Chapter 3 – Alex
Chapter Three
ALEX
My staff hits Master Waylen’s in a jarring strike that reverberates up my arms. Sweat drips into my eyes, and my throat is as dry as Maardune’s deserts from the intense workout.
I dig my toes into the mat, grounding myself in the training arena’s ring while the palace trainer sizes me up.
My best friend Kian has given me enough shit about my training regiment, or lack thereof, and I want—no—need to be stronger.
I never used to care about my looks or being the most athletic, and hells, I know I’ll never have the kind of abs Kian boasts, but the thought of standing a chance at beating him every once in a while is definitely appealing.
Not to mention, I need the distraction. Ever since we got back from the isle, I’ve been worried sick about Sera.
Before her curse took hold, I’d hoped she might be open to the possibility of a relationship between us, but now she won’t even give me the time of day.
Despite the pain of her betrayals, I still feel something for her.
It’s beyond surface level. I’m drawn to her in a way I can’t even begin to understand.
“Your balance is off,” Master Waylen corrects as he takes another swing at me.
Adjusting my stance, I barely duck out of the way in time, and the air from his staff sweeping over me is a quick reminder that I need to be on my guard.
“Alexander,” a deep booming voice rings out through the training hall.
I look over my shoulder. A novice mistake.
Master Waylen doesn’t give a shit about the fact that my father is calling for my attention.
No. He uses the distraction to sweep my legs out from under me, and I hit the ground with a thud, slamming the air out of my lungs.
The moment stretches painfully long, and my nostrils flare as I wheeze for air. Gods, that hurts.
“Do you yield?” Master Waylen asks with a sly grin, the staff positioned near my throat.
The bastard.
“I yield,” I grunt out, trying to catch my breath.
He reaches a hand down, and I grasp it, letting him pull me to my feet.
“Thanks.”
“I don’t like to be kept waiting, Alexander.” Father’s voice carries, speaking in my mother tongue.
“Coming,” I say, jogging over to the Ambassador of Maardune, otherwise known as Father or King Silenius’ favorite weapon—a skilled truth-sayer.
One of the strongest in the realm. Truth-sayers are the descendants of Veritius, the god of truth.
Being able to peel truth from lies is invaluable in negotiations and interrogations.
“You missed our meeting today.” His piercing eyes look me up and down, the judgment almost suffocating.
Shit. “I’m so sorry, Father. I lost track of time.” Not a complete lie.
“I need you prepared to take over my duties,” he continues, letting the partial truth slide. “Combat training is hardly a requirement.”
I grit my teeth, trying to hold back my frustration.
I have no desire to follow in his footsteps, but I also fear this confession will result in being sent back to Maardune.
I like it here in Rakveren, but the role of its ambassador is not exactly what I want for my life.
As much as I adore Kian and being at court, I’ve always longed for something quieter, a life entirely my own.
The freedom to explore new lands and learn about their languages and cultures, not being tied down to a king’s whims and needs, especially not King Silenius’, the pompous selfish prick.
It’s not even that I believe Father would be unsupportive, but the thought of disappointing him scares me.
I’m his only son, and he always speaks of me taking over for him someday despite the fact that the majority of his skill neglected to pass on to me.
While I can usually tell when people are lying to me, I have nothing on my father, my truth-saying gift mediocre at best.
“It won’t happen again, sir,” I say.
“See that it doesn’t.” He turns to leave but then pauses.
“Before I forget, I’ve received word from your mother.
She’s most anxious for you to meet your sister’s betrothed.
You’re expected in Maardune by the end of the month.
Not to mention, your own bonding is long overdue.
You’d do well to make some important decisions while you’re there.
You should stay over the winter holiday if possible. ”
I merely nod. This is hardly the time to tell him I’ve fallen hard for a cursed fae female who will barely look at me. I’d give anything to go back to only a month ago, when she would at least talk to me, even if every interaction was filled with snark.
Discovering she had been lying about her entire identity hurt more than I care to admit, but I regret my initial reaction.
Perhaps I was too harsh, but it was so damned frustrating when she wouldn’t explain.
I didn’t know at the time that she literally couldn’t.
When I close my eyes, I can still see her in that moment, when the fragile bridge between us crumbled into dust.
Do I give a shit that she’s fae? No. I care that she lied to us . . . to me. I care that I couldn’t see through her deception. Despite my anger, I can’t deny the way I’m still drawn to her. I want to protect her, help her . . .
I want to see her freed from her curse.
