Page 81 of A Trial of the Heart

“I have sworn in a new citizen of our realm. Now, she can freely move about our kingdom, bypass the wards, and is recognized as one of us. She’ll be treated as such as well. I believe you mean to say,Thank you, Castor.”

“I didn’t wish for her to swear allegiance if she didn’t want to, Cas. I was prepared to alter the wards or have her always enter the palace with—”

“I wasn’t forced, Daxton,” I interjected. “Please. Do youreallythink I could be convinced to do something like this if I didn’t want to?”

He pursed his lips into a thin line. “No, you wouldn’t.”

“I freely pledged my loyalty to you and Silver Meadows. And I would gladly do it again if asked. Besides, if the second trial is indeed in your realm, this extra boost won’t hurt. You said yourself you draw power from the land you govern… I imagine it is the same for your people as well.” I knew I was winning when Daxton didn’t argue. However, that didn’t mean hewouldn’t try. I needed to guide this conversation elsewhere.

“I think it’s about time you brought me to Silver Meadows and showed me your home, Daxton Aegaeon.”

Dax silently reached out and took my hand, looking at me with a mesmerizing gaze I couldn’t bring myself to turn away from. Electricity crackled along my skin when he touched me, our magic reacting to each other’s presence like it always did. Did he feel the same way I did? The queen warned me that an offspring of a mated pair would never settle for anything but a mate. Even with the lack of a mate bond, could Daxtonloveme? Was I enough?

“Let’s go,” Daxton said as Castor placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“Welcome to Silver Meadows, Spitfire,” Daxton said with pride beaming from his expression. The scent of mountain pine and cold air reminded me of him, and I realized he smelled exactly like this city… like his home. This was, without a doubt, where Daxton belonged.

Silver Meadows was tucked away within the sanctuary of towering mountains and a channel to the ocean along the eastern horizon. Starfall Island, which Captain Fjorda and the crew of theOpalcalled home, was breathtaking, highlighted by the morning sun. My eyes widened as the mountains to the west and south glistened with silver ores along their snow-capped peaks. The beauty of this realm took my breath away. Aelius and Crimson City had no hold over Silver Meadows.

The bulk of Silver Meadows was built atop steep rolling hills leading to three towering silver-streaked mountains to the north, where their main palace resided. The hanging valley at the base of the tallest mountaincaught my attention immediately, and I made a mental note to visit there as soon as I was able. The gleaming silver mixed with the deep shades of green highlighted the natural beauty embedded into the wilderness.

Rolling hills were divided by a broad, winding river the color of the brightest turquoise and rarest sapphires. The waters snaked across the landscape, leading to the channel dividing the mainland from Starfall Island. Tucked between patches of thick wilderness with various brush and green pines, three distinct market squares emerged. The city’s buildings were crafted out of white marble intermixed with patterns of warm red and tan stone and wooden frames. I recognized that the same red sandstone designs from Crimson City adorned some of the rooftops, giving the city an array of alternating colors.

From our vantage point on the palace steps, I could see other sections dedicated to townhouses with green copper roofs and white chimneys. The fae lights illuminating the cobblestone streets dimmed as the pink and yellow sunrise kissed the landscape below.

“I can’t believe how beautiful this all is.”

“I’m glad you approve.”

“Just wait until you see inside,” Castor boasted.

I turned where I stood, my head tilting upward, taking in the immense sight of a gray stone palace that loomed behind me. Built at the base of the three towering mountains, the palace resembled a rectangular fortress, with different sections branching off from the center.

“Our father designed this stronghold to host large gatherings and various visitors. Since our mother was from a different realm, he wanted to ensure she could invite her kin without fear of overcrowding. We fondly call it the Summit,” Daxton said.

“Even though it is not at the top of the mountain… it’s at the northernmost edge of the city, so it fits,” Castor added.

“What do you do with all your space now if you’re not hosting visitors?”

“We get creative,” Castor said with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes. I did not want to imagine how Castor used the abundance of space in his home.

“Guest wings are near the base, with our main rooms on the center and top floors. Castor’s rooms are on the western side, while mine lie toward the eastern wing. The training area and healers’ quarters are also on the center floor, on the western side,” Daxton explained.

“Near the training and sparring grounds, I assume.” I glanced toward the mountain’s base, which held a large clearing.

“Correct. The formal throne room and gathering areas are unique. They are directly at the entrance. The library, of course, is at the far end of the eastern wing.”

My eyes widened as my excitement jumped. “Show me!” I practically squealed with delight. “Can you show me the library? Please. Please!”

“I never thought I would see the day someone was more anxious to read than you, brother,” Castor snickered. “She might as well get started researching the clues we have from the scroll.”

“Castor’s right,” I replied with a grin.“For once,” I added under my breath.

“Very well.” Daxton nodded. “Skylar, I’ll take you to the library, but then I must tend to my duties as high prince. It’s been some time since I’ve been home, and the news about Anjani and the Dryads needs to be addressed.”

“Don’t worry. Leaving me in a library surrounded by books is no trouble. Just don’t be upsetwith me if I put up a fight when you try to get me to leave.”

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