Page 30 of The Sorrow of Shadows

He pours another measure of rum, bringing the cup to his lips in a long drink. “So, what makes you believe it’s related to the eggs?” he questions, trying to connect the dots.

“I don’t have any concrete evidence yet, but I don’t believe in coincidence, and the timeline lines up too perfectly with the breakfast incident. I should be able to find out more once we can determine who she is and which part of the castle she worked in.”

Aurelius nods in understanding. “Is that all of it?”

“For now.”

“Then I suggest you leave before my restraint runs out. Regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, the next time you show up to my door in this state, I will bend you over this desk.” I can’t tell if his words are a promise or a threat. He throws back the rest of his drink, obviously done with this conversation.

I smirk at the idea that crosses my mind next. Taking several steps back, I let the shadows fall from my body, leaving me standing in my undergarments. A maniacal laugh escapes me as I catch his nostrils flaring, and a growl erupts from him.

“Until next time, Aurelius,” I whisper, leaving his room for my own. What an eventful day it’s been.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

BREYLA

The setting sun casts red and gold tones throughout my room, bathing everything in a peaceful glow. I’m lounging in a wingback chair, my feet propped up on a cushioned stool as I read the first chapter in my newest book. It’s a guilty pleasure I don’t have the opportunity to indulge in when on the battlefield, and one that I desperately need after the last several days. The words paint a moving picture in my mind, allowing me to forget my current situation and breathe. Even if for only a moment, it allowed me to live in someone else’s story, feeltheiremotions, and forget the world around me.

As the sun finally disappears and the light begins to fade, a knock sounds on my door. Standing swiftly, I close my book and cross my room, relishing the cool touch of smooth stone on my bare feet. I find Ophelia holding a pitcher of fresh wine on the other side of the door. She smiles at me softly, the last of the gloaming light catching her raven locks and highlighting the blue tones. Her gray eyes sparkle, and though she shares her deplorable father’s eyes, hers were soft and welcoming,contrasting his cold and dead orbs. Where I’m toned curves and muscles, she’s soft and feminine. Her beauty is truly magnificent. Power or not, it was a mystery why no one had pursued her yet.

“Someone left this outside your door,” Ophelia says, lifting the wine jug to me in offering.

“Oh perfect, I’ve been waiting for that. Thank you.” I take the jug from her outstretched arms. “Would you like to come in?”

“Thank you, My Lady.” She enters and closes the door behind her.

“Just Breyla,” I insist. I hadn’t been a ‘Lady’ since I started training with my father’s soldiers at fourteen. It felt strange being referred to in that manner. I pour myself a healthy cup of wine and reach for a second. “Would you care for a glass, Ophelia?”

“Oh, no thank you. Truthfully, I don’t handle spirits well. It takes very little before the room spins and I make a fool of myself.” She looks embarrassed.

“Are you trying to tell me you’re a lightweight?” I chuckle.

“That’s one word for it, I suppose.”

“Oh, now that’s something I must see at some point. You’ll have to play drinking games with Eli and I sometime. If you drink with that one, it won’t take long to build your tolerance.” I see her eyes light at the mention of Eli.Interesting.

“Perhaps sometime.” She’s trying very hard not to show her excitement at the thought of Elijah.

I table that discussion and change subjects to what’s been on my mind. “I must say, it was quite humorous to see your father accuse me of reaching for the crown at the last council meeting.”

She smiles coyly, a gentle blush coloring her cheeks. “I heard it was quite the show. I wonder where he could have possibly come up with such a ridiculous story.” If I wasn’t sure about her before, I am now. I like Ophelia.

“Where, indeed.” I sport a grin bordering on maniacal. “Sit, let’s chat,” I say, falling onto the bed and gesturing to the spot next to me. “You have earned my trust, so tell me more about yourself. I know you grew up in court, but I don’t feel I really know you.”

It’s my fault, but I honestly didn’t know many ladies. I had known early in life that I preferred swords and fists over needlepoint and gossip. My mother never pushed me to socialize with other girls my age, and my father encouraged my interest in training to take over control of the royal armies. I would have grown bored with the females at court very quickly. I lacked the ability to filter my thoughts around those that annoyed me, making it hard to relate to the women who spouted pretty words to hide their true opinions. Even if my mouth didn’t say what I was thinking, my face certainly would. That was one reason I felt ill suited for the throne. Another being that I simply did not want to rule. For some reason I felt like Ophelia would get along with my brand of crude honesty just fine.

“That truly means a lot to me,” she says, smiling shyly. “I’m not sure what you’d like to know. My mother died when I was young, and my father pays me little attention because I’m worthless to him without power. My brother, Layne, is really the only one I talk to. Father often has him away from court on business, so I don’t get to see him much.”

Most of this I already knew. “Your worth is not determined by your power.Youdetermine your worth, Ophelia. Never forget that.”

Unfortunately, most of our society would agree with her father. Our people value power over anything else. Those with stronger or rarer magical Gifts were more likely to be elevated in status—given titles, lands, better marriage prospects. It’s bullshit and not something I heavily value with my soldiers. Sure, those with Gifts are valuable, but I care far more for those who have discipline and can follow orders.

“Thank you, Breyla. I wish more people thought like you.”

“I do, too. Now tell me what you enjoy doing for fun, your hobbies, any males you fancy?” I wanted to know more about her. I had never really had female friends, so I was searching for common ground with her.

“I enjoy reading. I’ll read practically anything I can get my hands on. Romance and adventure are my favorites.” She was beaming now. This was something I could relate to easily. “As for males, there’s been no talk of potential matches from my father. I think he believes he won’t be able to marry me off to anyone of high enough standing, so he just doesn’t try. There is someone at court, though, that I admire from afar. We haven’t really spoken much, but he seems kind.”

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