Chapter 19
Lucien
Iwatched in horror as Lisette’s form grew fainter—her body steadily becoming more translucent and the outline defining her form fuzzier—until she was as transparent as a ghost. I frantically reached for her hand but snatched nothing but air. She made no effort to reach for me in return as her indifferent expression took in my grasping fingers, as if she’d severed whatever thread bound us.
“Lisette!”
Her name wrenched from my emotion-clogged throat but she gave no indication that she’d heard me. I shouted her name again, but the force that slowly consumed my fiancée swallowed my frantic plea for her to remain with me, leaving me entirely powerless against the force taking her away from me.
Our eyes briefly met and my breath caught at the deep sorrow I saw reflected there. She spoke no words of accusation or fear—almost as if she accepted her disappearance, even welcomed it—a look that would haunt me forever.
Lisette faded until she’d entirely disappeared. I stared at the spot where she’d been but moments before, as if by looking hard enough my desperation would cause her to re-materialize. But the air remained empty, not just of her but the presence that I’d grown to rely on.
The first time she’d vanished in front of me had been like a cloud blocking out the sun—even though it was veiled from sight the sky wasn’t completely dark, allowing me to still experience its comforting warmth. This time it felt as if the sun had been completely extinguished, leaving not even the moon or stars to light up the total darkness that eclipsed my soul without her.
My legs grew weak from the shock and I collapsed onto my knees, my breath coming in heaving gasps. My ignorance of her inner demons she’d fought her entire life had prevented me from helping her before, and now I couldn’t protect her from the forces preying upon her very existence. Though deep down I knew I was no match for a force as formidable as a curse with the power to erase an entire kingdom, I still felt I’d failed in my duty as her fiancé.
What man couldn’t even protect the woman he loved?
The sweet memory of our kiss enfolded me, escalating my confusion at the sudden turn of events—one moment she’d been tangible enough to cradle in my arms, the next she’d faded away, impossibly out of reach. I’d dreamed of kissing my darling fiancée for years, a desire that had only deepened the closer we’d become. I never would have imagined that the relationship I was desperately trying to salvage would culminate so soon, nor that Lisette could vanish once our hearts had knitted closer than they’d ever been…especially when she’d been the one to initiate it.
Her disappearance seemed different than the first time I thought I’d lost her. The chasm created by her absence felt far more acute now that I had a relationship to lose rather than my previous mere hope of what could have been, a despair made more acute with my regret over my deceit tainting our time together.
I didn’t allow my despair to trap me for long before I was on my feet searching. I didn’t need a thorough search of the gallery to know Lisette was no longer nearby, so I shifted my efforts to the nearby rooms, rushing through the corridors and yanking open doors to scour each one, leaving a trail of bewildered guards and servants in my wake. But I no longer cared about my faltering image—I would sacrifice my royal reputation and more, if only I could find Lisette.
I hurried down a flight of stairs to the next floor and nearly knocked Ryland and Evelyn over just as they were ascending. He shielded his wife to brace the force of our impact, causing me to collide with his elbow, but I scarcely felt the pain compared to the much more intense anguish wrenching my heart.
Ryland’s eyes widened upon noticing my expression. “What is it? Has something happened to Lisette?” Only another in love could recognize my heartache.
This thought was enough to penetrate the desperation urging me forward, forcing me to pause. Unlike the first time I’d scoured the palace in search of my vanished fiancée, this time I didn’t need to embark on my frantic quest alone.
I could barely speak through my gasps of breath. “She—” I couldn’t voice what had transpired out loud, terrified doing so would make Lisette’s fate all the more real. Thankfully my brother understood my circumstances enough to grasp the situation.
His face became grave and his eyes flicked towards his wife, as though seeking her wisdom. While Lisette’s sudden disappearance had stolen the last of my fragile composure, thankfully the curse hadn’t deprived him of his own sense. “Do you remember what Lisette’s presence felt like when Lucien first informed us she was invisible?”
She nodded. “It was unlike any magical energy I’ve ever experienced, memorable enough that I’m certain I’ll be able to track it if she’s still within the palace.”
Ifshe was still within the palace…despite my relief that she might be able to help, the horrible possibility created by her uncertainty cinched my heart. The last of my strength left me, and I slumped against the railing, only kept upright by Ryland’s steadying hand on my shoulder.
“We’ll help you look for Lisette. Don’t panic; we’ll find her.” His voice acted as my sole lifeline, preventing me from spiraling into the abyss threatening to swallow me whole.
It felt strange relinquishing the control I’d fought to maintain throughout my life, yet in this moment I realized that my control had merely been an an illusion I’d clung to as fiercely as the mask I’d always worn over my emotions. In truth my royal bearing could do nothing—whether fight against the curse invading my kingdom or protect the woman most dear to me.
We immediately parted to search different areas of the palace, time too pressing for us to engage in further communication. The sound of their retreating footsteps had barely faded when the arrival of another replaced them. I turned to see panting footman hurrying towards me. “Your Highness, you have a visitor—”
Someone suddenly rounded the corner and stomped towards me, each stride filled with purpose. I froze, paralyzed with dread as his imposing presence loomed ever closer. “Prince Castiel.”
