“I can meet you here, though, in the pathway." Silas smiled softly. “I would be more comfortable if I was there to help you up the wall.”
“Ye of little faith,” I teased as I turned to descend. “So,” I drawled, Silas dropping down first. “Are you going to dance with princesses at this birthday ball of yours?” I tried to keep my face neutral.
As if Silas would fall for that. He smirked. “Jealous, Lena?”
“Obviously,” I muttered as he wrapped his arm around my waist, helping me down the final ledge until we were both on the grass once more.
He chuckled. “Yes. But I will be wishing they were you the entire time.” He kissed my forehead.
“As will I,” I mumbled before I reached into my bag and lifted out a ring box. “Happy Birthday, Silas.”
He gaped, taking the box from me and opening it.
“It isn’t a wedding ring—yet,” I teased, repeating a line similar to the one he told me last year. The ring he gave me still was on my right hand. “It isn’t much, as you know.” It was a plain silver band, and even though it wasn’t flashy, it took me months to save up for it. “I just figured it matched mine, in a way…”
He slipped the ring on, a perfect fit, and he eyed me with amusement.
“Now, how on Earth did you get this to be a perfect fit?”
I grinned. “I have my ways.”
Luckily, he didn’t press. I had begged Torrin to sneak into his room to see if he had any rings that could be used to find me the size. He was annoyed, I could tell, but he didn’t complain.
Silas studied the band. “You are too sweet.” He pulled me close and kissed me, then held me in his arms for a few moments more. I savored the warmth our embrace gave and the lovely smell of him. “Oh, how I cherish you,” he whispered before pulling away. “Come to me in a couple of weeks, when we will celebrateyourbirthday, the far more important date.”
“Oh?” I asked with amusement. “What do you have in mind?”
He smirked. “All sorts of depraved activity,” he teased as he squeezed my ass, and I laughed before kissing him lightly on the mouth.
“My favorite,” I purred.
He grinned and pulled my hand to his lips, pecking it softly.
“Until then.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Thursdaymorningcame.September13th. Prince Silas La’Rune’s eighteenth birthday. The people of Otacia were bustling with energy, gathered as close to the castle as possible. It was the one day people from the Outer Ring could enter the Center, though we were kept far back, just at the border of the Inner Ring. Lively tunes were being played by a fanciful band just outside the palace, the notes carrying through despite all the chatter going about.
Voices of anticipation chattered around, and my body squished to Mother’s as people pressed in to witness. Class for today was canceled in honor of the celebration, so people of all ages were here.
I examined the obsidian walls, amazed yet again by the magnificence of the castle and its gothic architecture. I took my time peering first at the menacing gargoyles and then at the La’Rune family crest that was engraved over the front entrance: the four images displayed on a shield were an owl, a pelican, a raven, and a phoenix. Its artwork was interesting; the pelican seemed to be protecting the raven and phoenix from the owl. As I examined it, I wondered why the phoenix was being shielded. Why would an immortal bird need protection… from a pelican, of all things?
I met eyes with Torrin, who was stationed between the citizens of the Outer and Inner Ring. I knew he was reading my thoughts.
How rude to keep me all the way back here. Couldn’t get me the VIP pass?
He snorted.
My gaze moved to the top castle balcony when I heard the music come to a stop—the voices surrounding me quieting down.
Four royal guards walked out, followed by the Queen and King. Ryia was wearing a stunning blue form-fitting gown with long sheer sleeves. Ulric, on the other hand, wore his black, heavy-clad armor, always wishing to look ready for battle. His long black hair and facial hair only added to his intimidating persona. Both their crowns gleamed atop their heads.
Ulric and the Queen paced to the front of the balcony to address the people. “Thank you all for joining us in welcoming our son as your Prince,” the King announced, his voice deep and husky. “Nearly thirteen years have passed since our beloved daughter Aria was taken so soon from us. During those years, we have done everything to keep our son safe and craft him into the best warrior he can be.”
I scoffed.
If only the kingdom knew just how shitty of a father Ulric really was.
