Page 78 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“Our lands are not as untouched as you might think by Heliconia’s wrath,” he said quietly. “My father demanded I find a bride who would offer a solution for our people.”

“What kind of solution?”

He hesitated then said quietly, “My father would see me wed to Heliconia herself.”

I blinked, stunned at the ludicrousness of such an idea. “What makes him think she would ever go for that?”

“Because it was her idea.”

I shook my head. “I don’t understand.”

“After her attack on your court, she tried to claim her victory and your father’s throne. But the other courts refused to recognize her coup or her claims as the queen of Winter and Summer. Then, she vanished, and it only solidified the realm’s resistance to her rule. Seven years later, every single kingdom continues to fight against her, no matter the lossesher creatures inflict.”

“You think she’s trying to take control through diplomacy,” I said. “But why would your father ever agree to it?”

He made a face. “He’s as power-hungry as she is. He thinks he could lure her here for a wedding vow then kill her.”

I stared at him, understanding dawning in slow horror. “Your father would try to claim everything she’s conquered for himself.”

He nodded grimly. “He sees himself as lord of Autumn and Winter.”

I swallowed my fury as I said, “And instead, you intend to hand him Summer.”

“I’m being honest with you like we agreed,” he said. “I would much rather tie myself to you in a mutual alliance than risk my life and my crown with her.”

“And what happens when your father decides he wants my crown for himself?”

“I won’t let him hurt you, Aurelia.”

The Obsidian’s words came back to me. The key to Heliconia’s destruction was us. Callan and me. Which meant I had no choice but to believe the steadiness in the words he’d just offered me. “And my people? Will you protect them too?”

“I told you I’d help you find a way to free them. And I will.”

Yes, he’d help me free them—just in time to hand them over to Duron as the Autumn king’s subjects. But it was either this or Callan married Heliconia. And if Duron failed in his coup, if she conquered Autumn, where would that leave me? What would become of the prophecy then? Could I do this without the prince? Even Sonoma had insisted I needed his help. But so far, he was proving to be the one person most capable of stabbing me in the back.

I shuddered, suddenly chilled.

Callan noted it. “We should get going. I want to reach Grey Oak by sunset.”

Three hours later, rolling farmlands gave way to large estates as we reached the outskirts of Grey Oak. Traffic became heavier as we passed carriages trimmed in gold, their occupants obscured by thick curtains covering the small windows. Clusters of modest but well-kept homes lined side streets. Children played in front yards.

My chest tightened. How long had it been since I’d seen children playing? The sight was both beautiful and tragic. They waved at us as we passed. Callan waved back, grinning like we were nothing more than a friendly parade. I blinked back hot tears and did my best to keep my expression neutral.

We left the estates and traffic behind, turning onto a narrow lane that led up to a set of iron gates. Here, no more civilians roamed. Only those in military uniforms with the Autumn crest emblazoned on their breast.

Ahead, the road was bordered by a high fence topped with metal spikes. The soldiers in our procession quieted as swiftly as they had inside the Emerald Forest. It was disconcerting after a day of non-stop chatter.

Even Callan’s good mood had vanished.

A few minutes later, we passed through the heavy gates. Armed sentries looked down on us from a three-story tower on either side. My skin prickled with the feeling of their heavy gazes, but I kept my eyes fastened straight ahead as I rode beside Callan.

Behind us, the gates creaked and whined as they were pushed shut again. I flinched at the sound of them clanging together and the lock engaging. The whole setup made this place feel more like a prison than a haven.

Callan glanced at me, a tight smile flashing. “You can relax. No threatcan touch you here.”

I didn’t answer. How could I when the only threat I was worried about now was him?

The road sloped gently upward, and as we climbed, I noted the armed men positioned at regular checkpoints along the side. Some stood watch in treetop posts, barely noticeable through the copper leaves that clung to the branches. Others marched past in plain sight, their swords gleaming at their hips.

---