Page 88 of Essence of the Throne

I stumble back, one hand pressed to my neck as I tug on my vital strand—there’s no point in hiding what the masses already know. The wound begins to close, but my essence is still weak. I’ll need to preserve as much as I can.

“Caspian, please,” I try again, dodging another strike. “This isn’t you. Push him from your head—fight him.”

He doesn’t even blink, instead marching forward with artificial precision. He swings fists and blades at me, each strike calculated and emotionless. Nothing like the passionate fighter I’ve trained.

I evade his attacks with relative ease, but I’m already exhausted and injured, leaving me vulnerable if we do this for much longer. My head spins as I dance against his relentless assault, while attempting to put distance between us.

What will he do to himself if he hurts me?Killsme?

My heart pounds violently against my chest as I search for a way to break through to him. Reaching for my psionic strand, I shove it toward Caspian, trying to force my way into his mind. But I hit a wall—one stronger than anything I’ve ever experienced. Thalion’s essence is too severe, his hold too exhaustive and stable.

Why risk his heir like this? I could have Caspian’s head within a moment, and Thalion knows it. I glance up, my thoughts stuttering when I find him watching us with undisguised glee. The bastard also knows I won’t kill Caspian. He’s using my own feelings against me.

And he’s right…I will not do it.I can’t.

But I will hurt him.

I spin and kick my foot out as he advances, wincing when bones crack in his leg at my contact. He grunts, still focused on me, though a bit slower as he limps. His blade slices into my arm, and I hiss from the pain. This isn’t working. I can’t keep fighting him—and why would I? There’s no escape and no pathway into his mind. I will not leave here without the prince,so there is no justification for continuing this. My essence is nearly depleted from trying to heal and break his father’s control anyway.

I’ve nothing left and I’ve failed. Failed to protect him, failed to stop Thalion. If I could just go back to—

Wait.

An idea forms—stupid and desperate and reckless, but what other choice do I have at this point?

I cease fighting. Drop my weapons, and leave myself vulnerable, willingly. Something I never thought I’d do. Caspian’s next strike catches me across the ribs, reopening just healed wounds. I don’t try to defend myself.

Blood pools at my feet as Caspian advances slower than before. His movements are predatory, even with a limp; not the graceful and confident man I’ve come to…care for. I want to cry, to scream at him until my voice gives out. But I remain still, allowing the sharp metal to slice into my skin again.

And again.

The audience’s cheers fade to a dull roar as my focus narrows to the empty silver eyes before me. Eyes that once held such warmth when they looked at me. That crinkled at the corners when I said something particularly bratty. That blazed with desire and determination and something deeper. Something I was too afraid to accept.

“Fight back, wraith, or I’ll have the prince make your death excruciating!” Thalion’s voice booms through the arena. I ignore him, keeping my gaze locked on Caspian as his blade opens anotherwound. Interesting that he’s yet to damage anything vital—it’s as if he’s holding back.

My prince is in there somewhere. I know it. I’ve felt the depth of his essence, witnessed the strength of his spirit, experienced just what it’s like to be loved by him. No amount of the king’s corruption could erase that.

Blood drips steadily from multiple cuts as the essence I’d gathered earlier protests, wanting to heal me, but I push it down. I need what little remains for what comes next—and I pray to the Angel I don’t make a fucking fool of myself.

My legs tremble, begging to be released from the torture of holding me up, but I remain standing. Never taking my eyes from my prince. “Look at me,” I whisper, though I’m not positive he can hear me. “Really look at me, Caspian.”

For just a moment, I allow every one of my walls to drop. Let him see everything I’ve kept hidden, even after Meridian—my fear, my rage, my desperate need to save him. Most of all, I let him see how much I—

Fuck. How much he means to me.

His next strike falters. Just the tiniest hesitation, but it’s enough to feed the glimmer of hope I’d long ago lost. I suck in a shaky breath, gathering what remains of my strength.

“Caspian…if this doesn’t work, if it kills me, I’m sorry,” I murmur as my lip trembles. “For everything. For pushing you away, for being too afraid to admit what you already knew.” My voice cracks. “For not telling you what you deserved to know.”

His blade hovers at my throat. Up close, there’s the faintest flicker of recognition in the bright storm of his eyes. The barest hint ofhimfighting through his father’s control.

It’s now or never.

My essence pulses in weak protest under my skin as I reach for the last of it—for a strand I’ve only used once before, and the consequences of that almost killed me. But for him? I’d risk anything.

The crowd’s bloodthirsty screams grow louder, demanding my death. Thalion’s laughter echoes off the rugged walls. It’s all too familiar. And none of it matters.

Only Caspian.

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