"And what if it's true, Tiro? What then?" I stared him down, unwavering. I saw the flash of doubt there, like a black hole. Now that the conversation had come up, the paranoia and doubt would spread like a toxin.
"I'm simply stating something that is a fact," he said, crossing his long legs. "Everyone knows that when it comes to treason, what's true and false, none of that matters. All that matters is loyalty."
"This is simply a conversation between a group of people who were nearly slaughtered today. Multiple times. I think it is fair to say that what is discussed within this cave stays within this cave." Kael looked at the other three guards, giving them a hard expression. "Right, brothers?"
After a moment, they all nodded in agreement, and Rion cleared his throat. "Since we're in agreement to speak candidly, I thought dragons were extinct."
"They are. It’s believed none have been spotted since before the peace agreement between the five kingdoms was originally signed," Isla piped up. “And that was generations ago.”
"And the tigers," Rion added. "Tigers are not native to this island. Wolves, sure. Wolves can, and do, live practically everywhere... but not tigers."
Tigers. Wolves. Dragons. All animals that represented one of the royal houses. The only animal we hadn't come across yet were bears.
Alasdair's deep green eyes flashing to gold surfaced in my mind. Was this a coincidence?
"So the royal families had the animals brought in for The Hunt, so what?" Belinda scoffed, crossing her arms. "This entire conversation is outrageous."
Nobody acknowledged her. Whether that was due to the fact that our minds were collectively spinning with dark thoughts or we'd all just heard enough of her whining, it didn't really matter.
"We're going to need water at some point," Riv said, redirecting back to the point. "Most of us haven't had any since breakfast, and the last thing we need is dehydration."
"The only freshwater I've seen was at that stream." Tiona visibly shuddered. "I'm not going back there."
The cave grew quiet once more.
"I think we should stay here for a few hours and get some rest. Everyone is exhausted, and tired people make stupid decisions," Kael stated, looking around for any objections.
"I agree," Tiro announced, backing up his brother-in-arms.
Kael nodded once. "Perfect. Get some rest then, and we'll prepare to move out. We should head out early, about an hour or two before the day begins to break. I don't think we're that far from the Keep, maybe two to three hours if we keep a good pace."
Everyone started settling down immediately. Even without total darkness, it wasn’t difficult, as though our bodies and brains just needed to be told to stop. Riv positioned herself between Isla and myself, leaning back against the wall with her legs out. "Come, rest your pretty heads," she said, patting her thighs. I didn't need to be told twice. I nestled down and laid my head on her leg. Thankfully I still had my cloak, and I wrapped it around me.
"Thanks, Riv," I mumbled sleepily. If she replied, I never heard it. The sweet oblivion of sleep pulled me under with an intensity stronger than a rip tide.
****
I wandered through hallway after hallway. The ceilings towered over me, and I absentmindedly wondered how it was possible to build something so grand. The stone floor was cool against my bare feet. Where were my shoes?
I looked down and found myself in a sheer white sleep gown, one that trailed behind me as I moved through the castle like a phantom. I'd never worn anything like that in my life... it was something I'd imagine a bride would wear.
"This way," a woman called out as she appeared at the end of the long hall. She was dressed in a servant's outfit, but her features were harder to make out at such a distance.
"I'm coming," I replied, eager to find out where I was. I blinked and then jumped when I found myself standing right next to her. I glanced back down the hall.Wasn't I further away?
The sounds of conversation reached my ears, and I looked around, only finding one open door. "Come, now. The wedding night preparations are complete, and you should not be wandering about when you're dressed in such a way," she scolded and began walking down the hall to the open double doors where the voices were coming from.
My stomach rolled with a sudden burst of anxiety.Wedding night?I wasn't married...
I slowed my strides, my feet finally catching up with my brain. Something wasn't right.
"Here we are, Your Majesty," the servant woman said, holding her arm out toward the open doorway, her gaze firmly locked on... me. I tossed a look behind me, wondering who she was talking to, and frowning when nobody was there.
"W-what?" I stammered, coming to a complete stop.
She smiled softly and approached me like one would a frightened rabbit. "Now, dear. It's nothing to be scared or worried about. Consummation of the marriage is expected, queen or commoner, it matters not." She leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "It's a woman's duty to please her husband. May I recommend you close your eyes and picture something pleasant? It will be over before you know it, and myself and your other maids will draw a warm bath for you for afterward..."
I blinked. "Afterward,” I repeated, vaguely aware of her looping her arm through mine and guiding me to the doors. A massive four poster bed came into view. Sheer white sheets hung above, falling down to the floor and completely enclosing the bed.
