Page 17 of King of Flames and Shadows

His gaze out the window beside us. The view is breathtaking, Millrath sprawled beyond the shimmering water like a sea of darkened spires, the faint glimmer of forge-fires dotting the horizon, where the mountains stretch for miles, where I know I will never again cross.

“I suppose you could say I’m in a similar position as you, Lady Calliope. I’m just trying to make the most of my time here while I have it; I seek to represent in family's interests.”

But before I can ask what he means, he turns back to me. His eyes soften.

“It’s not so bad, though, is it? Being a guest in this fine castle? Books to read, rooms to wander. Better than rotting away in a cell, I’d say. Every other human that has ever stayed in this place has stayed as a slave.”

My gaze hardens. “I’m not a guest. I’m a prisoner.”

“Of course,” he murmurs. He drops his voice to almost a whisper. “Whether you ever win the prize of his kindness, it’s what you will always be. I hope you know that.”

His words linger in the air, heavy with meaning I can’t quite grasp. There’s a peculiar stillness to him now, a gravity that belies his earlier lightness. It’s like staring at the surface of a lake and seeing only your reflection.

“Why are you telling me this?” I ask quietly, leaning forward. “As if I don’t already know.”

Linus’s eyebrow twitches. He closes his book, sliding it up onto the table in my direction, then leans close.

“I am no friend of the dynasty,” he murmurs, voice soft as the sound of a snake slithering. “But I can be a friend of yours, should you ever need one.”

I have no idea what to say to that. He unsettles me severely—I want him out of my space. But I am also desperate for him to keep talking. I have no idea why. Perhaps loneliness has already gotten to me. Perhaps I am going mad.

Slowly, I incline my head, barely a twitch. I almost think I’ve imagined it, but he nods back, then stands, straightening his long, dark coat.

He’s everything Arvoren isn’t. Lean, slight, with narrow, sly features and the silence of a spy.

Somehow, I suspect he’s just as dangerous. They hold themselves the same, somehow.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, truly,” he says. “But I should go before we draw too much attention.”

I nod once more. “I hope things work out in your city.”

He knows as well as I do that they won’t. But we’re both telling white lies tonight.

Nonetheless, Linus dips his head in a small bow, turning to leave. But just before he steps away, he pauses, looking back over his shoulder.

“Take care,” he says softly. “Trust no one here.”

And then, with a flicker of candlelight, he’s gone, leaving me alone in the vast, empty silence of the library.

Soon, first light will rise over the castle, and I will have to find another shift change during which I can sneak back into my quarters. Soon, my nightmare continues. Soon, I will have toleave this place where I am suspended in time away from my fear like a fossil in amber.

I peer down at the book Linus Caddell left me. In embossed golden letters, the cover reads,Winning Impossible Battles in the Game of War: A Military History of Kaldoria.

Of course. All along, it was for me.

I take the book, and on silent feet, I sneak back through the darkness to my prison.

Chapter 7 - Arvoren

The sun filters through the leaves, dappling the ground with patches of light as Ulric and I sit in the shade of the great oak tree outside the castle. In the memory, we’re both boys. I’m eight or nine years old. The air is warm, filled with the sweet scent of summer blossoms, yet the moment feels tense despite our youth.

“Stop being silly, Ulric,” I say, crossing my arms and leaning back against the rough bark. “When Father passes the crown, we’ll rule together.”

He pouts, his face scrunching up in frustration. “I don’t want to share! I want it all—every last bit! I’ll be the King, and you can be my… my advisor!” He throws his hands in the air, as if that will make his claim more valid.

“Why would I want to be just your advisor?” I shoot back, rolling my eyes. “That’s not how this works. We’re brothers, and brothers share. It’s our kingdom, not just yours. Plus, I’m older. If I want it, it’s mine. You’re lucky I let you share my things.”

His eyes narrow, and a spark of something darker flickers across his face. “You think you’re so special because you’re older. But I’m just as strong as you! I’ll be the greatest king this realm has ever seen!” His voice rises, turning the warm summer air tense with his childish anger.

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