Page 47 of The Sorrow of Shadows

I sigh and move to my wardrobe. It’s obvious that this day is going to try me in more ways than I originally anticipated. I select a fitted black tunic and red waist cincher to give me a feeling of security, without being completely confined by a bodice. I need support, but I also need to be able to move freely. I could also easily dress myself in this outfit, so there was no need to call for Ophelia. I slip into my normal black leather pants, savoring how they hugged my hips but allowed me to move fluidly.

Sitting on the edge of my bed, I pull on my boots and lace them up my calves. Lastly, I tuck my knives into their right places on my body—one hidden in my boot, one openly strapped to my thigh, and a smaller dagger tucked into the front of my waist cincher. Their proximity brings me a sense of peace, and I breathe deeply.

I wrestle my waves into a braid down the center of my back, securing the end with a strip of leather. As much as I despise wearing a tiara, I know it’s proper etiquette when welcoming visiting royalty. I choose a modest gold piece with a blood-red ruby in the center. Placing the tiara on my head, I admire how the red and gold play beautifully off the golden strands that twist through my braided hair.

By the time I reach the throne room it’s late morning, and the castle is bustling with activity. My mother is sitting on her throne, my father’s seat next to her lying empty. On her right stands Aurelius, glaring daggers at Elijah as he gives his report. “Prince Ayden and his party were seen entering the city roughly a half hour ago. He should be arriving any moment.”

The Queen’s eyes remain distant, her mind seemingly a thousand miles away. She nods in understanding but doesn’t speak. She’s just as nervous as the rest of us, maybe more so. Her fingers lightly drum on the throne’s armrest. As she glances at Aurelius, a look of understanding passes between them. I’m unsure what their eyes communicate, but I’ll find out soon enough.

With that look, I’m reminded that I’m irritated with Aurelius and decide to play with fire. I stop next to Elijah and smile sweetly. “I’m sorry I’ll have to replace the tunic you lent me. Something unfortunate happened to it.”

Elijah must notice the glint in my eye, or perhaps it’s the way Aurelius is looking at us both, but he seems to know what I’m doing. He grabs me by my hip and pulls me to his side before kissing my cheek softly. “No worries, B. It’s just a tunic. You know I’m always there for whatever you might need.” I know what he means, but the way he says it has Aurelius's jaw clenching.

I move to stand beside my mother on the opposite side as Aurelius. The throne room doors open as the herald enters to announce our guests.

“Now announcing Prince Ayden Mordet II of the Kingdom of Prudia, and his companions.”

Prince Ayden enters the room, and I’m hit with a sense of déjà vu. I’ve never met this male, but something about him seems familiar. He stands tall, even with Aurelius, who stands eight inches above me. Deep brown hair frames his face, shaved closer to the side with longer curls adorning the top of his head. Ambereyes scan the room, and a grin tugs at the corner of his lips. Lips that draw my eyes to the strong jawline covered in a short but tasteful beard.Holy hell, he’s handsome.

He strides into the room and crosses it with the arrogance every royal male seems to master. He comes to a stop in front of the dais, his guards and companions a few feet behind him. My mother rises to greet him. “Welcome to the kingdom of Rimor, Prince Ayden. We were not expecting you for several more days, but we are happy to have you. I hope you find your stay comfortable.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I have very much looked forward to visiting your beautiful kingdom for quite some time. How lovely it is that we get to celebrate your engagement to Lord Aurelius. My condolences on the loss of King Raynor. I know how difficult death can be.” He seems genuine, but I sense the bitterness of his words. His father’s death came at the hands of my own. It was in battle, but he still holds that bitterness against our family.

Clearing her throat, my mother changes topics. “Prince Ayden, may I introduce my daughter, and general of our army, Princess Breyla.” She gestures to me, and I step forward on the dais to greet him.

The white of his teeth shines as he smiles widely. “Well of course this beautiful female is your daughter. She is simply dazzling. Queen Genevieve, I could never mistake her for anything but your blood.”

He takes my hand and lays a warm, lingering kiss on it.

When his eyes lift to mine, I smirk. “Do lines like that normally work for you, Prince?”

“Breyla!” my mother exclaims, but Ayden is unphased.

He quirks an eyebrow at me and asks, “I don’t know, Princess, does it?”

I chuckle at his boldness. “It might if I were a softer female. You’ll find nothing but rough edges here.”

“Oh, I see plenty of soft edges on you, Breyla. At least, where it matters, that is.”

I fight the amused grin threatening to take over my face and hear a snicker behind me. No doubt Elijah finds this as entertaining as I do. We’re the only ones, though, as I hear my mother clear her throat uncomfortably. I glance over to see Aurelius's dark eyes pinning me, the red specks in his irises burning brightly. His hands are clenched, and I can tell he’s exercising all his restraint at the moment.

“You must have had a rather long journey, Prince. Why don’t I show you to your room?” I suggest, trying to ease the tension in the room. “You can rest and bathe before dinner.”

“That would be lovely, Princess.” Ayden offers me his hand as I step down from the dais.

Slipping my arm through his, I lead him out of the throne room and toward the royal wing.

We make our way down the stone corridors, the afternoon sun shining brightly through the open windows. It’s nearly the fall season, and the days are a comfortable temperature. I savor the warmth and take a deep inhale. I’m close enough to Prince Ayden now that I catch a whiff of his scent—a woodsy citrus smell that’s oddly warm.

“I must say, you are not what I was expecting, Breyla,” Ayden confesses.

“So I’ve been told,” I shrug. “I think most males are intimidated by a female in leathers.”

He eyes me up and down. “I think I’d be far more intimidated with yououtof leathers.”

“You flirt shamelessly, Prince Ayden.”

“So I’ve been told,” he replies, parroting my words back to me.

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