Page 61 of A Trial of Fate

–Daxton

The note, however, didn’t end there. This last bit of writing was different from the rest. While the other parts of the letter wereunhurried and elegantly written, the last paragraph seemed rushed.

P.S.

I apologize that I didn’t explain this earlier in my letter. You are now under my personal guard and protection as my ward, Skylar Cathal. I was given orders from the queen to ensure your safety, and I promise I won’t become a burden. I will keep my distance while still overseeing your safety. You may not see me, but trust I am near.Please know, I will

Always, your protector,

–Daxton, High Prince of Silver Meadows

What did all this mean?

The next day, I was still confined tosolitudeunder Latte’s care. I was thankfully able to entertain myself with the book Daxton had left me. I finished reading it the day I opened the cover, and I had to admit, it quickly became one of my favorites. The story depicted a young warrior who lost everything and, despite the odds, managed to rise up to overturn the wicked king, saving his kingdom and his people. It was full of action and adventure. I couldn’t put it down. I understood why Daxton dubbed it as one of his favorites.

That evening, I wrote a letter and placed it inside the book, leaving it next to my room’s open window before going to sleep.

Daxton—High Prince of Silver Meadows.That was how he had ended his last letter, so I decided that was the route I would take.

Your wardthanks you for your diligent care. I understand you take your duty very seriously, and I wouldn’t want you to stray from your queen’s command. I feel safe, knowing you are watching over me.

All right, enough with the formality of it all. That wasn’t me, and I didn’t want to pretend to be anything other than myself with Daxton.

Dear Daxton,

Couldn’t help it. I’ve got to drop the formality. I’m neither good at that stuff nor that polished.

Returning to more enticing and exciting topics… your story of choice for me was amazing! I finished it today, not wanting to put it down and miss out on what was going to happen next. I enjoyed the action-packed chapters and the idea of the hero overcoming such turmoil and still never giving up. His resilience was remarkable, as was the hope he inspired in his people to fight with him and unite. Come to think of it. I can see why you chose this book for me to read. Thanks for that.

Youknow, since I’m traveling to the Inner Kingdom, perhaps it would be a good thing if I knew a little more about it. Did you bring any other books that describe the customs or history of your people? I would also love to take a gander at any books about the wildlife or the different plants that grow in your kingdom. I love romance, but any new book would be a treasure.

One time, I read a book about different types of land formations and the study of rocks. (Yes, rocks.) I imagine you are laughing to yourself right now at the fact that I found rocks interesting, but that was how I discovered the green sand beach. Sometimes, you have to look a little deeper to find the beauty in the world. Did you know that some stones are absolutely hideous on the surface, but when you crack them open, you reveal a hollowed center lined with beautiful crystals?

Well, I hope you find the top read from my list (nice job on figuring out the numbers, by the way) enjoyable. It’s a trilogy, so I understand if it takes you a little longer to get through despite your superior reading skills. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts, and maybe you can even figure out which aspects of the story I hold above the others.

Regarding what you said at the end of your last letter, please understand that I don’t find your presence a burden. While these letters are efficient for exchanging notes, I do prefer conversations face to face.

I held back from saying anything more to that notion. I hadn’t seen Daxton in a few days, but his scent still lingered in my room. I dared to admit that I missed him.

But whatever you think is best. I will defer to your many… many… many years of wisdom. I look forward to reading your next book suggestions and notes. I believe Latte will release me soon, and I can’t tell you how anxious I am to be free from the confines of this room. I long to see the green sand beach again and feel the wild nature forest engulf me instead of the four walls of this room.

Until next time,

–Skylar

In the morning, the book on the window was gone, and the smell of fresh pine and cold winter air lingered in its place.

“You’ve got this, Skylar,” Shaw said with encouragement. “We know what happens if you give up; that’s dull and uneventful. So, why not try and find out what happens if you succeed.”

As my healing continued, Shaw helped me work on different grounding techniques while discussing aspects of my capture that seemed to trigger my anxiety. Fear would be my enemy. I had to slowly work through the memories that gripped my heart in an iron cage and refused to relinquish their control. It was a bitch ofa process to work through, but surprisingly, in each session I had with Shaw, I saw some improvement.

However, Shaw and I never discussed the final day of my torture. I felt he was cautious about that one, and I understood why. Nearly dying was something I knew I had to face, but I needed to walk before I could run. My animal helped as well. I knew if I didn’t have her, the resilience I had built over the years would not have been able to withstand the torture from Blade.

Over the next few days, I had a lot of time to think. Books were left for me with a pine mountain scent lingering in the pages, but sadly, no letters accompanied them.

“Daxton’s keeping his distance,” Shaw told me. “But I’m reporting to him with your progress, and we are both amazed at how well you are doing. Be patient with yourself, Sky. Don’t rush.”

Easy for Shaw to say.

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