Page 112 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“Rydian.” Aurelia’s voice was soft.

It snapped me out of my rage.

I exhaled, closing the distance between us and sliding my hand around her neck. The fact that we were standing in her fiancé’s study ceased to matter. I just needed to feel her skin against mine. To convince the animal inside me that she was, indeed, unharmed. Leaning in, I pressed my face to her throat and inhaled her scent.

Lovely.

Delicious.

So fucking tempting.

“Rydian,” she whispered my name like a plea. Her hands gripped my shoulders.

Fuck, I wanted her badly enough to throw it all away.

To get us both killed.

I stepped back, releasing her, though it caused me pain to do so.

Her expression flashed with hurt, but she covered it quickly. “I’m not going to tell him,” she said. “About seeing you yesterday.”

“I wouldn’t care if you did at this point.”

Irritation flickered in her eyes. “Well, you should. Without my arrangement with Callan?—”

“Heliconia wins,” I spat. “Yes, I know. You and the prince. Destined to defeat her—together.” The words burned my throat, the finality of them eating at me from the inside out.

She shook her head, despair crowding her gaze. “I had hoped there would be another way.”

“If there is, I swear to you I’ll find it.”Shadows leaked from my fingers as I spoke. I yanked them back again, tucking them away.

“What are you?” she asked suddenly.

I shut my mouth, scowling.

“You’re not Autumn fae—not fully. Even if Duron is your father,” she added.

I hesitated. The blood oath kept me from admitting the full truth, but that wasn’t what held me silent. I’d never spoken of my power to anyone. Not even Slade or Daegel knew the full story. To tell her any of it now… it would only put her in more danger. Not to mention she’d likely hate me.

“I am a weapon aimed at your enemies, Princess. Wield me how you see fit.”

I could see the questions brimming. Like a coward, I dropped my gaze, hoping she wouldn’t demand answers I couldn’t give. A mark on her wrist caught my attention, and I stiffened.

She quickly tucked her hand behind her back, but I grabbed it and held it up, noting the Verdant rune with a growing dread.

“What is this?” I demanded.

“None of your business,” she said, trying to wrench herself free.

But I squeezed her arm, refusing to let her go. “Where did you get it?”

“In the city,” she said with a shrug.

“Furious,” I warned.

She glared at me. “I made a bargain.”

“With whom?”

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