The Crown Prince of Thorndale said nothing, but the fury cloaking his normally stoic expression rendered words unnecessary. I barely had time to sort through my shock at the unexpected arrival of Lisette’s older brother when he soundlessly drew his sword and lifted it, as if to strike me.
I fumbled for the sheath normally at my waist, only to realize I’d forgotten it midst the fluster that had accompanied me ever since the curse had befallen Lisette. Even if I possessed a weapon, I had no means of defending myself against a man said to not only be a legendary swordsman, but merciless in how he wielded the title.
I tensed in preparation for the inevitable blow…but before it could strike, I was knocked out of the way; the sound of blades clashing echoed throughout the corridor as my guards slipped from the shadows where they normally kept a vigilant watch to block the attack, their loyalty unwavering even when the events of the past several days gave them every reason to question the sanity of their prince.
Other guards hurried forward to restrain the Thorndale Prince, but he easily evaded the few guards who’d been assigned to this wing and stood over me, glowering. Anger made each breath ragged as he stared at me with dark eyes narrowed in hatred, his fist still clutching the hilt of his sword as I stood frozen against the wall. With a deep sigh he finally sheathed his weapon.
“Where is my sister?” In all my diplomatic visits to Lisette’s home kingdom or whenever her brother escorted her to Brimoire, I’d never heard the formidable prince speak. Loathing filled his deep voice sharper than any blade, cutting me to the core.
I shrank against the wall as Prince Castiel took an imposing step closer. While I was quite tall, my stature was no match for his own foreboding height and muscular build, both of which were nothing in the face of his bloodthirsty aura that demanded an explanation I didn’t have…which only made the reality of Lisette’s sudden disappearance all the more real.
“I…don’t know.” My voice broke. How I hated that terrible truth.
He seized me by the collar and shoved me against the wall, causing the stones to embed into my back and the guards to dart towards me again, though they hesitated as I lifted my hand in silent restraint. “Let me ask you again,” he hissed, each word slow and deliberate so there was no risk of my misunderstanding. “Where. Is. My. Sister?”
Even if his body hadn’t been blocking off any means of escape, I knew I couldn’t run from his inquiry; though I still didn’t understand what could have happened to cause Lisette to vanish other than that it’d happened immediately after I’d kissed her, I felt responsible for her welfare.
With a wavering breath I lifted my gaze to meet his furious one. “I don’t know, but I will spare nothing in my effort to find her.”
Tension choked the resulting silence before he released me and stepped back. My guard immediately hurried forward, but I shook my head in silent command and he obediently retreated. I straightened my clothes before facing the prince, watching me with his arms folded and an intimidating aura. It took every ounce of my royal training to maintain my composure rather than allow my nervous gaze to drift to his sword still within his reach.
Lisette had never spoken of her brother, so I’d never had any reason to think they were close. My own interactions with him had been limited whenever he’d served as Lisette’s silent escort, always hovering nearby without any outward sign of emotion.
Someone so imposing didn’t seem like the type of man to get close with anyone, but I couldn’t deny the concern hidden within his glare, so different than what I’d learned of her father. Despite being on the receiving end of his malice, I was relieved Lisette possessed at least one ally within the Thorndale court, though she didn’t appear to realize it.
“I’m sure you’re here because you have questions concerning Lisette’s disappearance, but I’m afraid I can’t answer them when time is of the essence. I will do my best to address your inquiries as I continue my search.”
He gave neither assent nor protest, simply studied my frantic expression. After a long moment his imposing manner faltered just enough for him to lift a single eyebrow. “You’ve seen my sister since her disappearance.” He kept his voice low so the nearby guards wouldn’t risk overhearing.
I managed a nod. “In a matter of speaking.”
His jaw tightened, and though he said nothing more, by his look I knew he meant to follow me in hopes of acquiring the few answers I possessed.
After some effort I convinced my guards to resume their previous discreet guarding distance so Prince Castiel and I could have a more private exchange, and meanwhile I resumed my interrupted search. He didn’t even wait for me to begin investigating every nook in the next room for Lisette’s translucent form before launching into his interrogation.
“The King of Thorndale informed me upon my return from my matters of state in another kingdom that you are responsible not only for moving up your wedding date despite the escalating dangers afflicting your kingdom, but for providing an unsafe route that caused my sister and her entire entourage to vanish.”
My defense swelled at these unjust accusations. I momentarily forgot my fear of the imposing prince and spun to face him. “I would never risk my fiancée in such a way! Lisette disappeared on the very route we informed her was the most dangerous. We’d provided a roundabout route that avoided nearly all of the cursed areas in hopes of guaranteeing her safety, but for whatever reason our advice was ignored—and her entourage came several days before I was expecting her, so we had no guides to meet her.”
“Do you have evidence that this transaction took place?”
I gritted my teeth. All proof lay in my correspondence with the King of Thorndale, which he had undoubtedly destroyed in order to remove all evidence that would contradict the story he’d given not only his heir, but likely the entire court.
“I suppose taking me at my word is impossible considering the circumstances, though it leaves me to wonder why your kingdom would entrust the princess to someone you think has nefarious intents.”
