Page 62 of Crown of Iron
My tutor has always exercised strict discipline when it comes to my studies, but love guided his firm redirection and built me up. Tonight, his words knocked me down from the pedestal he created for me. Self-doubt for the task ahead has always resided inside me, but never have I felt completely incapable. Never have I wanted to deny my crown as much as I do now, but it's too late. I made my promise, and it can't be broken.
The drawing room suddenly feels too small, making it hard to breathe and heating my skin. I march to the double doors along the back wall and yank them open. The cool night breeze greets me with the scent of roses and fresh cut grass. I step out into the palace garden and sink into the first stone bench I pass. Covering my face with my hands, I fight back the tears begging to run down my face.
I'm torn by duty and matters of the heart. How can I lead with love when it pulls me from my responsibility and demands I put it first? I'm told it's fickle and blinding, and in the next breath, it is powerful and necessary. No matter what I do or don't do in the name of love, I’ll never make the right choice. Love makes a fool of me.
“That didn't go well, did it?”
I run the back of my hands over my eyes and glance up. Kyron leans over the balcony of one of the second-story bedrooms. His arms rest on the iron railing with his hands folded together as he stares at the stars. The jacket and vest he wore earlier are gone, and his hair is a mess from his fingers running through it. The sight of him instantly soothes my aching heart.
I weakly smile up at him. “You heard all that?”
“Most of it. Thefuck youhad a special ring to it.”
I chuckle; his presence is already chasing away my bad mood. And I'm not ready to let the feelings he invokes in me go just yet.
“Will you come walk with me?” I ask.
“I don't know if that's such?—”
“I'morderingyou to come on a walk with me. You heard Borin; I'm irreplaceable and need a strong escort to fight away the rabid owls.”
Kyron laughs. “You've become quite bossy, but you make a good point. I can't leave you to the vices of rabid owls.” He climbs over the railing and grips the stones protruding from the wall. With pure grace, he scales down until he can let go and easily land on his feet.
“Show-off.”
“I'd go with strong, agile, and handsome,” he counters.
I bump him with my shoulder. “That too.”
We walk side by side down the sandstone walkways lined with an array of sleeping flowers and granite statues depicting people surrounded by the different gifts of the Statera. The hedges are manicured into perfect circles and each flower placed to complement the one next to it. Even amidst all this beauty, I long to return to Basecamp, with the smell of campfire andchatter of rambunctious conversations late into the night. It's too perfect, too quiet here, and it unsettles me.
My mind replays my argument with Borin and my unease heightens. A lot was said between us, and most of it I wouldn't want said in front of Kyron.
“Did you heareverythingBorin and I said?” I ask.
He glances at me from the corner of his eyes. “For the most part. It was difficult not to.”
“I'm sorry. He knows you're a capable leader, and the army is in good hands.”
Kyron smirks, but it's not enough to hide the hint of hurt etched into the rest of his features. “You know I've heard worse, princess.”
“It doesn't make it right.”
“You should keep that opinion to yourself. I doubt your people would take kindly to you sympathizing with a Stigian.”
I stop and take his hand in mine, running my thumb over his scarred knuckles. “You're my people too, Kyron.”
His lip twitches, and he tucks it between his teeth, looking away from me. Has no one ever told him he belongs outside of Basecamp? I can't help but to feel like he’s misplaced and fighting a war for a land that doesn't value him in return. Kyron deserves to know he is more than his body count. Despite the color of his eyes or his choices in the past, he is a Lucent.
I slide my hand inside of his and pull him forward. “Come on. I have something I want to show you.”
I lead him deeper into the garden, across the wooden bridge, over the pond of koi fish and lily pads, and past the ornate fountain in the center. We veer from the path and into a small orchard of cherry trees, where the moon lights our way as pink petals dance around us in the wind. Kyron stretches his fingers and runs them along the blossoms adorning the tree branches. His childlike wonder and the pink flowers peppering his black hair make it impossible not to steal glances at him.
We step out of the orchard and the wall protecting this side of the palace greets us with the calming scent of night blooming jasmine. The fragrant vines cling to its surface, thick and speckled in white flowers.
When we reach the furthest corner, I hold out my palm to Kyron and say, “May I?”
He nods and a ball of fire forms in the center of hishand. I untangle my fingers from his and take the flame.
