Page 79 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

Following the road, we wound steadily through it all, up and up and up. And at the very top of the hill, impressively large and moodily gray, stood Grey Oak Castle. I’d seen pictures of this place years ago during one of many meetings with my father and our generals. But those pictures hadn’t done it justice; the place was easily twice the size of Sevanwinds. I counted five separate towers from the front view alone.

Its outer walls were made of a light, smooth stone decorated with copper and burgundy banners that flew in the wind, the Autumn fae emblem emblazoned on each one. The castle rose high above the treetops, perched right on the edge of a steep cliff as if overlooking the lands beyond like a watchdog.

Something inside me wanted to turn and ride in the opposite direction at the sight of it. But after the gates I’d passed through to get here, I had a feeling that leaving would be easier said than done.

Another shudder rippled through me. My power, tucked tightly away, strained with unease.

“I hope Grey Oak pleases you,” Callan said.

I glanced at him, unsure how to respond. It was beautiful, yes. A sprawling fortress of stone and glass that gleamed in the evening light, its architecture was stunning, but there was a weight to it—a cold heaviness that made me feel small, even before we’d set foot inside.

“It’s… breathtaking.”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s the pride of the Autumn Court. We’ve worked hard to keep it that way.”

As we reached the front, doors opened, and servants appeared, each of them bowing deeply as we dismounted.

Standing before the main entrance, I swept my gaze over the immaculate grounds. The gardens were lush, filled with autumn blooms, the scent of oak and pine heavy in the air. No one was in sight beyond the servants. No courtiers, not even a gardener.

I turned back to Callan as he rattled off instructions to the servants about preparing rooms for me and finding me a maid.

“I don’t need all that,” I said, waving him off, but he scoffed.

“Nonsense. You’re the future queen of two kingdoms. You need all that and more.”

The servant closest to me, a female, widened her eyes, but she scurried off before Callan could notice.

He glanced at the warrior leathers I still wore and frowned. “We’ll get you settled and freshened up. Find something proper for you to wear. I’m sure Father will be eager to meet you.” He flashed a smile and offered his arm.

I took it, though I wasn’t sure Duron would be eager about anything concerning my arrangement with Callan. Especially if it meant competing with Heliconia for his son’s hand.

Inside the grand hall, the opulence of Grey Oak was immediately evident. Tapestries depicting legendary battles decorated the walls, their threads glinting gold and bronze in the torchlight. Paintings hung in gilded frames above rugs thick enough to sink my feet into.

Callan led me through a maze of halls. Finally, he stopped in front of a door and pushed it open. “Your room,” he said. “What do you think?”

I stepped inside and couldn’t help but gasp. The room was enormous, far larger than what I’d had at home. The high ceiling was supported by carved beams in an oak stain that matched the armoire.

A large bed, draped in silks and fur blankets, dominated the space, its carved posts intricate with fae designs—leaves and vines that seemed to pulse with magic. A fire already crackled in the hearth, casting warm, flickering light over the luxurious furnishings. Plush armchairs were arranged near the fire with more furs draped over their backs. I was sure it was all meant to be very inviting but instead left me with a chill. I rubbed my arms absently.

“It’s... beautiful,” I murmured, still taking it all in.

Callan chuckled at my wide-eyed reaction. “You’ll grow accustomed to it. After all, this is your home now.”

The word clanged through me, but even with my back turned, I refused to react.

I turned to find him watching me with that same easy smile, though his eyes gleamed with something more. He stepped closer, the warmth of his body sending a ripple of awareness through me. He reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face with a tenderness that caught me off guard.

On the road, he’d kept his distance so much that I’d believed our arrangement would be in name only. But now, the way he was looking at me suggested he wanted much more from me than my name.

“I’m glad you’re here, Aurelia,” he said, his voice low. “That our paths crossed again cannot be coincidence.”

His words were soft, almost intimate, as if we were the only two people in the world. He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against my skin, and for a heartbeat, I thought he might kiss me.

My pulse quickened as the space between us dwindled.

Behind him, a brisk knock sounded on the door before itopened. Callan stepped back as a young maid stepped in, my bag in her hands. She took one look at us and lowered her head, eyes wide in horror.

“Apologies,” she mumbled. “You sent for me, Your Highness.”

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