Page 110 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

The very thought of it turned my stomach. “You don’t have to do this.”

Vanya’s lips tightened, her gaze still fixed on the floor. “Every citizen must contribute, my lady. It’s why they assigned a second maid to assist you. She’ll cover for me while I’m gone.”

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling beneath my skin. “It’s horrific. To force you to give up your magic… It’s completely barbaric.”

Vanya gave me a sad smile, the kind that told me she’d long since made peace with what she saw as inevitable. “It’s just the way things are, Your Highness. The donation center is… necessary. The magic collected is used to protect the realm from Heliconia and her forces.”

I shook my head, anger flaring in my chest. “Protect the realm? It’s draining the people. Draining you.”

Her expression softened, and she reached for my hand, squeezing it lightly. “It’s my duty, just as you have yours. It won’t be forever.”

But I couldn’t ignore the way her voice wavered, theunspoken truth hanging between us. It wouldn’t be forever because each payment chipped away at her, at all of them. Slowly, silently, this tax was draining the life out of Grey Oak’s people until they would all become like the Withered.

“I can’t accept this,” I said. “There has to be a way to stop it.”

Vanya said nothing, just continued to straighten the folds of my gown, her silence speaking volumes.

A knock sounded at the door. I turned, half-expecting Callan. Instead, Fletcher entered. “Your Highness, Prince Callan has requested your presence in his study.”

“Very well,” I said, trying to sound composed even as a thousand possibilities ran through my mind. Had he found out about my conversation with the oracle? Or worse… had he discovered I’d been with Rydian yesterday?

I glanced at Vanya, who nodded encouragingly. “You look perfect, my lady.”

I swallowed, grateful for the reassurance, and followed Fletcher into the hall. The corridors seemed colder than before; the light less forgiving as I made my way to Callan’s study.

When we reached the door, Fletcher stepped aside and gestured for me to go ahead. I hesitated for a moment before pushing it open.

Callan stood by the window, his back to me, the late afternoon light framing him in a halo of warmth. But that warmth, an illusion I saw through easily now, did nothing to soften the tension in the room. My eyes flicked to the other figure waiting, and my heart nearly stopped.

Rydian.

He stood stiffly, his arms crossed over his charcoal tunic and a deep scowl on his face. His dark eyes found mine almost instantly, and heat rushed through me.

I forced myself to look away, trying to suppress the panic rising in my throat. Did Callan know? Was this a trap?

“Aurelia,” Callan said, turning to face me, his expression unreadable. “There’s something we need to discuss.”

My heart pounded in my ears as I stepped farther into the room, careful to keep my distance from them both. “What is it?”

Callan’s gaze flicked toward Rydian, and for a brief, terrifying moment, I thought the truth was about to spill from his lips. Instead, he nodded toward his half-brother. “In light of what happened yesterday—the danger you were in—I think it’s wise that you have dedicated protection. From now on, Rydian will be your personal guard. He’ll accompany you everywhere you go and see that you aren’t lost or separated again.”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Everywhere?”

“Yes,” Callan said, his voice steady, but there was a tightness to it, a hint of something more beneath the surface. “With the growing unrest in the realm, I can’t take any chances. Rydian is our best. He’ll ensure your safety.”

My gaze shifted to Rydian, who was watching me with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

“I see,” I managed, trying to keep my voice steady. “I… appreciate your concern.”

Callan’s gaze lingered on me, his expression still unreadable, though I could sense the underlying tension between us. “That’s all for now. I have a strategy meeting to attend, but I’ll see you for dinner.”

The brothers didn’t as much as glance at each other as Callan strode out.

When we were alone, Rydian stepped forward. “Well, Furious, it looks like we’re stuck together after all. What wouldyou like to do first?”

The way he said that stupid nickname sent a shiver down my spine. I forced myself to meet his gaze, ignoring the way my heart fluttered at the sight of his mouth—and the memory of it on mine.

“Take me to the donation center.”

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