Chapter 20
The throne room is barely recognizable. What was once a cold, imposing space is now filled with bright, fragrant flowers that make the air tingle with life.
Lights hang from the ceiling, mimicking falling stars against the backdrop of the darkest sky.
The windows are wide open, allowing a fresh breeze to filter in, making the room feel lighter than it has in years.
Townspeople are dressed in their finest clothes, and the competitors wear polished armor, each showcasing their muscular bodies, drawing appreciative gazes from those around them. The women and men in the room watch in awe, some even openly admiring the competitors.
The music fills every corner of the room, its deep bass haunts the space and reverberates through my chest. Daramveer’s music has never been upbeat, but there’s something about it that always soothes me, even in the most chaotic moments.
The bass rattles my heart and draws me into its rhythm.
As a child, I would often sneak down to my parents’ parties just to listen to the orchestra—the haunting melodies calming my restless mind.
The crowd moves with the music, their bodies swaying as if guided by the notes.
Women twirl with their partners, graceful as leaves dancing in the wind.
I long to join them, but I know better. Any attention on me would only attract more eyes, and I’d rather not risk it.
I make my way through the crowd, searching for Maines in hopes that she’s already arrived. Instead, I’m met with lingering gazes from people who don’t treat me as a person but as a trophy for their entertainment.
I never dress in such gowns, and the looks I receive around the room instantly make me feel uncomfortable—in this instance, I fake my confidence as I strut toward them.
“You look stunning.”
I turn, finding Silas standing inches behind me. The look on his face isn’t one I’ve seen before, jealousy mixed with pure hunger. It makes my knees wobble.
“Thank you, Prince. You don’t look bad yourself,” I lie, my heart rate increasing with every breath.
He looks fantastic, his black hair slicked back to perfection. Candlelight dances off his eyes, casting a devilish sparkle that I wouldn’t mind getting lost in. He smiles, his gaze traveling down my body, landing on the marks forming on my arms.
“Who did this to you?” His eyes darken as he takes my hand.
“It’s nothing.” I try to move my hand from his grip, but he holds steady. “From the second trial.”
A forced smile crosses my lips as I shift my gaze back to the crowd, hoping to change the subject quickly. “I’m fine, Silas. You can stop being overprotective.”
“Briar, the second trial was days ago. Injuries wouldn’t be that noticeable at this point, and I did not notice those yesterday. Who did this? Was it Rohhit?” he demands. “After all, you two showed up together.”
“Oh, are you an expert in bruises?”
“I’m not going to ask you again.” A breeze stirs in the room, and I realize how serious his tone has become. Shadows curl around his hands, an obvious sign of the anger rising within him.
“Good! Then don’t ask me again. You know I can handle myself, Silas, and I’m telling you I’m fine. I don’t need you hovering over me.”
Hurt replaces the anger in his eyes, and I feel a stab of regret. “My Briar, if anyone hurts you, tell me.”
“You are actively competing against me to take the little bit of freedom I currently have away from me. You have no right to speak on that matter, and if I choose not to disclose things to you, that is my choice! Mine! And I’m going to hold on to my choices while I still can.
” The harsh tone echoes around us, “And don’t call me that. I’m not yours!”
A few curious glances flicker in our direction. Silas sighs heavily before bowing, his voice softer now. “I don’t think you mean that—I hope you don’t mean that. But very well, Princess. Please enjoy your night.”
He turns, walking toward the balcony, leaving me standing there with only my words.
Don’t follow him, Briar.
Walk the other way.
I push aside my internal thoughts and storm after him, unable to resist—his presence draws me against my will.
The balcony is empty except for Silas, the soft glow of the moon casting long shadows across the dark stone. The subtle sound of waves against the pier rush around us.
I step next to Silas, placing my forearms on the railing as I inhale the fresh air. He doesn’t meet my gaze but speaks instead, his voice low. “Something about you makes me insanely protective.”
I glance out over the kingdom, the stillness of the night drowning out the lively celebration behind us.
His words hang in the air, heavy with meaning.
“When I first arrived, and you looked at me—really looked at me—something clicked. I know you don’t understand, but I know you, Briar.
There are things I’ve chosen not to disclose yet, too. ”
I stare at him, unsure of what to say in response.
