But…
They are beautiful. And they would match my outfit perfectly. If I were to stand beside Corvan wearing these, we would be resplendent.
I pick up one of the earrings and hold it up, allowing the ruby to dangle. The light bounces off its exquisite surface, giving off hues of fire and blood.
Gerent’s words ring in my memory.
Wear what you like.
My fingers tremble as I slip the hook through my earlobe, tilting my head to admire the ruby.
As I put on the other earring, I feel a great weight slipping off me.
You’re free of Ruen now.
I keep replaying it in my head. When father hit me, Kaithar slammed him to the ground.
He protected me.
Then Corvan was there, and nothing else mattered.
He didn’t even hesitate. He used his power and locked my father in the dungeon.
Then he took what he wanted—me.
The fluttering in my chest grows wilder. Corvan Duthriss is a walking contradiction, far more complex than any rumor could convey. He’s certainly capable of ruthlessness. But on the other hand, he can be impossibly gentle and considerate.
And it’s becoming clear to me that this betrothal I was dreading is so very different to what I’d feared.
25
FINLEY
The Great Hall of Tyron Castle is magnificent. Entering it for the first time, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe.
I look up at the soaring ceiling, which is buttressed by carved wooden beams. A pair of ornate wood and iron chandeliers hang from above, each adorned with hundreds of glowing candles. Gas lamps sit in sconces along the wall, suffusing the entire hall with a bright glow.
Through tall, arched windows, I see the winter landscape. Snow-blanketed hills dotted with stately pines are bathed in hues of orange and pink as the sun sets.
Part of the hall has been transformed into an arena of sorts, with mats of woven reed arranged on the floor to form a large square. Long tables and benches sit opposite, draped in pristine white tablecloths. Verdant pine boughs, holly branches adorned with gleaming red berries, and pinecones are arranged around tall white candles in silver holders.
The places are set, the crystal glasses gleaming, the cutlery polished.
“Whoa,” Kastel exclaims. “And here I thought Tyron was just a remote mountain province with nothing much going for it. Just a big old stone castle and a crazy archduke in exile and a bunch of bitter soldiers. Who would’ve thought they could put on a fancy spread like this?”
“Kastel,” I chide, not knowing if Corvan is nearby. With his unique powers, I wouldn’t be surprised if he can hear a whisper in a crowded room. “You can’t disrespect a lord in his own castle. We’ve been treated with nothing but decency ever since we arrived. If it wasn’t for the archduke, Aderick wouldn’t have…”
I glance down at my other brother, sitting in an invalid’s chair made of woven cane and timber and metal. The large wheels creak as Garan pushes him across the floor. He’s recovering remarkably well. The color has returned to his face. Vinciel prescribed him a purple syrup that takes away most of his pain, allowing him to walk short distances without assistance.
The boys’ eyes are wide as they take in the grandeur.
“Rick,” I say gently. “You all right?”
My very own brother, baby-faced and blue-eyed, golden-haired and so handsome he’s broken a few hearts already, gives me a bittersweet smile. “I’m fine, Fin. Just sorry we didn’t get to you in time. Sorry you have to go through with all of this. Thinking back on it all now… I don’t know how I didn’t see it. It’s as if a blindfold’s been taken off.”
“See what?”
“How… how everything’s so different for you. The things you have to put up with, that we don’t. Father… to put it bluntly, he’s an asshole to you.”
I nod sharply, a sudden knot of emotion tightening in my chest. “I know, Aderick.” I don’t understand it either, but that’s the lot that was given to me in this life. “It doesn’t matter now. You just do what you need to do and focus on getting better.”
“I can’t condone it,” he snaps. “If you want to escape this arrangement, I swear I’ll find a way.”
Escape? Since I arrived, the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.
“Don’t be foolish. You know that wouldn’t end well. We need to play this game, Rick. It’s the only way we can move forward. I’d rather you and Kastel go to the Knights’ Academy and make something of yourselves. I’ve accepted this, so don’t waste the opportunity. Make the most of it.” I lean in and drop my voice to a whisper. “And when the time comes for you to inherit Ruen, don’t become like father.”
That will be my revenge. That, and joining in union with Corvan.
If I have that man on my side, father will become insignificant.
I’m not even bitter about it.
Even if father and Lady Dorava are harsh and indifferent toward me, I’ve been more fortunate than some.
Growing up, I was mostly ignored. I had the run of the castle; the freedom to poke my nose into just about anything. Some of the servants—the younger ones—were kind to me. And the boys and I… even though we were treated differently, we always played together, and later, when the tutors and instructors came to teach them, I would sit unnoticed at the back of the room, feigning ignorance when I was secretly watching, listening, absorbing everything.
I gained a lot in Ruen Castle. I was hungry, insatiable, always learning; eager for any scraps of knowledge that fell from the table.
And in some things, I quickly surpassed my brothers.
None in Ruen can shoot an arrow truer than me. Not even the most experienced soldiers.
Father has no idea of some of the things I can do.
I squeeze my brother’s shoulder.
Aderick is still young.
A ginger-haired servant appears beside us, offering a dignified bow. “My lady, may I request your presence for a moment?”
“Yes, what is it?”
“His Imperial Highness wishes to see you privately before the festivities commence. Please, follow me.”
I nod, carefully keeping my expression neutral, even as a sublime little thrill courses down my spine.
Kastel glares at the servant suspiciously. “My sister is with us. If there’s anything the archduke wants to say, it can be said in front of all of us.”
“Kastel, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, but Corvan and I are already acquainted. It is fine.”
“My lady. Masters. May I offer you a drink?” Another servant swoops in; an older man with swept back dark hair elegantly greying at his temples. “Do you have a preference for mulled wine, or beer?”
“I’ll have a beer,” Aderick says, deliberately breaking the tension. “After all this lying about, I’m craving a pint of good stout. Meal in a glass, they call it.”
“You’re in luck, Sir. Tyron is renowned for its dark-roasted malt stout.”
“Rick.” I bend down and whisper in his ear. “Don’t forget that you’re recovering. No getting drunk or doing anything strenuous or stupid, all right? I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”
“Yes, sister,” he says meekly, an angelic smile crossing his lips. “I’ll behave. It’s just that I’ve looked death in the eye and survived, so I think I deserve one beer, at least.”