Page 87 of Scars and Burns

I shall never make that mistake again.

“Impressive. Yes, I concede.”

She drops her blades and I turn towards her.

“Mastered indeed.” I say, but that is an understatement. She fights in her own style. I know this Christopher fellow did not teach her that. She has developed into a being that is all her own. The mostunique flower there is.

Saphrina and Christopher join us. Christopher stands next to her. A little too close if you ask me. I intend to find out just how close and comfortable these two are together. Though he looks to be older than me but not by much. Faes live for hundreds of years. The age difference would make very little in the grand scheme of things.

He smiles at her with pride. I am more proud of her than he will ever be. I’ve watched her grow into the formidable force she is now. I see her for who she truly is. What is truly inside of her.

Darkness.

He would never understand.

“Shall we make our way to breakfast, Prince Aeron?” Saphrina says. Pulling me back to reality once again.

“Yes, of course Princess.” I hand Christopher my sword. It’s a slight dig. And it’s incredibly arrogant of me. Aemond would scorn me for allowing Dinalia to think I am this entitled. But I am a Prince. Here to represent the power of the Shadowlands. I cannot let my reputation disappear. If anything, I must solidify it in everyone’s eyes.

Well, everyone’s but Saphrina’s. But she is used to servants doing her tedious tasks. I can tell by the way she introduced him. They are not nearly as close.

We begin to take our leave out of the training hall when Saphrina stops and turns, “Dinalia, will you be joining us for breakfast?”

I glance back at her as well. Seeing the strained smile on her face, before she says, “Yes, I will be there momentarily.”

Princess Saphrina and I take our leave. But I can’t stop my mind or heart from wanting to return to Dinalia.

39

Dinalia

Istayed in the training hall a few moments longer. Not wanting to join Saphrina for breakfast if Aeron is also going to be there.

I’m sitting on the viewing bench, sharpening my blade for probably the third time now.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready?” Christopher asks me.

Sighing, “Ready for what?”

“I don’t know. Some special royal engagement celebration.”

I laugh, he isn’t exactly wrong. “I’m not really sure what all I am meant to attend. Seeing as I am not actually a royal.” Still focusing on my blade.

“True, but you did attend the ball last night. And King Elio seems to finally be embracing you as his ward and using the title he bestowed upon you.”

Again, he isn’t exactly wrong. But I can’t shake the feeling that King Elio has something else up his sleeve. He’s being far too welcoming and considerate to me. His demeanor towards me has completely changed. There is something else amiss here. I just haven’t figured it out yet.

Sheathing my blade. I stand and return them to their usual spot onmy back in their sling. “I think Saphrina is still expecting us to go to the modiste. I don’t have enough formal gowns for all the events coming up and King Elio has graciously offered to pay for them.”

He purses his lips, nodding his head slowly, “That is very gracious and generous of him.”

“Yep” I say, popping the ‘P’ at the end. I head towards the door. Waving a hand behind me.

“Have a good time” He says after me. I can hear the smirk on his face. Knowing I’ve never been gown shopping, nor have I ever shown an interest in embracing that girly feminine side of myself. Preferring my slacks and leathers.

I’m almost to the wing that holds my chambers. Mine are at the end of the hall. Meaning I have to pass all of the other chambers that now house the Shadowlings. I’m climbing the final staircase when I run into him.

“Dinalia, how lovely to see you.”

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