“My father chose not to join me when I mentioned that I wanted to travel here. He said that coming here would be my undoing. I truly don’t believe he cares whether I return or not.
Our relationship isn’t the best. He thinks this competition is a distraction from something larger at play, and I agree with him for once. "
Silas is brilliant. He senses that something is off as well, but given what I know, I keep my mouth shut. This isn’t the right moment to reveal what Maines, Oak, and I are truly after.
“Silas.” I touch his hand. “I’m sorry for shouting. I’m not asking you to protect me. I just don’t want anyone else to get hurt because of these trials. You all are risking your lives for no reason.”
He returns the gesture and grabs my hand back with a gentle squeeze. “You are the reason, Briar.”
His stare melts my soul as he looms over me.
He sweeps a strand of hair away from my face and gently places his strong hand on my cheek.
“I will protect you, no matter what. Whatever that entails, even at the cost of my own life.” He pauses, “And I won’t call you mine anymore.
Not until you’re ready for that. I’ll wait a lifetime for that moment if I must.”
And I believe him.
He leans down, his lips brushing against mine, and my body reacts instantly—my core burns, my heart races. His tongue teases the entrance of my mouth, and for a moment, everything else fades away.
When he pulls away, his smile is full of mischief. “Is this our first date?”
With a laugh, I push against his strong chest, unable to stay mad at him.
His hand travels down, cupping my ass and pulling me closer as our mouths nearly touch once more.
My body vibrates with exciting nerves. Something within me responds to his touch as we work in perfect unison.
Our darkness calls to each other, desperate for more.
I completely forget that I stand in public, where the gaze of the other competitors could be upon us, watching whatever is happening between us.
“What the hell is this?” A voice travels through the night air.
Panic surges through me, and I push Silas away, though his stare never leaves mine—hunger still evident in his eyes.
“Hello, Miss Madden,” Silas responds, stepping a few paces away from me.
I instantly feel the need for his warmth again and crave his dark strength wrapped around me.
Maines steps onto the balcony. “I’m clearly interrupting something, but I do need to speak with Briar. It’s quite urgent.”
Silas bows to her with practiced elegance. “No issue, Maines. I’ll make my leave.”
He leans in, his voice low, only for me to hear. “Next time, there will be no interruptions. No distractions. You’ll be mine, Princess. However, you desire.”
He walks back into the crowd, leaving a trail of shadows dancing behind him. He weaves through the people, his gaze briefly meeting mine before he disappears into the throng.
Maines turns to me, a wide grin on her face. “My Gods, were you just making out with the competition?”
“That’s none of your business,” I snap, but my cheeks burn with embarrassment. “You interrupted before I had the chance.”
After giggling some more and earning a glare from me, she turns serious, saying, “Oak has a plan. He wants us to meet him by the kitchen in twenty minutes.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You’ve been hanging out with Oak behind my back?”
“Only a little.” Maines grins. “But he’s got a plan, and we don’t have time to waste.”
As Maines and I approach the kitchens, I catch a glimpse of Oak, who’s standing just out of sight, his smirk full of mischief. “What’s the plan?”
He ushers us toward a nook outside the kitchen, his tone low. “We’re going to break into your father’s study. Now.”
I freeze. “How do you suggest we do that? My father always has multiple guards around him.”
Oak shrugs, his confidence unwavering. “Not tonight. With your father occupied, there won’t be anyone around. I saw him cornered with Calia, the twins’ mother.”
His overconfidence sends a bead of sweat down my spine. “We can’t shift in and out. There are wards that only open to his presence. If we get caught, we’re dead.”
“I know,” Oak says, his grin widening. “That’s why Maines will stand guard. You and I will go in, search for clues, and I’ll translate what we find.”
Maines nods, barely reacting to Oak’s bombshell.
I glance between them, annoyance creeping in. “When did you two plot this?”
Maines smiles smugly. “Don’t worry about what I do in my spare time with this fool.”
Oak chuckles. “She’s a pain in my ass. Always using me for my brain.”
I roll my eyes. “This is a bad idea, but I don’t disagree that this might be our only chance.”
Maines and Oak exchange a high five, and my stomach clenches. This isn’t going to end well.