Page 103 of Crown of Hearts
Tears welled up in my eyes and I pushed them back. Cai pulled me into his embrace so he could wrap his arms around me from behind.
“Whatever happens, promise me you’ll stay alive,” he said.
“As long as you promise the same.”
He only pulled me closer in response.
War could take what it wanted from me, but it could not take him.
* * *
Argon was a land of sand and heat. The fields close to the rivers boasted lush grass and tall palm trees. Within the main city, an oasis of water and greenery burst up and out of the dust. Myrador Stronghold was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. We waited outside in the palace courtyard, in a slightly awkward fashion. This was hardly protocol, though I supposed things were done differently in Argon. Waiting gave us ample opportunity to stare at the soldiers in the training yard, not too far off.
The soldiers weren’t in their armour or uniforms. Instead, the sun glinted off their naked backs, their only covering a garment around the waist. Each soldier’s legs and arms appeared to be stronger and bigger than the one next him.
“You could just slather them in honey and call it dessert,” Anesta said next to me, probably not having intended to say it out loud.
“Anesta.” I bumped her with my elbow as Cordelia’s eyes widened.
“Look at them.” Anesta didn’t shift her gaze. “Have you ever seen any other men like them?”
“They’re just showing off,” Jack muttered, and Cai’s face carried a look of distaste.
“Right, because they knew we were coming and wanted to impress us.” Cordelia snorted.
“You could always join them,” I teased, and all heads turned towards me. “I’m sure none of the ladies would complain to see you remove that much clothing.”
“Your Majesty!” Rhen dared to scold me, but Cai tried to hide a smile. Amid the group’s inappropriate staring, a servant arrived, informing us the King was ready to see our party.
The interior of Aries’ palace was little different to the exterior. Thick sandstone pillars supported high ceilings, allowing for large open windows. The floors were marble, while the entire palace was full of fountains. Had I not been so nervous, the sound of all the trickling water might have calmed me. As we made our way to the throne room, I noticed how many people were inside the palace. Did they all live here? There were more soldiers, standing guard, as well as the nobles.
The women’s attire looked very different from the kind of fashion I was used to. Some of them wore dresses that barely had any sleeves, with belts pulling the material together at their waist. It was simple, yet elegant. Others wore long skirts with tops that had puffy sleeves and barely covered their stomachs.
The throne room had no wall on one side. Instead, it led out onto a large balcony that overlooked the city.
And at the far end, King Aries reclined atop a sandstone throne.
Chapter 28
Cai
King Aries wore a deep smirk.
His malicious expression alone made me want to punch him in the face.
“Prince Cai.” He rolled his shoulders back and reclined on his throne, which was covered with animal pelts. “We finally meet again.”
“It’s King Cai, actually,” Jack corrected him.
“Oh, that’s right.” He took a sip of whatever was in his golden cup. I sensed the hidden glare behind his gaze. “I’d forgotten you were crowned.”
Liar.
He hadn’t forgotten anything. He was simply looking for a way to verbally diminish me.
“This is Linus and Theuses. They’re diplomats from the kingdoms of Cedia and Briarstead. We were just discussing some upcoming social events. There’s to be a banquet soon. How ideal that it coincides with your visit.”
The two men bowed their heads in greeting, followed by a “Your Majesty”.
