Page 104 of Claimed By Shadow and Blood
She covered her mouth with one hand, then tried to hand me the folded parchment again. “Forgive me, Your Highness.” She continued to keep her hand outstretched with trembling fingers and clearly wasn’t going to leave until I acknowledged whatever the letter held.
My frown deepened as I snatched the letter away, avoiding brushing her fingers. It weighed more than I expected, the wax seal nothing more than a blob of white candlewax. But the paper smelled like cinnamon and ginger, and my stomach dropped. Dread rose within me.
I opened it carefully.
The onyx ring slipped out and onto my palm, and my heart chilled. The black inked letters, written in a hasty, sprawling script with little hearts over any letter with a dot, blurred on the page.
Vad,
I’m sorry to tell you this way, and I hope you can forgive me. Please know that this decision was not made lightly.
As much as I thought I cared about you, I’ve realized my priorities were wrong.
I belong to another life, one that comes with my own duties and expectations. I’m both upset and ashamed that it took me this long to remember who truly has my loyalty.
You were a dream and a lie. My sister needs me. The pack needs me. I have to go back, and I’m leaving right now. Don’t try to find me,ever.
I’ve decided to keep the dress. I couldn’t bear to part with it after everything, and it will remind me of you, of our moments, and of the way you looked at me like I was a rare unicorn. I will treasure it even as I return to the world that needs me.
I want to reiterate to the fullest measure that you shouldn’t come looking for me. That would only cause more complications and pain, and you deserve peace. You deserve a queen who is strong and certain of her place beside you.
You must trust the will of the councils. They know what is best for the kingdom, and they will tell you who has been chosen.
As for us—there never truly was an “us,” was there? It was always something... brief. Temporary. An escapade of sorts.
But I will think of it—of you—fondly.
Goodbye, Vad. Do not grieve. This is for the best.
With sincere warmth and a wish for you to thrive,
Briar
My mind spun, and I stumbled. No.
No!
My heart ripped apart to where I couldn’t feel it anymore.
This waswrong. It didn’t make sense at all. She’d wanted us both to visit her sister. Why would she do this, and why wouldn’t she tell me to my face?
Though my mouth went dry, I forced myself to swallow and steadied my grip on the letter. I peered at Calla Lily over the parchment and fixed her with a stern glare. “You speak of this to no one under pain of death, do you understand?” Misunderstanding or not, I didn’t want anyone to know that Briar was still alive yet. "Who else knows of this?”
She bowed her head, still trembling. “She only told me.”
That was odd. Why Calla Lily? I shook my head and gestured toward the hall beyond the great doors as Thalen approached. “Go.”
“I’m so sorry, Your Highness,” she said, bowing her head. Turning, she fled.
Thalen spread his arms, and his wings mirrored the movement, catching the golden torchlight on his silver feathers as he continued toward me. “Breaking more hearts?”
I thrust the letter at him and drew a hand over my mouth. I wanted to vomit, but my stomach cramped around nothing. This wasn’t happening. It made no sense. How could it be real?
Thalen’s eyes widened as he read the letter. His fingers crumbled the edge of the page. “This isn’t from her, Vad.”
One of the attendants approached me, wearing a dark gray uniform, his blonde hair swept back and tied in a low ponytail. “Your Highness, the princess wishes to inform you that she awaits your presence in the welcome alcove so that you may both greet the arriving dignitaries and royals. Two delegations have already arrived.”
Feck. I still had to get dressed. A tight breath hissed through my teeth. We were running out of time. “Tell her I will be there in a few minutes.” I massaged my temples and motioned for Thalen to come with me. He lowered the letter and folded it, but his posture tightened, his smile flattening into a scowl.
