Page 43 of The Sins of Silas

It was almost comical how the men’s eyes bulged, their weapons lowering, their hushed whispers hardly audible.

The same soldier’s eyes slid to Silas. “And who do you bring with you, Prince? A small army?”

Silas held his chin up. “Friends.”

My heart fluttered, and I couldn’t help but notice Viola’s surprise at the Prince’s words. Merrick’s, too.

More hushed mumbling, and the Forsmontian soldier nodded. “Very well. We will grant you access to speak with King Matel.”

Silas offered a curt nod, and I held my breath as we crossed the stone bridge. The wooden gate securing the kingdom began to creak open.

Forsmont was half the size of Otacia, and the kingdom wasn’t separated by class. In its center, a modest castle stood tall—I could see it from the entrance. White brick, red shingles, and clean glass windows with a large balcony wrapping around the top.

I had heard bits here and there about their leader, Leroy Matel. He was strict but just. His loyalty was to Forsmont. To his people. Otacia endangered the balance of things in this place, and as we trekked through the busy roads of the kingdom, I could understand why Leroy feared change.

The people here wore big smiles, and the buildings all sported fresh coats of paint. The sun even seemed to shine brighter here.

Mother considered us settling down in Forsmont, but the population was deemed too small to risk it—even if a few thousand did live in this place.

I watched those smiles morph into fearful frowns as the citizens beheld Silas. He had a reputation, that was for sure. He was known to be just as vicious as his father.

If only they knew him like I did…or had.

When we finally reached the castle—which honestly, up close, was more like a really nice, brick mansion—we finally dismounted. I held Roland’s hand as I stepped off Donut, and he quickly pulledme to his side, the action startling me. The corner of his lip raised as he grazed my ear with his lips.

“I can’t wait to get you alone,” he murmured.

I shoved him with my hips, a smile creeping over my face. “That is if this goes well. Don’t get your hopes up.”

He chuckled, then began to stroll away. His brown hair had grown shaggier the past weeks, and despite the fact we all needed showers, I wanted to run my fingers through it.

I hated how attracted I was to the bastard.

Still…the thought of actually being intimate frightened me, especially now that the possibility was becoming more and more real. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that. I wasn’t sure if I ever would be.

My thoughts sailed, and when my heart began to race, I squeezed my eyes shut.

Fuck…I'm spiraling.

“Lena, are you alright?” Elowen asked. Her voice sounded as if she were underwater.

I am alive.

They are gone.

They aren’t here.

I am safe.

I was brought back to reality by a firm hand on my shoulder and worried charcoal eyes on mine.

“You’re safe,” he said softly. “You’re safe.”

I nodded over and over again. I knew Merrick felt everything I was feeling. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Is everything alright?” a Forsmontian soldier asked skeptically. Silas’s eyes were broadened with concern.

“Yes—yes, I’m fine,” I muttered. “I think I got off too quickly.”

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