Page 89 of The Broken Prince

Aurelias spoke first, extending his hand to shake my brother’s. “Our swords will join in the great battle to come, and I’m honored to fight alongside a strong general—whether we live or die.”

Atticus shook his hand before he gave a nod. “You’re not required to give your sword, but you offer it anyway. Thank you for your service.” They broke apart, and Atticus looked at Father one last time before he nodded and turned away, heading back to the castle where he would meet the soldiers who would accompany him to the Kingdoms.

Mother watched him go before she looked at Father.

Father met her gaze, and they said nothing as they looked at each other, both of them feeling the same raw emotion.

His hand went to her shoulder. “He’ll be alright, baby.”

Her hand moved to his, and she squeezed it.

After a moment of silence, we stepped over to the dragons that waited for us. They lowered themselves to their bellies to make it as easy as possible for us to climb up.

I pointed at the rope. “I usually grab on to this and hoist myself up—”

Aurelias climbed up easily, without even using the rope, like the dragon was no different from a horse. Then he extended his hand to me.

I rolled my eyes. “Show-off.” I ignored his hand and used the rope to climb up, and I dropped into the seat in front of him. “Hold on.” I secured the ropes around our legs so we would be strapped down if Pyre made any sudden moves.

One hand grabbed on to the horn in front of me, but his other arm moved around my waist, hugging me to him like he was the one keeping me in a safe position.

“Come on, Pyre,” I said. “Show him what you got.”

Pyre released a mighty roar before he launched upward, his large wings flapping to lift us from the earth and into the air in just a few seconds. It was always a thrill to move at that speed, to feel your body flatten from the sheer force of the beast’s movements. Once we were in the sky just below the clouds, we started to glide, the wind hard in our faces.

Was he impressed?

“Fun, huh?” I looked at him over my shoulder.

It was the first time I saw color in his face, rosiness in his cheeks, and an infectious, boyish grin. “This is…unbelievable.”

I looked forward, a grin on my face. Oh, he’s definitely impressed…

TWENTY-TWO

HUNTLEY

Storm landed in the field outside HeartHolme, and after a long day of riding, I was eager to let my boots hit the earth. The novelty of flight had worn off over the years, becoming no different from riding a horse.

After I got down, I helped Ivory to the ground.

Pyre landed a moment later, and Harlow and Aurelias climbed off.

The soldiers approached and began unloading our belongings to carry them to our chambers in the castle.

I wasn’t sure where Aurelias would stay, because he wouldn’t be staying in the castle with my daughter, but his accommodations weren’t my problem.

We walked in through the open gate and entered HeartHolme. It was cold and merciless, but it felt like home to me. The cloudless skies and warm sunshine in Delacroix were welcome, but I’d always prefer the snow, overcast afternoons, the fire in the hearths, and my naked wife trying to stay warm in a pile of furs.

My mother was there to greet us just past the gate, elegant as always, her blue eyes on fire as usual. “Son.” She grasped me in her arms and held me tightly, embracing me the way I’d just embraced my son before I said goodbye. Then she addressed Ivory, blanketing her in affection that was genuine but would never match the affection she had for me. She embraced my daughter then stopped as she regarded Aurelias. “My son has told me all about you.” Her time as queen had long passed, but she could still produce the authority that made people listen. “While I have my reservations about a creature with your proclivities, my son has assured me of your honor and integrity—as well as your dedication to our cause. I put my full trust in him, and therefore, I put it in you.” She gave a slight bow. “Welcome to HeartHolme, Aurelias, Prince of the Originals.”

Aurelias regarded me before he nodded in return. “Thank you for the hospitality, Lady Rolfe. HeartHolme has my sword and my dagger.”

She watched him, her intelligent eyes regarding his face as if there were words marked on his skin. “I hope your kin will come to our aid.”

“As do I. But I’ll remain at your disposal, regardless.”

My mother turned to Harlow and winked. “You’ve got quite the man, Harlow.”

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