Page 97 of A Kingdom's Heart
“Caught you doing what?”
Her voice dropped to almost a whisper. “Meeting someone.”
My stomach turned. “Meeting who?”
Her gaze lowered to the floor. “My past love,” she said quietly.
“The same one who broke my heart. He found out I was here… and wanted to talk.”
“What?” I said quietly, my eyes narrowing. “Who is he?”
Raven shook her head quickly, her fingers twisting together. “I can’t tell you. Not yet.”
I wanted to press her, but something in her tone stopped me. That was her secret, not mine to pry open.
“Can you please leave before he comes?” she said softly. “He should be here any moment.”
I sighed, glancing toward the shadows at the end of the corridor. “Fine,” I said. “I’ll go.”
Her eyes softened. “Thank you.”
I gave her one last look before turning away. My slippers made
almost no sound against the stone floor as I walked farther down the hall. The castle felt colder here, the torches fewer, the air still.
Behind me, I heard something. The sound of footsteps. Heavy and deliberate. A man’s. My heart picked up for a moment, but I didn’t turn around. It had to be him, the man Raven once loved. I told myself I had to turn my head to look at him, not after promising to give her space. So I kept moving.
The hall stretched long and empty until it opened into the dining room. The faint scent of wine and roasted fruit still lingered in the air. I walked to one of the long tables and sat down, my hands resting on the smooth wood. A bowl of grapes sat near the center,
center, left from dinner, and I took one without thinking.
The sweetness filled my mouth, but it didn’t ease the unease in my chest. I waited, hoping that by the time I returned, Raven would be done and back in bed.
Minutes passed. Then more. The hall stayed silent. My eyelids grew heavier with each breath. The chill of the room and the stillness made it harder to stay awake.
Finally, after what felt like a long while, I pushed the bowl away and rose from the chair. It had to be enough time. They must be finished by now.
I took a steady breath and started back toward the corridor.
The walk back felt longer this time. The halls were colder and the shadows were deeper. I moved carefully, not wanting to wake
anyone, my fingers brushing the cold stone walls for balance.
When I turned the corner toward the direction of my bedchamber, I slowed. The sound of voices reached me. I took another step, peering through the dim light.
And then I froze.
My breath caught in my throat, a sharp sound escaping before I could stop it.
Raven stood near the wall, her hands trembling slightly as someone held her close. His figure was familiar, tall and dressed in fine clothes that caught the light from the torch above. His hand cupped her face, and his lips were on hers.
Lorenzo.
My mouth fell open, a soft gasp breaking the stillness around me. I didn’t move. I couldn’t.
The prince.
The man who was meant to be my husband.
