Page 45 of A Song of Shadow and Starlight

"I love Bastian because…"

I have to stop and think about it. My entire life I have known I would marry Bastian. It was never a question of if, but when. He's handsome and he makes me laugh, but apart from his appearance and titles, I don't know a lot about him. He travels quite a bit, spending more time away from Midori than in it, and when he is home, his schedule is full of meetings. The moments we do have together are heavily guarded and normally take place during ceremonies, balls, or formal royal engagements.

Sure, Bas and I grew up together, him being my senior by four years, but in the rare and fleeting moments we managed to have a private moment, he always made me feel special, made me feel desired. And he's never failed to bring me gifts from his travels, ensuring I knew how much he missed me during his time away.

I think back to the night before my wedding – the night I was kidnapped – and the doubts that filled my head. A part of me believes Bastian only loves me because he is supposed to. Like me, he never had a choice in the matter. But that doesn't mean his affections for me aren't genuine. I might not know his fears or desires for the future, but I do know he is my loving fiancéwho will continue to work for peace and unity in the Six Kingdoms. That's enough for me.

Why do you think you love Bastian?What a devious way to ask me a question, knowing that one word –think– would send me spiraling.

"Because…?" Atlas' voice rips me from my thoughts, rudely reminding me I have yet to answer his question.

I rest my arms over the lip of the pool and frown. I want to smack that smug, conceited smirk off his face. "I love Bastian because he is kind, loyal, and protective."

Atlas has the audacity to laugh, the sound rumbling throughout the cave.

"What's so funny?" I snarl.

He scratches his head, smoothing his hair back. "You just described the qualities of a well-trained dog. Does he follow you around and obey every order you spew?"

"Better a faithful dog than a deceitful snake."

He quirks an eyebrow. "And when you say deceitful snake, should I assume you're referring to me, Princess?"

"Very astute of you, Tronovian. Perhaps, there is a brain in that head of yours after all."

"Tell me," he leans closer, rippling the water between us, "when have I deceived you?"

"What?"

"We've known one another for a week now. How have I been dishonest? When have I lied to you or led you astray?" He inches closer. I don't move. "If I am the deceitful snake you believe me to be," he whispers and an unwelcome shiver travels up and down my spine, "tell me how I defrauded you, so I might prove you wrong."

I rack my brain, trying to find just one example of Atlas lying to me, but just as he suspects, I come up empty. How is it that my enemy has been more forthcoming and helpful than my parents, and even Bastian? They're supposed to be the ones closest to me, the ones who love and protect me – but there are so many secrets and webs of lies spun between us, I don't even know what is true anymore.

"Strenlys?"

I glare at him, expecting to see his signature smug smile, but instead I see compassion blazing in his eyes and it's entirely too much to handle.

"I don't know what you're trying to do, but it won't work," I snarl. "This might have started as a kidnapping, but now it's a journey for me to get some answers about who I am. It does not change my plans of marrying Bastian and one day becoming Queen of Midori. So, whatever mind games you're playing, know you'll lose."

I grab my towel and maneuver my body into it, not allowing him to see my nakedness. Tucking the fold of the towel in so it resembles a short dress, I look at Atlas, but find he's turned away to give me some privacy. I step out of the hot spring, determined to beeline straight for my room but his voice stops me, spurring me to turn back around.

"I may not be your friend, Princess, but I am far from your enemy."

I wish I had a snarky comeback, but my mind is blank. Tronovians and Midorians have been enemies for hundreds of years before I was even born. I should hate him, be plotting his demise, or my escape, but he's right. We aren't friends, but we certainly don't feel like enemies anymore.

Bobbing my head, I walk down the slick stone steps and slip out of the cave. I don't have to look back to see if Atlas is watching me. I can sense him staring at the back of my head until I disappear around the corner.

Fourteen

SincetherivercruiseNyx booked tickets for doesn't leave until late tomorrow evening, the brothers inform me they're going to attend the festival and ask if I want to join them. Despite being uncomfortable around crowds, my curiosity, and the realization that this might be my only chance to experience the Festival of Benni Yashi, spurs me to accept their invitation. With four magic wielders by my side, I'm positive I'll be protected if Vesper rears her head.

Just like yesterday when we arrived in Bava, the streets are packed, the city is loud, and the aroma of grilled meats, fried pastries, and sweet and savory spices fill my nostrils. It's heavenly. My mouth waters at all of the street vendors' offerings.

The moment we leave the hotel, Atlas heads in the opposite direction than the rest of us, saying he had some business to tend to. I want to question where he is going, but after our encounter last night in the hot springs, I think it's best that we keep our distance. After instructing Nyx not to drink so he can watch over me, the oldest Harland brother disappears into the sea of smiling faces.

We trek downhill to the Market District, which takes around fifteen minutes. After looking around different shops, Eris and Finn mention they need to visit Zuri's shop and disappear, leaving me with Nyx.

"So," Nyx smiles coyly, "what mischief should we get ourselves into?"

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