Page 40 of Daughter of Shadows and Ash

The meal dragged on in uncomfortable silence, broken only by Ryn's persistent attempts at small talk. I answered him with short, clipped answers, counting the moments until escape, resisting both his physical warmth and the pull of our bond. If every meal would be this torturous, I might need to find an excuse to take my meals elsewhere. After more formal exchanges about military strategies between father and son, we were finally excused. As I hurried to the great double doors, fighting against the mating bond's insistent pull, warm fingers encircled my wrist. I turned to find Ryn, his touch sending sparks through my skin, our connection flaring to life like stars in twilight.

"Are you still up for that tour later?" Hope danced in his eyes while my body sang at his touch. I smiled and nodded.

"Can't wait," I said, the words both truth and torment. My heart thundered against my ribs, the thread between us pulling at me like a hook buried deep in my chest, even as every instinct screamed at me to run.

If I couldn't control these feelings, I'd lose more than just my heart—I'd fail everything I came here to do.

Chapter 30

After breakfast, Magnus and Luella flank me as we make our way to my next appointment the dreaded afternoon tea with the noble ladies. When Luella had informed me of the engagement after our return to my chambers, I'd contemplated hurling myself from the balcony.

I could track a mark through a blizzard, steal the crown jewels without detection, and end a man's life without hesitation, but an hour of mindless chatter with these noble daughters felt like a special kind of torment.

Considering Luella's warning about their bitter resentment over my engagement to their precious prince, I would rather face a hundred armed guards than endure their false pleasantries.

Who would have thought Death's Wraith would quiver at the thought of a little tea party?Maël's voice echoed through my mind with that familiar mocking lilt.

Thank the gods Oryn couldn't hear Maël's voice in my head.

If he knew I spoke with my dead fiancé while plotting treason, I'd be rotting in the darkest cell of his dungeon by now.

If you were real, I'd drive my blade between your ribs.

Careful, little hunter. Your threats only excite me more.

A scoff escaped my lips before I could stop it. If Luella heard, she was too well-mannered to comment.

"Do you think Oryn could rescue me from this nightmare?" I ask Luella as we follow my silent sentinel.

Her laugh echoes through the vast hallway, drawing a sharp glance from Magnus.

"If you want your life in the palace to become unbearable, then by all means." Luella pauses before the garden doors where the tea awaits.

"Show any weakness, and they'll descend like vultures. Having Prince Oryn rescue you from a tea party? They'd never let you forget it. The rumors would spread like wildfire, worse than what's already being whispered in dark corners. Remember, respect is a two-way street in this court."

I freeze, my heart stuttering. "Wait. What rumors are already spreading?"

She dismisses my concern with a wave. "Focus on showing these noble daughters that their games mean nothing to you."

She gives me an encouraging smile and a gentle push toward where Magnus stands, door held wide.

I meet his gaze, bracing for the morning's cold reception. But something different glimmers in those grey eyes.

"I don't suppose you'd grant me mercy with that sword of yours?" I glance at Magnus's weapon hopefully. "It would give me a perfect excuse to skip this nightmare."

"My blade serves to protect you, not harm you," Magnus replied, his voice low and firm. "The girl speaks true. Walk in there with your head high, or they'll devour you whole. But should any of them dare to harm you, call for me. I'll come."

His words, though not quite the rescue I'd hoped for, settled something in my chest. I didn't need protection. Gods knew any of these nobles who tried to harm me would find my blade in their heart before they drew their next breath. Still, knowingsomeone would answer if I called stirred an unfamiliar warmth in my chest as I entered this nest of vipers.

The noble women perched around delicate tables adorned with lace and flowers like perfectly posed dolls. Their endless chatter faltered as I approached the center table where Luella had directed me earlier. The women rose in unison, offering gentle bows as they introduced themselves. Then my gaze caught on a familiar face - the brunette from before, her blonde shadow relegated to a distant table. She introduced herself as Ingrid.

"A pleasure to meet you all," I murmured, matching their bow before claiming my seat at the head of the table. Conversation fluttered to life as servants filled our cups with steaming tea. I doctored mine with cream and sugar, letting the delicate floral notes dance across my tongue.

"You must be thrilled," Elliana gushed from my right, delicately biting into a shortbread cookie. "Prince Oryn is absolutely divine."

"He is," I admitted, cursing the warmth that crept up my neck. "The whole situation feels rather surreal." And it was true - whether I wanted this or not, anyone would find it strange to go from a normal life to suddenly being engaged to a prince. Especially one so highly revered.

Ingrid's scoff cut through the pleasant atmosphere like a blade, her teacup barely concealing her sneer. The other women tensed, their expressions shifting from placid to wary. "I'm sure you're not complaining about your fairy tale ending. Though I wonder if your uncle has found someone to replace you yet. Such a pity you came to help him only to abandon him so quickly."

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