Page 29 of A Trial of the Heart

I glanced at Daxton and bravely decided to step on the cliff edge I had been teetering on since he pulled me from the waters on the green sand beach.

“I agree that Castor’s confidence is appeasing, but personally, I’m attracted to a different type of bravery.” I seemed to grasp Daxton’s attention as he tilted his head in my direction, carefully listening. “I admire a male brave enough to treat their female as their equal. Someone who values them as a true partner in every aspect of their life. A male of my choosing would validate and encourage me to make my own choices while supporting me on my journey of navigating them. A true leader who not only inspires greatness but shows it in every aspect of his life. Someone I can depend on. Someone I trust with all my heart, and that trusts me the same.”

I could feel my heart thundering inside my chest. I had no idea what I was doing or where I thought I was going with this, but there it was. Everything I said to Daxton was the Gods’ honest truth. The feelings I was beginning to have for this male were real, and it was terrifying to admit to myself—let alone begin to speak them out loud.

What if I was wrong to assume his fondness for me went beyond my role as champion? What if Dax didn’t feel the same way? What if I took this leap only to fall once again? And to top it off, what if I died tomorrow in the first trial?

I took a deep breath and dared to gaze at the male I believed I was beginning to fall for.

The way Dax looked at me just now made my world stop turning. There it was again, the glazed-over heart-melting look that swept me off my feet and warmed my middle. My animal stirred, emitting a gentlesong inside my head. His gray eyes locked onto me with such wonder and hope.

“Have you had any luck finding a male that meets these unique qualifications?”Daxton asked.

“You know, they just don’t make them like that anymore. If you find one, please let me know. I’m kind of on a tight schedule, though, with the trials, possible death, and the world collapsing—but no rush.” I smiled as I watched him laugh at my joke.

“No pressure then,” he said.

“None whatsoever.” I winked as Dax flashed me a carefree smile that sparked a light of joyin my heart.

Chapter Seven

“There it is,” Idris called out at the head of our traveling party.

The pegasi relentlessly carried the five of us across the Inner Kingdom without ever tiring along the journey. The pegasi were well trained and had the stamina of what seemed to be ten horses compiled into one body. I could feel Nisha surge forward, recognizing the change in landscape as we approached our intended destination. Aelius.

The palace of Aelius stood on an isolated spit of land surrounded by water from Sterlyn Lake on all three sides. As we descended through the clouds, an unsettling feeling began trickling across my skin. Similar to the warning I felt in the alley with Seamus, causing my senses to be on high alert.

Elevated towers on each corner of the palace were connected by a protective wall laced with spikes pointing skyward that stood well over thirty feet tall. The center of the massive structure overlooked the surrounding walls, with every rooftop decorated by ornate white paint against gray cobblestone and a black swirling outline. This place was an absolute fortress, complete with heavy metal gates guarding the only entrance or exit. A wide stone bridge walkway connectedthe royal residence to the sprawling city that surrounded the shoreline and continued into the rolling hills to the east.

Aelius was larger compared to Crimson City, with High Fae residing in homes that were stacked on top of each other near the center. From my mount in the sky, I could see shops on the bottom, with people living on the second, third, and even sometimes a fourth level of the structure above. While sandstone and other white or natural tan clay rock built Crimson City, Aelius appeared cleaner, almost crisp. Many of the structures were made of stone or wood decorated and painted white to match. It gave the appearance of perfection, or at least trying as best they could to do so. In the distance, a long winding road connected Aelius to the sea, where a harbor was posted with the sails of dozens of ships visible from the air.

I couldn’t put my finger on it, but this kingdom gave me a rainy-day vibe. There was an underlying feeling of melancholy that seemed to be intertwined with the realm itself. Aelius reminded me of cold spring days in Solace, when I would snuggle into my loveseat with a good book because venturing outside into the downpour would be miserable. Even today, as we arrived, Aelius was shrouded in clouds, with rays of sunshine barely able to peek through the overhang.

We dove through the sky, first reaching the rolling pasture fields before circling back over Aelius. Even this late in the day, the city was awake, with countless citizens still gathering in the streets, decorating their homes with white banners that held three eight-pointed stars painted on the design in the middle.

I looked down at my champion mark and realized this was the same pattern. At first, only a few doors swung open with curious eyes peering up at us. Icould hear shouts echo through the streets below as we soared over the towering buildings. Then windows burst open, and more people began gathering in the streets. Our presence igniting Aelius. High Fae citizens gathered in clusters at the shoreline and near the bridge to the palace, watching our descent onto the cobblestone path. Idris landed first, followed by the rest of us, as our pegasi finally tucked in their wings on landing.

“Thank you,” I whispered as I stroked Nisha’s neck. “You were amazing.” She neighed in return and swished her head. I smiled, interpreting this as her saying you’re welcome.

I glanced around the gathering crowds, stunned that there were almost too many for me to count.I held my breath as I peered in their direction, meeting the people of Aelius for the first time.

There was an array of hair colors paired with fair skin features amongst the crowd. Shades ranging from black to dark blond, with an impressive number of hazel and green eyes speckled among them. And surprise, surprise, they were all either handsome or beautiful, with an air of grace that seemed to flow with their movements. I swear, if I ever saw an ugly High Fae, that would be something to take note of.

Castor guided his mount next to mine and gracefully swung his leg over the front of his saddle. He came to my side and extended his hand to me. “Let’s put your training to the test. Shall we?”

I gave him a confused glare before remembering the ruse we were supposed to be playing. I held my breath and stole one final look toward Daxton. He gave me a final reassuring nod before his mask reappeared, and Dax transformed into Silver Shadow. His expression lacked any softness as his jaw clenched and his eyesnarrowed with an air of ice that would chill you to your bones.

Despite his facade, I could see the muscles in Daxton’s shoulders tense as he cracked the knuckles in his right hand. He was anxious.

Silver Shadow took a deep breath in preparation for what was to come, and my heart ached to see him like this. His gaze was hard, like stone standing against a raging storm on the open seas. There was no trace of the magnanimous, carefree smile I loved. Standing before us now was the fearsome, hardened warrior of legend who led the High Fae armies into the war of Valdor five hundred years ago. The most powerful high prince ever born to the Inner Kingdom, Silver Shadow.

And … Gods help me; he was captivating.

Others might turn away or cower from this vicious, ruthless side of him, but not me. I wasn’t afraid. After witnessing him in spurts of battle, I noticed how he was always able to control his rage. Never teetering over the edge and into madness. This highlighted his ability to control his emotions and not abuse his power over others, which was something of note, in my opinion.

My people always respected power. It was our way of life, and Daxton’s sang to me like a siren’s call to a sailor at sea.

“Let the games begin,” I said to Castor as I donned my mask of deception. I accepted Castor’s hand and adoringly stood by his side.

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