“This is the worst possible timing,” I complain to Kian in his wing later that day. “Despite the weeks of searching, we are nowhere closer to figuring out a solution for Sera’s curse.”
He pours me a drink and hands it over. “Take a breath, Alex. Yes, it’s been weeks, but that doesn’t mean we are without hope. There are still plenty of stones left to uncover.”
I slump into my seat. I know he’s right, but I can’t help but think that if Rae were in this position, he’d be losing his mind.
“Is she even talking to you?” he asks.
“No.” I snort. “She’s been avoiding me since we got back.”
“Maybe it’s just not meant to be.” He shrugs almost apologetically. “Perhaps her curse is not your burden to carry.”
Knocking back the liquid, I relish the burn, squeezing my eyes shut for just a moment before setting the glass back onto the table. “I can’t quite explain why, but I’m not giving up on her.”
Kian holds his glass up in salute. “To difficult women.”
I almost choke on a laugh. “Better not let Rae hear that.”
He smirks. “Oh, don’t you worry. She takes it as a compliment.”
“They’re not just women though, are they?” I muse. “I still can’t believe Sera’s been fae this whole time and now you’re bound to a goddess.”
“Yeah, that was quite a surprise, but I’ll forever be grateful for Sera. If she hadn’t broken the wards, Rae would still be down in that pit, and that’s not the first time she’s saved her.”
I groan. “I just wish it hadn’t ended with these consequences.”
“I don’t envy her plight at all. The few times I’ve seen her shift looked incredibly painful,” Kian says. “Rae is planning on traveling to Celestia to consult with other gods because she is so torn up about it.”
“She can do that?” I ask, eyes wide, a flicker of hope igniting in my heart. Surely the home of the gods will have answers for Sera.
“She sure seems to think so,” Kian replies. “There’s no guarantee they will do anything, but it’s worth trying.”
“Would you go with her?” I ask.
Kian shakes his head. “As far as I know, mortals are unable to travel to Celestia until we die.”
“But don’t you have special blood from the goddess Luna or something?” I ask.
Kian grimaces. “I still hate that I’m related to that psychopath. But no. It’s not powerful enough; my blood is too diluted.”
“I have to admit, I’m a little jealous she gets to travel to a whole other realm,” I say.
“It does sound like quite the adventure,” Kian says with a smile. “I wish I could go with her just to make sure she’s safe, but I know she’s strong enough to handle herself.”
“She’s lucky to have you in her corner.”
“I do my best not to be an overbearing ass.” Kian winks. “But hey, with Rae gone, I can join you in Maardune.”
“As much as I’d love that, what happens to Sera when we leave? We can’t just leave her here on her own. Who will keep an eye out for her every night? Or leave her blankets and clothes?”
“Why would she be alone?” Rae glides into the sitting room, looking more goddess-like than ever.
“Damn, you’re practically glowing,” I remark.
“Oh no. I need to remember to tone that down,” Rae says sheepishly.
Kian laughs. “Your secret won’t remain secret for long if you’re walking around like that.”
Rae sighs, plopping down onto the settee next to Kian and wrapping her arms around his neck. “I just got so excited to see you, I couldn’t contain myself.”
I wrinkle my nose. “You two are sickeningly in love.”
“You’re just jealous.” Kian laughs, pulling Rae onto his lap.
“Well, that’s my cue,” I say and move to stand.
“No, wait.” Rae scoots off Kian’s lap. “Behave,” she says to him with mock sternness.
Kian raises his hands in surrender.
“Were you talking about Sera?”
“Always,” Kian mutters. “But we were also discussing your impending trip to Celestia to see if you can find a way to free her from the curse.”
“Oh, that. But why would Sera be alone?” Rae asks.
“My father just informed me I need to travel to Maardune to meet my sister’s betrothed, and Kian offered to come along.”
“You have a sister?” Rae perks up. “I didn’t know that.”
“Yes. She and my mother moved back to Maardune a few years ago. She wasn’t interested in any of her prospects here in Rakveren and insisted on returning home.
Father travels back and forth as much as he can to see them, but I haven’t visited in a few years.
It would be unforgivable for me to ignore this invitation. ”
“Of course it would! You need to go,” Rae says.
“I just hate the thought of leaving Sera alone here in her current state.”
Rae taps a finger on her chin. “Can she travel with you two?”
“How in the realms would you convince her to do that?” I ask. “She barely wants to spend time with me as it is, let alone the weeks it would take to get to Maardune.”