Page 108 of A Kingdom of Shadows

There is something particularly shocking about witnessing a princess be so unhinged as she swears.

She turns slowly, followed by us, as we see Aeron standing there, eyebrows raised, hazel eyes focused on Arlayna and Arlayna only.

"Aeron," she says indifferently, as if we weren't just attempting to escape the castle walls. "Shouldn't you be focusing on the safety of the castle?"

"That was before I found two princesses and the king's guest trying to sneak out." A curt glance my way, and then they're on Arlayna. "Interesting weapons, princess. Trying to track Shadow Calps again?"

Arlayna forces out a single laugh, shoves the nets onto Faye's chest without looking at her, and storms up to Aeron. "I don't need to track Calps anymore when one of the guards already is one."

I hold back from smiling as the corner of Aeron's eyes crinkle in amusement. "Get back inside, your highness. Both of you," he adds, not looking Faye's way.

Faye groans. "Hawthorne, you are ruining all the fun in this."

"Believe me, I am trying to save your lives. Do you realize the dangers you are putting them in?" he's addressing the last part at me, his jaw suddenly set.

"It's as dangerous out there as it is here," I say, unwilling to take the blame for something I'd refused in the first place. "There's already been a murder. Chances are they will be safer—"

"From those who want to use the princesses to get to the king?" He cuts me off. "Or do you think they are safer from trolls who would love to wear them around their necks like trophies?"

I'm silent immediately.

For my stupid adventurous desires and curiosity, I am putting them at risk. Despite them wanting to help and Aeron... you can see he would do anything to ensure not only Faye's safety but also Arlayna's above all.

He crosses his arms over his broad armored chest, those golden strands of his blonde hair brighter under the stars.

"You, out of everyone, should know I can take care of myself," Arlayna steps up, and Aeron's frustrated gaze cuts to her. "Or have you forgotten every sparring session we had as children?" His eyes soften at that, like the memory remains with him to this day. "If you want to keep us safe, you will do as your princess says and not complain."

Tension hums through the cold air. Arlayna and Aeron stare at each other as if unaware of us standing here.

After a moment, he shakes his head, palms his neck, and almost looks repentant of what he might say next. "Fine, then I will come along."

What?

"What—" Arlayna voices my thoughts out loud as Aeron sidesteps her to take a look at the wall.

He tugs on the vine and glances over his shoulder, mumbling, "The back walls, really? At least be clever."

Arlayna's mouth drops open before motioning for us to accompany him to the stables.

Chapter Forty-One

"No sign of trolls," Faye says as we dismount our horses.

I rub my knuckles soothingly underneath my mare's snout, scouting for signs of life around the clearing. My eyes catch the well at the center, and something flickers inside my chest. It makes me unstable on my legs.

"It doesn't matter. We didn't have time to cover our scents." Aeron draws out his sword and tips his chin in my direction. "Or hers, which will likely catch one of their attentions eventually."

"Then I suggest we capture one straight away." I head straight to the lake, knowing three pairs of eyes are on me. It's colder than the other night, a temperature switch signaling winter is coming.

I can never get used to it. Sometimes I used to wonder what snow looked like. Now I have a feeling that the longer I am away from Emberwell, I might just witness it for once.

Crouching, I wave my hand over the grass and exhale sharply as the grass tickles my palms. "This shouldn't take very long."

"Nara," Arlayna says softly over my shoulder. "These creatures are not easy. They get inside your head and might twist whatever you say."

I stare at my distorted reflection in the ripples of the lake. What more can they do other than show me a memory I had long forgotten? "I'll manage."

Arlayna heaves a sigh, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Nara—"