Page 65 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"Anything you wear will be perfect," she said. "I'll finish up here; Levon needs you and is waiting in his study."

I nodded my thanks as I walked to his study. Through the crack of the door, I saw him and Kaizen engrossed in something on his desk. With a soft knock, I pushed the door open.

The two straightened as I stepped in.

"Seems like you had quite the night," Kaizen remarked with a mischievous grin.

"Too bad you didn't," I retorted.

His grin wavered as Levon chuckled and gave him a playful pat on the back. "Can you make sure the carriage is prepared?" Levon instructed, nudging Kaizen toward the door. Kaizen huffed away, his footsteps heavy with irritation.

"Whydidn'the join us last night?" I inquired again.

"He was patrolling. The Miehja have been acting up," Levon explained. My mind flashed back to the sight of dried blood on Kaizen's hands as he disappeared into the whispering woods a few days prior. "But don't worry, we've stationed guards to keep watch. No harm will come to anyone in my home," he reassured me.

I nodded, hoping his words held true.

He swiftly gathered the papers strewn across his desk, carefully bundling them into a leather satchel. With a quick motion, he tucked his charcoal and rag inside as well. "Ipromised to show you the truth. Let me stash these in my room, and I'll meet you in the foyer," he said, flashing a reassuring smile before slipping out and heading down the balcony walkway toward his room.

Left alone, I couldn't suppress the mounting unease about the truth I was about to confront. Feeling that it was something I might not be prepared to face.

22

Ipaced back and forth, anticipation mounting with each hurried step as I waited not only for Levon but also for the foreboding journey to the King's Court.

I glanced out the large crystal windows, seeing several maids and footmen bustling about, carrying food baskets to our totes and trunks. Kaizen conversed with two burly guards, gesturing toward the distant mountains, their nods implying agreement.

"You look more like yourself in those clothes," Levon's voice startled me, and I spun around to find him descending the stairs. "But I must admit, you were breathtaking in that dress last night."

I shook my head, attempting to conceal the rose creeping up my neck and suppress the turmoil of feelings churning in my stomach. With a sigh, I walked toward him as he extended his arm, praying he was finally going to give me the truth.

He guided me toward the long hallway to the small sunroom but stopped at a large painting that occupied more than half of the wall. A stunning ebony-skinned lady with long brown hair was caught mid-twirl, her dress flowing behind her in an elegantcascade of dusted sparkles. Her closed, smiling eyes gleamed brightly, reflecting the familiar face guiding me.

I had never taken the time to admire it or notice its beauty and…familiarity.

"Your…mother?" I breathed. He gave a shallow nod, a brief smile mirroring the lady in the painting. "She's beautiful."

"She was," he said with sadness.

I lifted my eyes to meet his despite the shadow of her presence lingering in his mind. He offered a quick smile and released my arm, running his hand down the side of the golden-rimmed frame. A latch clicked, and he gestured for me to step back. With a fluid motion, he swung the painting open, revealing a small wooden door, its surface recently polished. I gave him a questioning look as he pushed the door open and guided me inside before closing the painting behind us.

The air grew cold and murky as we descended the spiral stone staircase, reminiscent of the one leading down to the kitchen. The only illumination came from faint glows emanating from bits of broken crystal and glass embedded in the walls, reflecting the sunlight or perhaps the luminescence of moonbugs—I couldn't discern which. Yet, the effect was undeniably magical. It felt like we were traveling through stardust, the passageway speckled with countless shades of blue that shimmered and flowed around us, creating an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. The light danced on the stone steps, casting a gentle glow that guided our way, transforming the descent into an enchanting fable.

"What is this place?" I rasped, struggling to contain my wonder.

"A part of me that I hold very dear," he replied, his gaze locking with mine as we continued our descent.

His eyes seemed to shimmer more vibrantly than they did in the sunlight. He must have sensed my amazement, for he flashedme a playful smile as we reached the bottom step. The room enveloped us in a radiant glow emanating from swirling shards of luminous stones that seemedalive.

A towering stack of books and scrolls stood along one wall while a grand tarnished mirror adorned the opposite side. Its reflection danced off the stones and illuminated the entire space with captivating brilliance.

Another shelf held an array of trinkets and oddities, slowly gathering dust. At the center of the spacious alcove, a large stone jutted out from the surrounding rocks, cradling a shimmering copper box so snugly it seemed inseparable, like a mother holding her child.

"What's that?" I asked, pointing at it. The sight was unlike anything I'd ever seen—the flowing electricity of the box drew me in, tempting me to twirl as Levon's mother had.

"Something I hope will one day see the true light again," he responded cryptically.

"You're speaking in riddles," I remarked, feeling annoyed. "I thought you were going to tell me the truth,"I stated, folding my arms.

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