Chapter 5
Iraced down the corridors back to my chambers—back to the book. Without hesitation, I pressed it open.
“Who is my real father?” I whispered to it.
You already know.
“The letter doesn’t tell me who he is.”
Someday you will know his name.
But it must wait for another day.
You’re running out of time.
“Why am I running out of time?” I seethed through gritted teeth.
The marriage pact will bind you.
“What can I do to be free?”
You must cross over into Lythira. Now.
Do not delay any longer.
“Why should I believe you? How do I know you’re telling the truth?”
This book is a gift from your parents.
It is meant to protect you.
Milana recognized the book. She instructed me on how to communicate with it. The book knew the king wasn’t my father. It knew about the letter.
You are dealing with something far greater than yourself.
Your future lies with the fae.
“Why?”
It is your destiny.
“My destiny is to be human in a fae world?”
Half-human.
Half-fae.
You belong to both realms.
The tears flowed freely. My mother told me the stories of the fae. She wanted me to know.
If King Ardyn knew I wasn’t his daughter, then he knew I was fae. What would Thalen do if he found out? I shuddered at the thought.
“How will I know the way?”
Ride through the woods to the lavender.
The divide resides there.
I pressed the pages closed and slid the book back into the drawer.
An impossible decision lay before me. I would have to sacrifice my freedom for a kingdom that never wanted me, or escape into a mystical world that could destroy me.
“Tonight, we celebrate an alliance between Bailoc and the Vale. Tomorrow, Lord Thalen and Princess Aelira will marry.” My father raised his wine goblet above the crowd, before he slowly lifted the glass to his lips.
I braced my back against my chair. No one could see me quake.
Thalen raised his glass. His ivory tunic shimmered in the candlelight. I raised my glass to my lips, pretending to take a sip, but my stomach couldn’t handle the wine. I had to remain the glowing bride, dressed in ivory to match my future husband.
A forced smile settled on my face.
Thalen stood. “To a most prosperous future.”
The king’s secret would soon be locked away.
Hunger ravaged me, but I couldn’t bring a single morsel of food to my lips. I rose to my feet and pulled Ashlyn with me. “I need to speak with you. Somewhere we can be alone,” I whispered.
She nodded and rose slowly from her chair. We stepped out onto the terrace.
“You’re looking pale again.”
“It’s my nerves.” The words raced from my mouth.
Ashlyn played with the frayed end of her braid. She reached for me. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Ashlyn…things aren’t always what they seem.” I exhaled sharply. “When I’m no longer with you, promise me that you will take every opportunity to learn about life beyond these walls. That you will make decisions on your own. That you respect your instincts always.”
There were no words to convey what I needed to. Time was running out.
My sister watched me as I spoke. She lifted her brow. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Someday you may learn truths you may not wish to face,” I whispered.
“There is nothing you could tell me that would change how deeply I love you, sister.” Her soft smile settled. “It is okay to say you don’t want this. I know it changes nothing about the plan, but maybe your heart needs the truth right now. You can tell me.”
I wanted to tell her the truth. I needed her to know who I truly was, but I barely knew who I was myself. It was my secret to keep alone. I wouldn’t endanger her by telling her what I debated.
“I love you, always.” I blotted the tears away from her cheeks. And then I blotted mine.
Starlight flickered in her eyes. Joyful naivety lingered behind them. She saw the world only as it was told to her, but I couldn’t blame her for it. Our mother’s death robbed us both. Ashlyn didn’t get the chance to know her at all.
All that remained was the memories I shared with her. The stories of the woman she was before she died. She lived only days after my sister was born. Gone far too soon.
Tomorrow, I would make my choice in silence. There may not be a last goodbye. My sister deserved so much more than me disappearing, but now that I knew the truth, I couldn’t pretend I didn’t.
“And what are my sisters up to this evening?” Agan crept between us.
“Just saying our goodbyes,” I murmured.
“Goodbyes? There will be plenty of time for that after the ceremony tomorrow, Aelira,” he scoffed. “Ashlyn, I need to speak with Aelira. Alone.” The lines set around his eyes. When she didn’t budge, he firmly grasped her arm. “Now.”
Ashlyn didn’t look up at Agan as she left us both.
“That look in your eyes tonight…it reminds me of the history books.”
“What are you talking about Agan?”
“When you hid them from the tutor. None of us knew where they were, but there you were…sitting in the library with a certain gleam in your eyes.”
“You know I hate history. All the good details are always missing.” My throat tightened thinking of all the stories that were burned, but my forced smile didn’t falter.
“Now I see it again. And that’s concerning me. Don’t tell me you’re planning something that would disappoint us all.” He approached me slowly.
My sweat drenched palms caught in the folds of my dress.
“We need Thalen. The fate of this kingdom requires this marriage to go exactly as planned.” He leaned over me until I cowered.
I had to think quickly. His suspicion couldn’t linger.
“You misunderstood the look.”
His jaw tightened.
“It’s triumph. You don’t see my hatred, brother.” With my words, he eased his stance. “You see my joy.”
“It looks nothing like happiness.”
“Don’t steal my moment from me.” I turned from him. My face would give everything away before I even decided which fate would be mine.
“Your Highnesses, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I promised Lord Thalen I would find Princess Aelira.” Reina’s curls blew softly in the wind.
Agan’s gaze softened.
“There you are.” Thalen trailed behind her. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Perhaps you will share a dance with me so we can give them a moment.” Agan held his hand to Reina.
“I would love to.” Reina beamed as he led her out onto the dance floor.
“Finally,” he said, “a moment alone in the moonlight with you.” Thalen extended his hand to me.
I reluctantly placed mine in his. With each step we took, I reminded myself of how tonight needed to look—how calm and strong I needed to be. He swept a wavy tendril away from my eyes and traced my face.
“Tomorrow you will be my wife.” His fingers trailed down my arm.
I didn’t want to be—I wasn’t given a choice at all. He didn’t even notice me shaking.
The starlight glimmered down on the terrace, down on me. I wished they could guide me, was desperate for answers the fae found in them, but only silence hung between Thalen and me. Thalen’s eyes closed, his lips hovering over mine.
“It would be more romantic if we save it for tomorrow.” His heart raced beneath my palm as I gently separated us.
“Very well, but tomorrow, you will be mine. I won’t wait any longer.”
My chest constricted under the weight of my gown, but instead I held a smile that couldn’t have fooled anyone.
“There is much to prepare for tomorrow. Perhaps I should retire for the night.” My words flowed so smoothly, even I almost believed them.
“Until tomorrow, my bride.” His lips grazed my hand.
The ivory gown dragged over the stone walkway until I walked safely around the corner. My back slid against the cold stone wall. An exhale finally escaped me.
He wouldn’t kiss me again…at least not tonight.