Page 54 of Sundered By Fate

Valerian leaned in, his breath warm against Aric's cheek. "There is much we could discuss, you and I. Matters of great import to our realm." He paused, his lips curving into a smile. "Perhaps you would join me in my private chambers later this evening, where we can speak more freely."

The invitation hung between them, laden with both political and personal undertones. Aric hesitated, unsure of the Lord Regent's true intentions. Was this merely an opportunity for Valerian to gauge Aric's allegiances? Or was there something more at play—some deeper connection that Valerian sought to explore?

"I would be honored, my lord," Aric replied finally, the words tasting sweet and dangerous on his tongue. "Though I fear I may not have the answers you seek."

Valerian's smile widened. "Oh, I'm sure you will surprise me."

Aric stood alone at the edge of the ballroom, his heart still racing from the evening's encounters. The night had been a tapestry of intrigue and danger, each thread weaving together into a pattern he could not yet decipher.

The Pureblades were gaining influence, their zealous vision of a "purified" kingdom gaining traction in the absence of a true king. Valerian's ambitions, while more subtle, were no less dangerous. And then there was the anomaly—an unknownthreat that had already claimed the lives of those Aric cared about.

Aric's mind was a whirl as he pondered his next steps. He had come to Astaria seeking answers, but he was no closer to finding them than when he arrived.

Except for one thing: Valerian's secret research space. The lord regent had alluded to it more than once, and Aric's instincts told him that whatever was behind those doors held the key to understanding the anomaly's nature.

But gaining access to it would not be easy. He would need to tread carefully, avoid raising Valerian's suspicions—or Cyrus's, for that matter. And he would need to do so without drawing too much attention from his old friends at the Silver Tower.

Aric turned his gaze toward the entrance of the ballroom, where a pair of Pureblade guards stood watch. If he could find a way past them?—

A chill ran through his veins, as if someone were watching him. Aric turned quickly, but saw nothing out of place among the dwindling crowd.

His steps quickened as he made his way out of the ballroom. The guards nodded to him as he passed, their eyes wary. Aric gave them a polite smile before heading down the grand staircase that led toward his quarters.

Once again, he felt that prickling sensation on the back of his neck, a cold dread blooming inside him. He glanced back over his shoulder and saw her standing in the shadows near the staircase landing: Sylthris.

Their eyes locked for a tense moment before she vanished once more into the darkness beyond sight—but not before one thought flitted unbidden through Aric's mind: Beware the shadow in the court.

Aric clenched his jaw as he continued down the corridor leading away from the ballroom and toward his suite. He wouldhave to move quickly if he wanted any chance at reaching Valerian's hidden chamber before anyone else noticed—and perhaps learning whatever truths lay within its depths that had drawn so many close and dangerous enemies around him this night.

Thirteen

As the crescent moon hung low in the velvet sky, Aric approached the ornately carved door to Lord Regent Valerian's chambers. The echoes of music and laughter from the ball still lingered in the corridors of Astaria's palace, but here, all was quiet—a stillness that hinted at secrets hidden away from prying eyes.

Aric paused outside the door, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Valerian's words from earlier in the evening played in his mind, their double-edged meaning slicing through the layers of charm and intrigue. Was this invitation merely a ploy to gauge Aric's loyalties? Or was there something more—a genuine interest, perhaps? Aric couldn't afford to let his guard down, not when so much hinged on his gaining access to Valerian's hidden research space.

He raised his hand to knock, but before he could make contact with the door, it swung open of its own accord. Aric's heart skipped a beat, his muscles tensing instinctively.

"Ah, Solarian." Valerian's voice was smooth as silk as he appeared in the doorway, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Come in."

The chambers were every bit as opulent as Aric had imagined, yet there was a calculated precision to their arrangement that spoke of Valerian's meticulous nature. The furnishings were rich without being ostentatious—dark woods polished to a mirror sheen, upholstery in deep jewel tones that matched the lord regent's own attire. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room's silken textures and gleaming metalwork.

But it was Valerian himself who commanded Aric's attention. He stood at the center of the room, a figure carved from shadows and moonlight, his angular features made all the sharper by the play of light and dark. Those piercing blue eyes fixed on Aric with an intensity that threatened to steal his breath away.

"Would you care for a drink?" Valerian asked, gesturing toward a sideboard where decanters of amber and ruby liquid gleamed.

Aric nodded, though he hardly needed the alcohol to heighten the feverish rush beneath his skin. "That sounds . . . perfect."

Valerian poured two glasses, the liquid sloshing with a rich, dark hue. "To unexpected opportunities," he said, handing one to Aric. As their fingers brushed, Aric felt a jolt like lightning racing up his arm.

"To opportunity." Aric's voice came out hushed, as if he were afraid to break the spell that had settled between them. He sipped the drink, savoring the sharp sweetness that danced over his tongue.

"Please, have a seat." Valerian motioned to a plush chaise that faced the fire.

Aric hesitated, aware of how close they'd be sitting. But there was a challenge in Valerian's eyes—a test, perhaps—and Aric found himself stepping toward it.

Valerian joined him, sitting close enough that their knees brushed. "I'm afraid I've monopolized far too much of your time this evening, Solarian."

Aric shook his head, the warmth of the fire and the drink loosening his reserve. "I'm enjoying our conversation. It's rare to meet someone so . . . intriguing."

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