Page 45 of Embers to Flames

“I’m going to learn how to do that to you soon, just when you least expect it.”

“I can’t wait.”He replies proudly.

I take a deep breath, the lighthearted moment fading as I turn my attention to the matter at hand. “Lord Erhorn, I thinkwe should discuss the possibility that Prince Ruvyn’s activities may have something to do with Mickyl’s disappearance.”

Lord Erhorn sets down his fork and leans forward, his expression grave. “I will not deny the fact that this has also occurred to me.” He gestures towards the other lords as he speaks. “Which is why we have all decided it is time to bring this matter to the attention of the King.” The lords around the table nod in agreement.

“We must proceed with caution,” adds Lord Phirel, voicing his own concerns. The room falls into a tense silence as the weight of the situation settles upon everyone.

Lord Klaern finally clears his throat, drawing all our eyes to him, “Phirel speaks wisely. We should also consider the possibility of a deeper intrigue at play. Perhaps this is a ploy to draw us out, to see how we react.”

Lord Ailwin nods in agreement, “We also must not act rashly, the prince is resourceful and has eyes and ears throughout the capital. We do not want anyone being accused of treason.”

A thought comes to me, and I speak it with confidence. “But the King is not just the Kinganymore. He’s my father. I know we can use this to our advantage.”

Erhorn’s voice trails off as he lets out a soft sigh. “While that may be true,” he begins, “This also means that Prince Ruvyn… is your brother.”

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. Ruvyn—mybrother.The word feels foreign and bitter. The beingresponsible for so much turmoil, now possibly linked to Mikyl’s disappearance, shares my blood.

A wave of nausea rolls over me as I grapple with the truth. The thought of Ruvyn calling me “sister” feels like a cruel joke, a twisted mockery of the bond weshouldshare. My mind races, trying to reconcile the image of the ruthless prince with the idea of family.

I glance at Theo, seeking solace in his steady presence. His eyes meet mine, filled with understanding and unspoken support. But even his comforting gaze can’t fully dispel the chaos within me. The room feels colder, the air heavier, as the implications of this revelation settle in.

The rest of the breakfast is a blur, my mind preoccupied with the newly understood relation to Prince Ruvyn. Does he know? Would it change things if he did? In the backdrop of my thoughts, I can hear the lords discussing strategies, but their words feel distant and alien.

I stand up abruptly, pushing back from the table. A collective silence falls over the room as all eyes turn to me. “I need some air,” I stammer out, feeling a sudden rush of claustrophobia in the grand dining hall and without waiting for a response, I turn and stride out, not bothering to conceal my distress. My heart beats fast, pounding with a rhythm that echoes my confusion and fear.

The garden offers a breath of fresh air and solitude I desperately need. The morning sun feels warm against my skinand the dewy grass tickles my bare feet. With a sigh, I sink to a stone bench tucked under the shade of an old willow tree.

A whisper of movement alerts me to Theo’s presence before he steps out from behind the tree line. His eyes find mine immediately—they always do—and even from this distance, I can see worry etched into his handsome features.

“Theo,” I manage to say before he reaches me.

“I’m here,” he responds softly, dropping down beside me on the bench. His hand finds mine, fingers intertwining like they were made for this very purpose.

“Ruvyn...” My voice trails off but there’s no need for words. Theo understands.

We stay silent for what feels like eternity. The love and understanding that radiates from him feels like an anchor amid my rolling sea of emotions.

“You do not have to face him alone,” Theo finally breaks the silence, his voice so low that it blends with the rustling willow leaves. “We are in this together.”

I squeeze his hand in acknowledgment, feeling a spark of strength ignite within me. This new-found relation does not absolve Ruvyn of his deeds, whether or not he is my brother.

“We should return to the capital soon.” I suggest, rising from the bench and pulling Theo with me. His gold eyes meet mine, filled with a purpose mirroring my own.

“Yes,” he agrees, pressing a kiss to my forehead before letting my hand go. “Let’s tell Erhorn about our plans.”

We walk back into the temple, and I feel an odd sense of calm wash over me. Perhaps being related to Prince Ruvyn doesn’t change anything at all. Maybe it simply gives me another reason to fight for what’s right.

And fight… I will.

Chapter Twenty

We make our way back to the capital and the city streets are bustling with activity. Theo holds my hand, his fingers intertwined with mine, as we walk with purpose. Approaching the palace gates, a group of elven guards recognize us and salute. One of them steps forward and delivers a message to me.

“Princess Rosanhi, urgent news from the King. His Grace graciously awaits your presence in the throne room,” the guard says, his voice steeped with reverence.

I raise an eyebrow at the title, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips.“Princess Rosanhi… That will take some getting used to,”I will the thought into Theo’s mind, who chuckles softly beside me.

---