Page 26 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

“Shh.” A voice close to me makes me flinch, but I don’t think they notice. “She’s still sleeping. Poor thing. I can feel the turmoil running through her heart.” The voice was a young female and she spoke softly to whomever was in the space with us.

I try to orient myself, taking in the sensations around me. The bed beneath me is more comfortable than any I’ve ever slept on, and the fluffy comforter envelops me in warmth. Soft light filters through the room, creating a cozy yet not blinding atmosphere. A faint but soothing scent lingers in the air, and I can’t help but relax into it.

“Why hasn’t she woken?” A deep, velvety voice speaks from nearby, sending shivers down my spine. My subconscious recognizes it, but my conscious mind struggles to place it. I sense movement as the woman approaches him.

Come on, wake up! I mentally urge myself.

“She’s been through a terrible ordeal, brother. The poison in her blood, the arduous travels, and being constantly on the run have taken their tollon her body and mind. She needs this rest.” The feminine voice is gentle and comforting. An exasperated sigh escapes from him.

Impatiently, he urges her, “What? What are you not telling me?”

A heavy sigh escapes her lips. “She has a large wound on her arm… like someone tried to remove her skin.” The thought of my wedded rune makes my arm throb with pain as I reflect on the agony of its removal.

Who are these people?

With great effort, I manage to pry open my eyes.

“She’s awake,” the female voice exclaims in surprise. She rushes over to me, placing a damp rag on my forehead. Cool water trickles down the side of my face and provides some relief. At least now I know why my head is wet.

I squint, trying to make out the unfamiliar faces in the dimly lit room. My eyes finally land on him, the Dark King, and I gasp in shock. Hastily sitting up, my body aching and groaning from the exertion, I push myself as far away from him as possible. The space between us serves as a barrier as I quickly grab the blanket to cover my not-naked body.

My attention is then drawn to the fae female standing before me, her hair tucked behind small, pointed ears. With a sense of wariness, I ask her, “Who are you?”

She raises her hands in a peaceful gesture, a sweet and soft smile gracing her features. “Hi there,” she introduces herself. “My name is Ruelle. And may I know yours?”

“Princ- Verena. Just, Verena.” I tell her, saddened by the reminder of my tragic fate at the Court of Dawn. I don’t even want to glance at the king, last he heard or saw, I was married to Dryston and practically had become an rival to his kingdom.

“Well, Verena, I am the youngest princess of Khyrel. This is my brother, Eryx, King of Khyrel. I believe you both have met previously. He is mostly just here to make sure that I am safe and you are no danger to us. After you and Hade-”

The curiosity and concern in my voice interrupts her flow of words. “How is he?” I ask urgently, unable to contain my questions any longer. But beforeshe can even answer, a barrage of inquiries spills out of me. “Wait, how do you know his name? Has he spoken to you yet? Is he awake?”

Her previously composed expression falters, as if she has revealed something she shouldn’t have. She looks over at Eryx, her light eyes no match for his intense gaze. He pushes himself off the wall and saunters toward me, an aura of darkness radiating from him that seems to swallow up the room around us.

“He is fine, for now.” He starts, sounding angry and squinting his eyes at me. “I would like to know why you carried him for over an hour to get to the border.” His voice is firm and steady. His dark and deep eyes are cold and calculating as they watch me. I can feel the heat radiate from his surprisingly tan skin. He looks as if he is trying to be intimidating but for some reason, I can’t find it in me to care once the initial shock has worn off. I know I should be afraid of him, especially after hearing what Hadeon said to me, but I can’t. Not after the moment between us at the gala. I know the risk of coming here and honestly I’d rather die than be in the Court of Dawn.

“I’d like to know why you haven’t killed me already. You know who I am so I can only assume that you want something from me.” I counter, trying to dig for answers, feigning courage with the Dark King. His right eyebrow quirks up before turning away and taking a few steps back before looking at me again as he leans against the wall. I release a breath, holding it steady as my heart pounds in my chest. If he wants something, maybe it’ll help him feel more inclined to help me with my situation.

