Page 66 of When the Wicked Sing
They crossed the long stone bridge leading to another gate—this one a solid piece of pure white crystal, enchanted with deadly spells for those who tried to climb it unbidden.
Mari’s breath hitched, head tilted to gaze up at the dominating height of the palace.
Dax took a steadying breath as the gate opened to a large, manicured courtyard with a glittering fountain. He’d stared into that mosaic fountain before, wondering what in the Seven Seas he was doing with his life.
And now he was thinking the same as the approaching guards ordered him and Mari off the horse.
Dax held Mari’s arm as she struggled to stand straight after being on the horse for so long. But when she glanced up, he heard her murmur, “Beautiful.”
He had to admit, it was true. The grounds surrounding the palace were meticulously maintained, with paths winding through beds of vibrant winter flowers that thrived in the cold morning air. Statues of mythical creatures and legendary figures spread around the landscape, adding to the sense of wonder.
“Ahh, friends! This is where I leave you,” Cyrus called from atop his horse, making Dax grit his teeth. “It wasnota pleasure escorting you. However, I have a feeling we’ll see each other again. Perhaps next time, itwillbe a pleasure!” He smiled down at them, but Mari promptly ignored him, absorbed in the serene landscaping, while Dax glared up at him.
“Perhaps next time, I’ll get the chance to punch those pearly whites into your skull.”
Cyrus winced andtsked. “You’re very violent. You really should talk to someone about that,” he said nonchalantly, making Dax growl.
Cyrus glanced down at Mari, who finally met his serious gaze. “Be careful around this one,” he said in a low voice before nudging his horse and galloping toward the royal stables.
Mari turned and glanced between Dax’s tight fists and the angry look on his face. “Wow, he really got to you, huh?”
Ignoring the question, he nudged her toward the tall bronze doors. Six guards trailed behind them, and three more guided the way.
“What a welcoming party,” Mari muttered, and Dax felt his eyebrows lift briefly in agreement.
The doors opened inward. Two sentinels dressed in gleaming, spotless armor stepped aside to hold the massive doors. Their entourage of guards led them into the garden. Somehow, it was even more extravagant than the courtyard.
Spring was just beginning to whisper its presence, and the garden responded with an almost ethereal beauty. Closed, colorful flower buds dotted the edge of a pond, awaiting the breath of warmth to reveal their hidden beauty. The pond rippled slightly, and Dax’s eyes caught on the vibrant hues of colorful fish darting beneath. Fish that enjoyed eating warm flesh. He kept that little fact to himself as Mari gazed around in wonder.
The garden was a marvel, a sanctuary amidst the stone and grandeur, where every flower, every statue, and every path seemed to whisper secrets of beauty and power. But Dax knew those whispers were laced with danger.
“I’m glad to see you finally made it,” a songbird voice called from the second-story balcony. Dax gritted his teeth as he dragged his eyes up. There, high above the rest, stood the princess in all her golden fucking glory.
Chapter 36
Abrightlightshonethrough the opening behind the princess, revealing her silhouette.
Halia descended a set of stone stairs and approached them. She was even more striking than Mariana had imagined. Tight onyx curls spilled over one shoulder to her waist from where a crown of woven emeralds and diamonds nestled on her head, glinting in the light. Thick black eyelashes surrounded her slightly upturned, warm, maple eyes, accented by a line of sharp black ink. The dark brown skin on her high cheekbones was dusted with gold, and her plump magenta-painted lips must’ve attracted admirers from around the world.
“It is truly wonderful to meet you, Mariana. I’m Halia, princess and heir to the Kingdom of Aurelia,” she declared, her arrogance on display. The intricate gold-painted designs on her hands shimmered like the glittering dress she wore as she extended them to either side, before folding them gracefully in front of her.
Wasshethe Matriarch?
“Where’s my sister?” Mariana asked, knowing her tone was far more severe than she’d intended. But that was who she truly wanted to see.
Halia’s mouth lifted into a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “You’ve had a long journey. Why don’t we show you to your room before we discuss—”
“You wanted me here by morning. Here I am. I don’t need rest, I need to see my sister. Where’s Astra?”
Halia dropped her smile. “Hand over your weapons and follow me,” she ordered.
Mari reluctantly handed Dax her dagger, trusting him to keep it safe.
Halia flipped her hair over her shoulder and led them into the palace. Dax held Mari’s arm lightly. The trail of guards formed a circle around them the moment they all passed through the gleaming wooden doors held open by sentries standing tall in their impeccable white uniforms.
The morning light streamed through the entryway, casting long shadows onto the tiled marble floor. Warm air greeted Mariana, soothing the spring chill outside. The sound of their steps filled the ample space, but Mariana tuned it all out at what she saw.
A tropical paradise filled with lush greenery and blooming flowers lined their path. Tall palm trees shot up toward the domed glass roof, revealing the pale sky still waking from its slumber. The sound of water trickling caught her attention as they rounded a bend in the path, revealing a creek flowing through the palace. It was beautiful. An ethereal wonder thatanything like this even existed—especially through the harsh winters Mariana had heard so much about.
