Page 62 of Essence of the Throne

If I do not get the answers in Meridian, I'll slit the king’s throat without them, and if there are consequences to the children he’s taken, they can rest on my soul. It will be my burden to bear.

“I’m going to Meridian tonight,” I blurt out in an attempt to thwart the gruesome images in my head.

“What? Why would you do that? My father made it very clear in the meeting that he will abide by the week he gave me, but no more. We haven’t the time for such a trip.”

“We have plenty—that’s where Ally was from, and I don’t believe in coincidences.” I start walking again, realizing we’ve paused, my mind already planning the journey. “Your father went out of his way to recruit her specifically, and I want to know if there was a reason.”

“I’m coming with you.” My eyes roll, regardless that I was hoping he’d say that. I do not want to go without him.

But of course, I’m too fucking stubborn. “No, you’re not.” I spin to face him again, jabbing a finger into his chest. “You need to stay here and keep an eye on things.” Miserable reasoning, but it’s all I have to work with.

“And let you go alone?” he scoffs, crossing his arms. My eyes catch on the flexed muscle under his shirt, and I swallow around the forming lump in my throat. “Not happening.”

“I work better alone, prince.”

“Bullshit.” His hand catches mine where it’s still pressed against his chest. “We’re stronger together and you know it. Stop pushing me away—I thought we were past this.”

I yank my hand back, ignoring the hurt that flashes across his face.

“I’m not pushing you away.” A lie. “I’m being practical. You’re the prince; you cannot just leave. Again.”

He studies me for a long moment, and I force myself to meet his gaze. Finally, he does something unexpected: he tosses his head back and laughs, the sound harsh. I bite my cheek to keep in the smile.

After several heartbeats, he stops and turns those glimmering eyes toward me. “Ariella.” I raise an eyebrow. “You are an obstinate fucking woman. I swear you’d cut off your own arm just to make a point.” My nose scrunches. Why would I do that? It would be impractical and a pain to heal. A couple fingers, though… “Let’s go shower and pack our bags. We will grab dinner before we leave.”

A disturbing warmth slides over my chest, and I keep silent as I walk to my room and close the door firmly behind me. Only then do I allow myself to slump against it, the events of the day catching up with my worn body.

The guild is lost to me now. It shouldn’t hurt as much as it does, but I didn’t lie. They were never my family, so I need to let it go.

After my shower, I begin packing what I’ll need for Meridian. Weapons first—my usual blades plus a few extras. Then supplies. Enough for three days, though I doubt it will take that long. Always better to be prepared.

My hand pauses over the gilded egg next to my bed. I have the urge to bring it with me, but unless I plan on trading it, it will be of no use and a wasted effort.

A knock at the door interrupts my packing. “Come in, prince.”

“It’s not Caspian.” Gavriel’s voice comes through the wood, tense and angry. “We need to talk.”

I consider ignoring him, but that would probably just make him more persistent. With a sigh, I open the door. “What?” My voice is emotionless, the complete opposite of the expression on his face.

He pushes past me into the room, his usual pleasantries notably absent. “I know what you did at the guild.”

“News travels fast.” But not that fast… “Come to congratulate me?” I close the door, leaning against it with forced casualness and a blank face.

“No.” He runs a hand through his hair, looking nervous. Is that right? “I came to tell you that I will be joining you and Caspian in Meridian, but I want you to stay there when him and I leave.”

That wasn’t what I expected. “Excuse me?”

“Did you not hear what I said? I’ve been telling you to leave for fucking months, but you won’t listen. And now, you’re putting Caspian at horrible risk just because you wish to stay near him.” His dark eyes meet mine, dead serious. “You’re getting reckless, Ariella. Now it’s gone so far that word of your senseless murder today has spread and the king has threatened his own son.”

“It was anything but senseless,” I state, though we both know that’s not the point.

It’s also false. What I did may have been a little too over the top for my usual taste, but I was feeling ridiculously on edge and she shoved me right off. That’s on her.

“I don’t care.” He shortens the distance between us, his voice dropping. “I’ve watched you since the competition started.” Creep. “You came here as an assassin, but something has changed.Youchanged. And now you’re spiraling because you don’t know how to handle it.”

I laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “Handle what? My burning desire to murder the king? That clearly hasn’t changed.”

“No. Your feelings for Caspian.”

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