“I know who youwere.” I’m not sure why, but if it were anyone else that would feel like a slap to the face. When he said it, though, it sounds… inviting. A challenge to show who I truly am now. The only problem was, I don’t know. “I haven’t killed you because I know you aren’t a threat.” Before I can defend my capabilities, he continues. “I know you are not a threat because as far as I am concerned, nothing is more dangerous than I am on this continent and I don’t exactly expect you to get the better of me.” I glare at him, hoping he can feel my discontent. Even after the confusing dance— that lingers in the back of my mind— I want to fight my immediate attraction to him.I want to not like him. Even at the gala there was something pulling me toward him. Does he feel it too?

My eyes dart around his face, taking in every detail — the curve of his jawline, the dimple on his left cheek, the flecks of black in his brown eyes. Try as I might to keep my gaze locked on his face, it inevitably travels down his body. His casual attire does nothing to diminish his attractiveness; if anything, it only adds to his charm. I take a deep breath and decide to give him some information, hoping to distract myself from his alluring presence.

I thought the only place Dryston wouldn’t look was Khyrel but maybe I am so predictable that this is the first place he knew I’d come. It has to be why there’s a bounty on my head over there. “Hadeon has been my royal guard for five years. It started when he saved me from being attacked and the former king titled him fresh out of training. He knew I wasn’t getting any training at all as the princess so he has been secretly training me for five years, building my muscles, making me earn my skill, allowing me to trust and hone in on my intuition and instincts. And he is my only friend, as pathetic as that is to hear.” I humorlessly chuckle and stare at my hands as I pick at the nail beds cleaned of the dirt and blood that had been caked within. “I had a duty in the court, that is all I was good for. But, he saw me for more than the future queen. He saw me as a person, someone worth more than a crown on her head or the womb in her body.” Glancing back up at them, Ruelle stares sadly at me while King Eryx just stares, almost looking bored.

“Your point?” Eryx asks, impatiently.

“So, I carried the giant lug of a male because he is the only family I have left.” I tell them truthfully, waiting for the pity looks from him and his sister but they don’t come. A look of understanding passes between the two of them. While she looks sad, it isn’t pity and I’m thankful. “And to answer your burning questions about my arm; itwasmy wedded rune. I couldn’t risk Dryston tracking us so I cut it off before we left.” I tell them, watching Ruelle’s eyes widen in shock. Eryx raises a brow as if he’s genuinely surprised and I smirk to myself.

After a moment of silence, King Eryx meets my gaze, his jaw clenchingprofusely as his dark eyes stare. “Ruelle will help you with any questions or concerns. As of this moment, you are her guest since she has practically begged me to let you stay. She likes strays. For now. Until I decide what else to do with you. But do not believe that I trust you and I do not believe you will do us any good being here.” He stands away from the wall, kissing his sister on the cheek as his right hand brushes down her hair and turns away.

She lets out a light scoff once the door is shut, pointing at her brother’s long-gone figure, “He exaggerates. I did notbeghim.” Ruelle stresses to me, her cheeks become red and it warms my heart a bit. “I just said you should stay because I trust you and that goes a long way with him.” She laughs shyly.

“Is he always thatfriendly?” I ask, sarcasm dripping. Her laugh is more bubbly and light like she doesn’t carry any stress or worry now. That makes me smile.

“He’ll warm up to you, promise. He’s protective of his family and having you here could be dangerous since you were Princess—soon to be the Queen Dawn. But, like I said, I trust you and my word is the most trusted one. I’ve never lied to him and I have empathetic abilities.” She says proudly, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Ruelle was a beautiful young fae. Her small nose suits her small frame. Her skin was paler than her brothers, which fit the Dusk vibe. Her hair was black as night, just as his was but her eyes are blue, while his are so dark they look black but when he moves his head and turns toward a light, there was a faint brown tone.

“Can you get me some food, please? I am absolutely starving.” I smile and she jolts up.

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