Page 42 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

Arye’s fingers absently twisted the signet ring on his finger. Skylar’s eyes followed the motion, drawn to the intricate emblem—a gryphon entwined with thorns and roses. She remembered when he’d first shown her the design, his first official act after his investiture as Crown Prince. It captured both the allure and peril of power in a way that still captivated her.

“Sky,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over the ring as he turned it on his finger, “do you know how many years you’ve lost by summoning the Divine Beast?”

She blinked, trying to process the sudden change of topic. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves above them, casting dancing shadows across Arye’s face.

“I’m not sure,” she replied hesitantly, voice rough. “Maybe ten or twenty? It’s not exactly something I keep track of.” She attempted a weak smile, but it felt more like a grimace. The admission left a bitter taste, a stark reminder of the price she paid for her power.

Arye’s hand found hers, gripping it tightly. His skin was warm, calloused from years of swordplay. His grip was almost painfully tight, as if he feared she could slip away at any moment.

“Stop using your powers.” His voice cracked. “I can’t bear the thought of losing you. I’d go insane.”

Skylar swallowed hard. “You shouldn’t say such things,” she managed, barely audible. “I might lose a few years, but I’m saving hundreds.”

“I don’t care about the kingdom.”

She laughed, the sound brittle. “Now I know you’re not thinking clearly. What happened to protecting Regalclaw’s autonomy and pride?”

“You don’t understand how important you are to me, Sky.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. The proximity made her dizzy, overwhelmed by his presence. “The kingdom means nothing if you’re not in it. I’d gladly sacrifice thousands for you.”

“Don’t say?—”

“No. Let me be clear, for once,” he cut her off, leaning closer. “Just give the order, and I’ll set this entire world ablaze for you. Do you understand the depth of what I’m offering?”

The declaration hung between them, tangible as the humid air. Skylar didn’t dare contemplate the implications. Her mind whirled, a thousand questions clamoring. But instead, she heard herself say, “Your friendship means everything to me.” She grasped for another subtle hint to redirect his feelings. “I hope our heirs will form a similar bond.”

Confusion flickered across his face. “What do you mean?”

“Not slave and master,” Skylar clarified, heart aching, “but as equals. Trusting and respecting each other. The way we do.”

“Do you have someone in mind?” Arye asked, his expression frighteningly neutral. “To have an heir with?”

“I do.” The answer came as barely more than a whisper, a sad smile tugging at her lips. It wasn’t a lie. She wanted a family—with him. But some things were simply impossible. “I heard rumors about your upcoming marriage, so I guess you do too.”

Arye recoiled as if struck, eyes widening. “Who?—”

“You know our servants,” Skylar interrupted with a forced grin, trying to inject some levity into her tone. The attempt fell flat, her words sounding hollow to her. “They spread gossip faster than wildfire. I swear, sometimes the palace walls have ears.”

“I don’t want things to change.” The raw vulnerability in Arye’s voice made Skylar’s heart clench.

She tried to lighten the mood, falling back on their usual banter. “Nothing will change. We’re always bound by the curse, remember? One command from you and I’d move heaven and earth,” she teased, despite the weight in her chest.

“That’s not what I want.” Arye’s jaw clenched. “I’ll never use you, Sky.” His thumb drew invisible shapes on her hand, sending tingles up her arm.

“Have you never thought of it?” she pressed, curiosity getting the better of her. “Using the pact over me?”

Arye sat up straighter, his gaze drifting over the garden. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling his face with shifting patterns of light and shadow. He seemed lost in thought, his forehead creased in concentration. Skylar held her breath, waiting for his answer.

“It’s tempting sometimes,” he murmured, almost to himself. “To command you.”

“So what’s stopping you?”

“It wouldn’t be your will, your honest feelings, your true thoughts,” Arye said, soft but firm. “It would be wrong.”

Skylar felt her chest tighten, her heart swelling with a bittersweet ache. Even now, even with the power to bend her however he wanted, Arye respected her autonomy. It only deepened her love, making what she had to do so much more painful. The irony was almost too much to bear.

“And if you could?” she asked, voice trembling. “Would you command me to stay by your side forever?”

Arye’s eyes snapped back to hers, blazing with emotion. “Yes,” he said simply, the word laden with meaning.

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