“The arrangement was made by my father.” The hatred in his eyes left no room for doubt that he would never have agreed to the union if he’d had any say in the matter.
I felt a stab of insecurity but tried to push it away. Now was not the time to question the reason an indifferent father would create a union with Brimoire; even before the curse our kingdom lacked adequate resources to tempt him. Whatever his reasons, it was clear that his heir didn’t share them.
“From what I’ve learned of Lisette’s background, I’m admittedly surprised to learn that you care for her.”
Prince Castiel’s glare sharpened. “Did you assume I took after my father in his disregard? Regardless of her illegitimacy, she is still my sister.”
Shock seized my breath and I stilled, my search momentarily forgotten in the face of such a revelation. “Her—what?”
He frowned. “She is the daughter of a mistress. While my father does his best to preserve the secret for the sake of our royal image, I’m surprised she never shared her background with the man she was to marry.”
Yet another example of how little I knew her that cast the beautiful kiss we’d shared in shadow, making me feel I’d done everything in the wrong order if we’d experienced that particular physical intimacy when there was still so much neglect in our emotional relationship.
It took me a long time to retrieve my voice. “She…never told me.” Because I’d never cultivated a relationship where she felt she could confide something so important. Had she feared my rejection? Unless I located her, I would never know or be able to placate her worries.
Prince Castiel’s frown deepened. “Which means that in the years you’ve been courting her you’ve failed to secure her trust, leaving me no reason to entrust her to you. I’m warning you: if you use the circumstances surrounding her birth to cast her aside or mistreat her like our father…”
His threat hung heavy in the air, one I would never dream of giving him any reason to fulfill. His revelation didn’t sway my heart from her, though it did offer some clarity to the puzzle I’d been assembling in regards to her difficult background.
By Prince Castiel’s dubious look, he clearly didn’t believe my heartfelt sentiment. “Unfortunately our past actions condemn you. Be assured I will use all the influence in my possession to change the King of Thorndale’s mind about the arrangement…but that is a bridge we will cross once I find her. Regardless of who is at fault in her vanishing along such a dangerous route, I will do all within my power to rescue her.”
It took me a long moment to still my storm of emotions enough for the full meaning of his words to settle over me—while my kingdom had always been under the impression that all who befell the curse disappeared forever, he seemed convinced that she still existed.
“Is there a reason you believe you’ll be able to find her?”
He narrowed his eyes but said nothing, a response I took for affirmation. My heart pounded wildly. Did he know something about the curse afflicting Brimoire that I could use to help my people?
“Please, you must—”
He immediately silenced my desperate plea before I could even finish. “I have no reason to impart such information to you; such knowledge belongs only to my sister.”
“But if you have something that will help me protect my kingdom—”
“The affairs of your kingdom are irrelevant to me. I will find Lisette and tell her what I know; whether or not she decides to share her knowledge with you is for her to decide.”
He suppressed my hopes before they could even take root. While I’d once had reason to be optimistic in my deepening relationship with Lisette, after our first kiss I no longer knew where we stood.
Regardless of the tension between me and the prince, I cared for Lisette too much to allow a grudge to prevent me from seeking all the help I could get in finding her…especially if he possessed information that could aid my kingdom. He listened intently as I informed him of Lisette’s condition, only omitting the romantic details that I wasn’t brave enough to share with her menacing and protective brother.
So far Prince Castiel’s reactions had defied my expectations, leaving me no idea how he’d respond to my news that his sister hadn’t entirely vanished but lingered in an invisible form. His stoic expression betrayed no hint of what he might be thinking as I spoke, least of all the tender care I now knew he harbored towards her. Had Lisette experienced a similar frustration when trying to peel back the layers of my own stoic mask in hopes of discovering my hidden affection towards her?
When I finished, he studied me a long moment before speaking. “So your current search is because you believe she is still in the palace. While I still have many questions and concerns, they can wait until I find her.” He departed without another word to comb through another section of the palace, seeming as determined as I was to find her.
I watched him go with considerable misgiving, wondering whether my desperation for Lisette had hindered my judgement—after their earlier threats, I couldn’t deny the possibility that the prince had come to Brimoire with less honorable intentions than seeking out his supposedly vanished sister.
The most I could do was arrange for several guards to accompany him, though they would be no match for his swordsmanship should he harbor a more nefarious purpose. For the time being I would have to give him my trust, though it was the last thing I wanted to extend after he’d stood indifferently by midst all the heartache Lisette had experienced at the Thorndale court.
My conscience prickled with the reminder I was condemning him for the same sin I myself was guilty of, yet another example of how much I saw of myself in the Thorndale prince.
If I wanted Lisette to continue giving me a chance despite my previous mistakes and past show of seeming indifference, then it was only fair I extend her brother the same mercy; only she could decide what judgment to render towards him.
While I had no tangible reason to trust him, the concern I’d glimpsed beneath his foreboding mask at least reassured me he was sincere in his wishes to find her. I sent a fervent prayer that as Lisette’s blood relative, the Prince of Thorndale would succeed where I had failed…and that her disappearance hadn’t cost me my opportunity to be with her forever.