Page 4 of Dreams of Ash and Smoke

Chills wrack my body when he leaves our sight. Hadeon and I are the only two left in the garden when my knees give out, my chest heaving in rapid breaths as I try to regain myself. My body hadn’t had time to slap against the rock, though, as Hadeon’s arms wrap around my slim waist, hold me up. “What meeting does he mean? I wasn’t told of any.” His voice was firm. “Answer me, Verena.” Softer this time but I know he won’t give up.

After regaining the strength to stand on my own, I shove his large muscular frame. “As if you do not know. I arrive sore and wincing to session after session of training before we even begin. I miss out on half the galas we throw or get invited to because I can barely walk let alone dance.” My voice breaks at the end making me clench my fists in anger at my weakness.

His eyes darken in anger, and I only hope it’s not because of me, “Are you telling me he hurt you?” He steps closer, eyes assessing me as if I was bruised now. “Becauseifyou are confirming that he deliberately sets out to harm you, I will take care of the prince.” I want to believe him but he took an oath to the throne, to the king. Even this talk is treason enough for Dryston to execute him.

I blink and scoff, “Dryston is our soon-to-be king. He does whatever he pleases—whomeverhe pleases. And I am his betrothed. You should not say things you do not mean.” I start to walk away and he follows in silence. I build my internal walls up as I walk, attempting to hold myself together.

* * *

I stand by the grand door at the front of the castle awaiting the carriages pulling up to come to a halt in front of the steps. The palace sits on a hill, overlooking the bustling city. Even from here, I can hear vendors at the market calling out their specials. Cheerful chirping birds fly around, singing their tunes to each other. And the mouthwatering scent of fresh food from our chefs fill the air. As I wait, the feeling of someone dangerous lurkingwracks my body, sending chills through me but I try to push the thought from my mind. I am safe here.

The first carriage pulls up, it’s luggage following it in another as it breaks me from my reverie.

“Good afternoon, Lord Bishop. It is an honor to host you for our grandeur festivities. I hope you find everything to your liking, Antoine will take you to your chambers and his team will escort your luggage.” It was the same speech I gave every guest as they came to the doors. Two hours and one hundred guest arrivals later, I can finally take my leave. The smiles are bright and I never let up on my cheery demeanor to add to the hospitality. I wish they’d arrive at the same time but I know they all travel from different places and it would overwhelm my staff if they did.

Each guest typically has been here before and as future queen, I see to it that all their preferences are met as an assurance of their continued support.

It, on top of all the decorating, has been consuming all of my time and energy. I am exhausted but I know everything will pay off. It has to.

* * *

Metal clangs together before slinging apart as I direct all my weight and force into the blade, forcing him back a few steps.

Anger surges through me, as it did when I train. My blood pushing and pulsing amid my body.

I can feel the heat radiating off my face and know that my cheeks are bright red.

Sweat rolls down my hairline, begging me to wipe it before sliding across my skin in a race to the floor. At this point, I had been training for hours and my lungs feel like they were seizing up. I definitely don’t want to train today after all my hard work but my stubborn guard convinced me. He says ‘If you can fight tired, you can fight refreshed’.

Hadeon lunges for me again, trying to slice through me. But I’m quickin my smaller size and dart forward, sliding against the ground under his blade as mine scrapes the ground. I push back up on my feet, twisting and aiming for his back.

Our blades clang again when he turns, the force so fast and strong, that they push against each other, and our hands twist, releasing our swords and letting them clang to the ground.

Immediately my hands are up, a small dagger I usually keep in my belt is placed in my right and I don’t hesitate to go forward once more.

We go back and forth, getting the better of each other before he trips me and we tumble down as I take him with me. My muscles finally giving out.

Both of us grunt out air as the oxygen is knocked from our lungs by the force. I’m almost wheezing from the energy coursing through my veins.

I stare at his face and when I see the little gleam of liquid seep from his hairline and down his cheek, I gasp and slap him, trying to grab the droplet from his skin. “Sweat! A-HA!” I jump up, holding my now wet finger to his face as he stands and looks at me with confusion in his eyes.

“What?” He asks trying to play off his exhaustion.

I shove my finger in his face, “Sweat! I finally got through enough training to make you sweat.” I start laughing and squealing in delight, jumping excitedly up and down. For years, I was never able to fully keep up with him. He’d never even break a sweat from what I could tell. But, today is a great occasion for that alone. He let me have my cheer, holding back a smirk as he caught his breath too.

“You’re insane, princess.” I laugh at that too before walking over to grab my dagger from the floor as he grabs the swords, feeling better already.

“You’re just upset now that I’ve gotten the better of you.” I stick my tongue out.

“I still beat you. I tripped you to pin you.” He gives me a pointed look.

“Yeah, but you have perspired from training with me so I feel like I won.” He rolls his eyes at me and hands me a rag for the sweat pouring from my skin.

“What’s got you so angry?” He changes the subject and I freeze. My body goes rigid and I turn from him in the wooded area we train in.

“I have no knowledge of what you mean,” I say, stretching out my tired limbs. His fingers wrap around my arm before I even know he was close. “I’ve known you long enough to know something is wrong.” I know he says that. But how do I know if he knows the real me? Does he truly know me well enough?

“Do you?” I ask, trying to brave the possible answer. My eyes meet his, and I know my indigo ones are practically begging him to say yes. I am exhausted from being quiet. From holding my tongue. From keeping myself locked away. But I know it’s what I must do for this kingdom and as its queen it is a price I am willing to pay.

---