Chapter 2
My father sneered at me from the great hall’s arched doors. He looked down at my dirt-laced hem—trace remnants of my archery session.
“You will finally serve your people well,” he growled.
My sour stomach curdled, but my chin raised.
“Don’t you wish to ask how?”
“I have no doubt you will instruct me as to how I will do so.” The words slipped out before I could stop them. My body stiffened, waiting for the repercussions.
“Your marriage is being arranged. Lord Thalen of the Vale will be here soon to discuss the proposed pact.” He stroked his silver-streaked beard. “I expect you will play your part. Keep your thoughts to yourself. He won’t want to hear them.”
The edge of my sleeves concealed my fingernails biting into the flesh of my palms. No tears would fall—that would be too enjoyable for him.
“Lord Thalen’s alliance will ease Bailoc's affliction. That is all that matters.” He waited for my retort, but there were no words I could muster. My father left me with a single scoff.
To save my home—I would leave it.
He came as swiftly as they promised. I longed to bask in the sunshine, to smell the sweet blooms in my mother’s garden—instead, I would prepare to greet my future husband.
“Silver or blue?” Milana held up two gowns.
I didn’t know what he looked like, what he liked, or what he hated.
All I knew was his name—Thalen. I mouthed it and my throat constricted.
“Which one would my mother wear?” A mirthless smile spread across my lips.
She raised an eyebrow as her head angled. Milana loosened the ties at the back of the light blue gown. With an uneven beat, my heart lodged further into my chest.
He could be cruel. He could be kind. Maybe the Vale would grant me freedom. Maybe I would like him after all.
My mother’s pearls felt like ice as Milana fastened them around my neck. A single set of pearl adornments was one of the few things of hers he left for me to keep. The rest was sealed in the tower. We were forbidden from entering.
“Could you style my hair like you used to style hers?” I handed my mother’s pearl hair pins to her to slide into place in my braid.
She lowered a pearl circlet on my head.
“Milana, you were my mother’s lady’s maid. You knew her better than anyone. I need to ask you something.”
She nodded.
“The rest of my mother’s things…that were transferred to the western tower.” The dress slipped in place over my straight figure. “Do you think—”
“You know it’s forbidden.” Milana pulled the corset ribbons tight to make curves I didn’t have. My dark, long waves fell on the embroidered swirls of the blue fabric.
Milana tugged again at the corset ribbons. “Don’t try his patience. Whatever you’re planning—”
“I’ve already been.”
“Now that you’ve gotten that notion out of your mind. You’ll do your best to stay away.” Milana tugged the corset ribbons tighter—the weight of the boning pressing into my chest. “Tell no one that you went.”
“I didn’t just go there…” I wedged my fingers into the narrow gap.
She removed my hand and tied the bow in place. I should have loosened it more.
I grasped the glass drawer pull and yanked it open. Milana peered inside at the leather book. With trembling hands, she combed her fingers through her hair as I pulled the necklace free.
She shook her head and then froze. “The king locked the tower. How did you enter? How did you find them?”
I couldn’t tell her what I thought I heard. What made me go. “It wasn’t locked. These were the smallest things I could find to take.” The gemstone shone brightly as it hung from the chain. “I don’t remember seeing her wear this—or keeping this book.”
Her brow rose. “You wouldn’t. They’re not hers.”
I had stolen things that didn’t belong to her. Risked my father’s wrath to take something that wasn't even hers. I almost dropped the chain, before she spoke again.
“They are yours, Your Highness. She planned to give them to you when you grew up.”
There were so few things I owned of my mother’s. So few memories I got to keep. Yet these things were mine. A gift from her I could always keep.
“Why would he lock them away? He kept them from me.” I felt the heat growing steady, rising through my chest with each word I spoke. He had to have known they weren’t hers. Maybe he even knew what she intended—and he kept it all from me.
“I don’t know.” Her lip quivered.
She knew—and wouldn’t tell me.
“We can discuss it another time. Your father will not tolerate you showing up late.” Milana shut the drawer.
As I headed for the door, she placed her hand on my back.
“Your Highness. Wait.” Her hand hovered over the drawer pull as if she debated opening it again.
“Your mother always believed that if you look to the stars, they will share their wisdom with you. Later tonight may be the perfect time to reflect. Take the book with you.”
I had peeked at it already. It was a blank book, but there wasn’t time to argue.
“Now don’t delay. Your future husband awaits.” Her lips curved into a tender smile.
I wanted to keep them all waiting. I needed answers no one would give me—about what I overheard, about the gifts he held from me. It was clear no one would give that to me.
