Chapter 27 #2
“How dare you speak of my mother in my home.” I slam him against the hard wall, a boom causing multiple onlookers to glance our way.
“Speak like that again, and I will know. I swear to the Gods, I’ll find you.
You’ll regret those words the moment they leave your miserable mouth.
” My hands tighten around his throat, rage building in my chest. His eyes widen, oxygen leaving his lungs as he claws at my grip, begging to be released.
I blink at him through the fury, my vision blurring as I feel the change.
My autumn eyes disappear into the darkness.
“Your… eyes,” the man manages to stutter.
I grit my teeth and move closer to his ear. “Then let my eyes haunt you, fill you with fear. Let them remind you to be cautious with the lies you speak.”
The man nods, his eyes widening as my grip loosens around his throat. Discolorations form on his pale skin. A desperate gasp escapes him, and a few people rush to his side. I spin around to see Rohhit and Nolan standing behind me.
“Briar, you need to step away from him,” Rohhit says.
“You need to move and leave the room, Princess,” Nolan adds.
“I… I don’t know what came over me.” I step away from the crowd.
The need to feel invisible takes over. “I let it take over. I wanted to kill him for speaking of my mother.” I refuse to look up from the ground.
“You let what take over?” Rohhit asks plainly. Both men stare, their eyes burning a hole in my chest.
“The darkness,” I respond.
Neither of them asks further questions, and at this moment, I’m glad Silas isn’t beside me—his questioning wouldn’t be so forgiving. “I need to get to the kitchen to see Rose!” Tears form in my eyes, but I bite them back.
“Well, let’s go, then!” Nolan escorts me forward. “We’re starving anyway.” Through the chaos, a smile finds its way to their faces.
Walking down the hallways, Nolan breaks the silence. “I know what it feels like to be an outcast. My whole life, I’ve felt out of place and unwanted.”
I look at him, his gentle blue eyes complementing his white hair, but something darker lurks behind them. “I was adopted as a child. Rohhit’s mother, Raven, took me in when she didn’t have to. I’ve lived with Rohhit my entire life.”
The way he looks at me sends a wave of familiarity through me. As a child, I don’t remember the royal family visiting from Eddris, but I swear I’ve met him before. It’s the same look I’ve seen in Barlowe. His eyes, I’ve seen them before, but I can’t place where.
“I’m sorry about your family. It’s hard losing people you love,” I reply, understanding his pain all too well.
“The differences between our losses are significant. I never knew my parents. I didn’t have the chance to love them.
You lost people you cherished, but to me, it’s an honor to have known such dear and wonderful individuals to miss.
Some people never have the fortune to experience such love.
I only recently learned more about my parents. ”
A calmness runs through me as he smiles down at me, the familiarity hitting me in my chest. “You found your parents?” I can’t help but ask.
He nods. “I believe so. I haven’t told Rohhit yet, so please don’t say anything.”
I shake my head, curiosity running through me.
Where have I seen that smile?
I glance back at Rohhit, who is giving us space to talk. His limp is still prominent, not completely healed from his foot almost being removed. “Your foot still hanging in there, Rohhit?” I joke.
“I’m not ready for foot jokes just yet, Princess.” His smile stops me in my tracks. “You saved my life, Briar. Thank you. I hadn’t had the chance to tell you yet.”
“It was nothing.” I nod, lying.
We enter the kitchen, and anticipation hits my stomach at the thought of seeing Rose.
Lang stands in his regular spot, tending to his many dishes.
The kitchen feels empty, with his body filling the space.
Spices fill my nose as I breathe deeply, taking in the mouthwatering aroma of the food.
“You can sit here, " I say, pointing to my worn spot on the bench. “I’ll grab us something to eat.”
Nolan refuses to sit. “I’ll get it. You rest.”
Rolling my eyes, I reply, “Sit for the Gods’ sake.” My smile quickly fades as I turn and walk to Lang.
“Where is Rose?” I demand harsher than intended.
“She isn’t here,” Lang replies, barely acknowledging me. He turns and makes eye contact with the two large men sitting in my usual spot. His eyes shoot up. “Prince Rohhit,” he bows respectfully. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Lang ignores Nolan, a face of disgust flashing across his expression.
I notice the exchange, brushing it off as typical Lang protectiveness. I grab Lang’s arm. “I need to know where Rose is.”
He lowers his head. “I found a note that she returned to Eddris this morning, so I expect she’ll be gone for a few days. She said she had a few things to tend to. I didn’t ask questions, Briar.”
I let out a heavy sigh. “Can you please let me know when she returns? It’s urgent that I speak with her.”
He nods, still refusing to make complete eye contact with me. I grab a few apples and a hearty loaf of bread, tossing them in their direction, barely missing Nolan’s head. Rohhit huffs a laugh as I stride past them. “If you want anything else, just ask Lang. He’s the best cook in this realm.”
I bound through the threshold, off to find Maines.