Page 122 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

So, I kept walking. And thinking. A moment later, the sound of boots echoed behind me.

“Aurelia,” Callan called.

I didn’t bother to stop.

“Aurelia, wait.” He jogged to catch up, and I forced myself to face him, keeping my temper—and magic—in check. “How did it go?”

I stared at him, noting his casual tone. Like I wasn’t being kept here as a prisoner waiting to be drained of my magic. “Doyou mean how did it go when your father threatened me because you told him I have powerful magic?”

Guilt flickered, along with something almost like regret in his eyes. “I shouldn’t have let you face him alone.”

“You shouldn’t have tricked me into this to begin with,” I snapped.

Callan winced, his jaw tightening. “I had no choice. I’m fighting for my people, same as you.”

Mypeople. I’d brought that on myself.

I laughed, bitter and low. “Fighting? Is that what you think you’re doing?”

“You might not like my methods, but I’m only doing what I must to save us.”

“Please. This isn’t about saving anyone but yourself.”

He stepped closer, his eyes pleading, but I held my ground. “That’s not true. You’re more than just a political match to me.”

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. I’m yourresource, Callan. Nothing more.”

His expression faltered. “We just need to get through the party. The other courts already know you’re Autumn now. When they see us united, they will pledge their armies. And my father will realize your value.”

My value.

I wanted to claw his tongue out.

Instead, I offered him a tight smile, nodding as though I agreed. “Of course.”

The Broadlands then. I’d go into the only place not ruled by any court. The only place where no one could try to drag me back here. I’d be gone before the gods-damned party even started. And when the day came for Callan to show the realm who stood beside him, he would find himselfstanding alone.

Oblivious to my plans or my dark mood, Callan left with the promise of dinner together. Ignoring Rydian, who stood down the hall, I slipped into my room only for Beryl to enter a moment later. She set a tray of tea out, but I ignored her, wandering to the balcony to look out over the grounds.

A harsh clink of porcelain had me turning back again, irritation flaring.

Beryl didn’t seem to notice as she poured tea and added honey.

Without looking up, she tossed over her shoulder, “Perhaps some fresh air would do you good.”

“Excuse me?”

She straightened, her expression a mask of helpfulness. “A walk in the garden, maybe? Among the trees, where you can think clearly.”

A walk in the garden? The suggestion felt too perfect, too timed. I narrowed my eyes at her, suspicion curling in my gut. Beryl had been handpicked by Callan. What if she was spying for him? Nudging me along and hoping to catch me using the magic Callan was convinced I was holding back.

“No, thank you,” I said coldly. “I’m fine.”

Beryl hesitated, a flicker of something—nervousness, maybe—crossing her face. “Your Highness, I only want to help.”

I forced a smile, though it felt like a mask slipping. “I said I’m fine. You’re dismissed.”

She gave a tight nod, her hands clasped in front of her, but her gaze lingered on me a second too long before she finally turned and left. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, I snarled.

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