I peered at my reflection in the mirror, and for a moment, I felt my mother’s presence with me still. It wasn’t enough, but for now it would have to be.
Silence settled as my slippers hit the marble floor of the throne room. I lifted my chin as my shoulders rolled back.
My father sat on his gilded throne—his gaze lingered on my mother’s pearls. My younger sister, Ashlyn, wore a braided blonde crown upon her head—a sweet smile formed on her face the moment she saw me.
Agan stood beside her, his golden braid taut, his head high. I willed my hands to still at my sides. My legs resisted every step that moved me closer to the throne. When my body pivoted toward the court, the room stilled.
“Presenting Lord Thalen of the Vale, your majesty,” the herald announced.
Three men lined the entrance to the throne room, each dressed in inky black tunics. A golden emblem hovered over their shoulders where cloaks met leather.
Only one stepped forward.
His white-blonde hair hung well below his shoulders, braided back away from his face. The candlelight flickered in his cerulean eyes.
Heat rose to my cheeks. Even if I wanted to look away, I couldn’t.
Lord Thalen dipped into a deep, practiced bow before my father.
“Your majesty, it is an honor to stand before you.” Thalen sounded regal as he spoke with an unfamiliar, melodic accent. My fingers twitched as I finally diverted my eyes from his.
I had been staring far too long.
“Welcome to Bailoc, Lord Thalen.” My father’s words commanded the attention of the court. “We have much to discuss.”
“I look forward to our discussion.” Lord Thalen’s eyes settled on mine again. “I have brought a gift for the princess.”
My father nodded.
A velvet pouch hung from Thalen’s belt. He reached into it and carefully uncovered a pale pink rose dipped in gold—stilled for all time. The once velvety petals were cold against my palm. Lord Thalen’s fingers trailed over mine as he released it. Its unnatural beauty glimmered.
The rose slipped from my grasp, but Lord Thalen caught it. He pressed my trembling fingers around the rough petals. A thin smile spread over his lips. My father smirked.
“Thank you, my lord, it is…extraordinary.” I forced a smile.
His stare lingered, taking in every detail.
“It is true—you rival the rose,” Lord Thalen said.
My father’s eyes softened.
“We will celebrate your arrival with a feast tonight. Come, we have much to discuss before we dine.” My father’s crown beamed in light as he rose. They walked side by side.
The room spun. I gasped for air, stumbling backwards.
“Aelira?” I wasn’t sure how long Ashlyn had been standing there.
“Let’s take a walk.” My eyes searched for Milana in the crowded room, desperate for her to loosen the corset—it dug into me further with every breath I drew. As we slipped past joyful smiles and greetings, a sharp pain ran through my lungs.
“I just…need a minute.” I gripped Ashlyn's arm tighter; the embroidered fabric of her sleeve left an impression in my skin. She flinched. “And someone…to rip this corset…off of me.” Panic surged through me. I couldn’t breathe.
“My lady, you are extremely pale.” Milana stepped behind me, her words quaking with concern. I knew she couldn’t have wandered far from me.
“The corset…it’s too...tight.” My words tethered to my throat as I gasped for air.
“Oh, my goodness.” Reina slid to block me from the crowd as Milana began loosening the corset. My chest constricted. Each breath was a struggle as I tugged desperately at my bodice. Even as the ribbons loosened, it wasn’t enough.
“Let’s go somewhere else. The court is starting to take notice.” Ashlyn pulled me toward the arched doors that led back to the palace corridors.
I nodded.
“We have time before the feast if you wish to take a break, Your Highness.” Milana trailed behind us.
Ashlyn firmed her grip on my back, steadying me as we ascended the stairs toward my chambers. I backed myself into the stone wall, clutching my chest.
“I’ve got you,” she whispered.
“Perhaps you should send for a physician.” A flicker of concern danced across Reina’s face.
“I’ll be fine.” I didn’t know what to think, how to feel—I was raw.
“You can't let him see you like this. It won’t bode well.” Reina shook her head. Her perfectly coifed hair didn’t move.
My breath steadied, but my chest squeezed with each breath I took. “I’m just overwhelmed. I didn’t expect—”
“How extraordinary he would be?” Reina straightened her gown—the fabric billowed out around her.
He was handsome and kind, but I didn’t know him at all.
“It must be overwhelming.” Ashlyn sank beside me on the sofa, her hand cradling mine. Her eyes reminded me of our mother, her face was just like hers.
“I can't get past the feeling that if my father approves of him…there’s something I’m not aware of yet.”
“Princess Aelira,” Reina scolded.