Page 124 of A Dagger in the Ivy

“It’s not I who is under a spell, but Torbin. He’s planning on usurping you. He wants your crown. Delasurvia’s as well.”

“That’s ridiculous. He will get the crown when I die. You, on the other hand, could be using this as the opportunity to take what’s his.”

“I don’t care about the fucking crown. I care about stopping the next war from happening.”

The king chuckles. “That vixen has brainwashed you, my son. Heed my advice: stop this nonsense before I take it as an insult to my intelligence and banish you from Hedera.”

A frustrated sigh sounds out, and footfalls follow.

I slide along the wall, deeper into the shadows, but Dante catches sight of me before I can get away. With widened eyes, he quickly checks behind him.

He gently takes my arm and leads me farther away from the room until we’re out of earshot of the king. “Celeste,” he whispers. “What are you doing here?”

“I don’t know.” I swallow hard. “I wandered. And then I heard voices.”

Footfalls reach our ears, and Dante guides me back into an alcove. We are silent, hidden in the shadows, as a guard passes.

I breathe in Dante’s scent, and my body seems to relax. “I feel like I’m still dreaming. I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I just arrived. I went directly to my father’s private chambers. I had to give it one more shot and try to talk some sense into him.”

“It’s no use. Torbin’s getting worse, but your father doesn’t see it.”

He worries his lip for a moment, searching my face, before pulling me even closer into his arms. “I’ve tried, Celeste. I’ve tried to make him understand. But he won’t believe his son could deceive him.”

“I don’t know what to do.” I settle my head on his chest, the closeness reminding me of the night we spent together. “If I want to ensure the safety of my people, I may have to marry a monster. I will belong to him.”

A frustrated huff escapes his lips. He pulls back and takes my hand, the look in his eyes intense. “Not tonight, you don’t.”

Before I can understand what he means, he tugs me along down the dark hall. We move quietly, and I’m glad the hour has left the castle corridors empty. We turn a few corners until we reach a door. Dante checks once more in both directions before pulling me into the room.

As soon as the door closes, he runs his knuckles lightly over the sides of my face, as if burning my features into his memory. Behind him, flames dance in a fireplace, and I can just make out the room. To my left, a tall, mahogany bookcase stretches nearly to the ceiling, filled with an array of leatherbound volumes. A heavy, oak desk stands nearby. The chairs by the fire are deep and inviting, upholstered in dark-green velvet that looks as soft as a whisper. On the mantelpiece, various artifacts are displayed: a brass telescope, a small, ornate clock ticking away softly, and a framed miniature portrait.

His room.

We’re alone in his room.

I take in the sight of him. His black trousers, grey shirt, and black jacket fit him impeccably. His raven-colored hair is slightly in disarray, and his dark brows contrast with his storm-grey eyes.

He dips his head closer to mine. “Celeste, I went to Delasurvia.”

My eyes widen. “You did?”

He bites the inside of his cheek. “I can’t say I was greeted with enthusiasm, but I found the Garrison and requested an audience with your uncle.”

I take his hands. “You told him what we saw? What did he say? Are they sending out the squads?”

“I’m afraid they wouldn’t take my word for it. Your squad was there, and I guess they witnessed some animosity between us.”

I grimace. “I did tell Aila that you hate me. And I might havementioned that you want me dead.”

One corner of his mouth inches upward. “Such a pirate.”

I squeeze his hands, pulling them to my chest. “So now what?”

“I told them the location of the camp and convinced them to scout the area. They’ll see the evidence, Celeste. And when they do, they’ll come to our aid.”

I reach up and touch his jaw. “I’m sorry I told them you hate me.”

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