood.
Not the safest thing for a child or even an adult, but it was safer than being around my father. ”