Page 12 of Mountains of Mist and Magic

“There are places that have been shrouded in mystery, places that are said to be full of ancient fae magic. Out of all the legends, the forbidden mountains are said to be the most dangerous, as well as the most disputed.”

A chill ran down Julietta's spine, and goosebumps spread along her skin.

“Why haven't we explored this place before? This could help us bring back magic! There could be clues, or weapons, or—”

“Because even its existence is highly unsubstantiated. No one has ever been there—at least, no one who has lived to tell the tale. There have been mentions of the mountains in some of the fae literature, but every single mission to find them or uncover their secrets has ended in death or destruction.”

“And...this is what happened to Triston's parents?”

Kalora nodded, her eyes downcast in grief. “I was good friends with Queen Isadora, Triston's mother. I am even godmother to Esmeralda. King Obleron, Triston's father, was growing increasingly worried about the magic fading from the lands, and his people had a legend about the mountains—that they could restore anything lost. He was in poor health and was very concerned about leaving Triston behind to rule—especially as his son no longer possessed usable magic. So, he hoped to restore his health, or at least his son's powers.”

“They never made it?”

“No. A mist came upon them, and they lost their bearings. Their ship was found weeks later, run aground on the beach of one of the Tidal islands. King Obleron and Queen Isadora were nowhere to be found. Triston was later found alive on a small island, starving and near death.”

Another stray tear fell down Julietta's cheek, and the feelings of self-pity she had earlier suddenly embarrassed her. To lose both parents that way—no wonder he was guarded.

“Triston never spoke of the incident—never revealed what happened to his parents. To my knowledge, he has never told another soul exactly what transpired on that voyage. So perhaps, just perhaps, you can see why he became the man he is.”

“But how can I break through such a rough exterior? Is it even possible?” Julietta bit the inside of her cheek.

Kalora glanced at her daughter. “If anyone can help him, it would be the woman who's fated to be his match.”

Julietta couldn't ignore Triston forever. After her mother's tale, she wasn't sure exactly how she felt. While she understood why Triston was aloof, that didn't mean that she liked it or could even stand it. Which was why she was incredibly nervous about dinner that evening. She had stayed in her room most of the day, trying on different gowns and rearranging her hair. She knew she didn't want Triston as a mate, but she also wanted to look nice. His instant rejection of her had wounded her pride a bit. She'd always lacked confidence and felt inferior most of her life. In the second they were matched, the disappointment in his face brought back every moment she'd had in her life where she hadn't measured up. She thought back to her tutors, and how she couldn't keep up with the complex political strategies they threw at her. She recalled her dancing lessons, when her instructor told her mother that it was no use, that she had two left feet and there was no point in giving her more lessons. And most painfully, she thought back to that conversation she had overheard between her mother and Gillbert, where Queen Kalora had voiced her disappointment in Julietta's lack of powers and her own fears for the future of their kingdom.

At least in that, she and Triston were similar. Both magically inept in the eyes of their parents. But now that Julietta possessed her full magic, she tried to push away the thoughts that followed her around like a ghost. However, moments like the one in the throne room made her feel like that shy, embarrassed little girl again.

She finally decided on a dress of dark blue, embroidered with little moons and stars. She pinned her hair back, and then dusted some rouge on her cheeks. She rarely bothered with it, but she was determined to put her best foot forward, if nothing else than to ease her wounded pride.

She left her bedroom, heading for the dining room. She ignored her racing heart, trying to calm her breathing and dismiss her nerves. But as she got closer to the dining room, her heart took on an irregular rhythm and every part of her body started to tingle. Her cheeks flushed, and as her hand rested on the doorknob to the dining room, she considered running back to her bedroom and hiding away until Triston departed their castle.

“There you are, my daughter!” Her mother approached rapidly, her crimson gown trailing behind her. She had an arrangement of ostrich feathers in her hair, and a ruby necklace hung delicately from her throat. “Let's head into dinner.”

Julietta had no choice but to push open the dining room door and step inside. At once she felt warmth in her chest, and it spread all throughout her body.

Triston sat on one side of the long dining room table, his arms folded in front of his chest. His tunic was a dark gray, and it made his eyes look even brighter. His long hair was pulled back in a tie made from the same type of ropes fishing nets were made from, and his face morphed into a pained look once he locked eyes with Julietta.

Again, the feeling of inadequacy surged through her, and she fought the urge to cry. But instead, she sat down opposite Triston, and gave him a blank look, giving away nothing. She wouldn't let him know how his refusal hurt her.

Her mother settled herself at the head of the table, looking back and forth between the pair. No one else joined them, and Julietta knew this would be a most awkward dinner.

“I hope you found your room arrangements suitable, King Triston?” Kalora asked. “I know our castle isn't as grand as it once was—”

“They're fine,” he replied, looking around the dining room. “I don't require much.”

Julietta snorted under her breath. He certainly seemed to find her lacking.

Luckily, her inelegant display was missed as the servers brought in dinner. She pushed around the food on her plate, scarcely eating. Instead, she watched Triston out of the corner of her eye, afraid to meet his gaze head-on. He was looking down at his food, seemingly disinterested in the meal as well. Only Kalora ate in earnest, ignoring the tension in the room. It was so quiet, Julietta swore she could hear the horses in the stable.

Finally, after the plates were cleared away, Kalora rose. “I'm off to bed. I suggest you two spend some time getting to know one another.” Kalora wasted no time in pushing through the door and leaving Julietta and Triston in silence.

Julietta kept her eyes downcast but raised them ever so slightly and watched Triston fold his arms across his chest uncomfortably.

Well, at least they were both uncomfortable. She felt a myriad of emotions, everything from lust to loathing. It was the oddest sensation, but she had once heard someone say that love and hate were two separate sides of the same coin.

The quiet dragged on, and after several minutes, Julietta finally stood to leave the room.

Triston looked at her, seemingly disinterested as she made her way around the table and then passed him, on her way out the door. But before she could open it, his arm was on her shoulder, spinning her around to face him.

---