Page 84 of A Song of Shadow and Starlight

Never trust a Tronovian.

Never trust a Tronovian?

I fall backward, landing on the cushy mattress, and puff out a breath. Tomorrow we will meet with his uncle, and I will learn of my fate in Tronovia. So far, it's been a dream, but it could easily turn into a nightmare, and Atlas would be powerless to help me, even if he wanted to. I'm in enemy territory and I need to remember that before I fall prey to my adversary.

Twenty-Four

Iwakeuphoursbefore the sun rises and just stare up at the ceiling in silence. Last night at dinner, when Atlas said I'd be meeting the king this morning, I didn't allow myself to dwell on the thought of what today would bring, but now, that's all I can think about.

What if I've been blind to the Tronovians' true intentions and I am willingly walking into the dragon's nest, the lion's den. A lamb led to slaughter by three handsome, magic wielding brothers. I'm uncertain what kind of man King Soren is. All I know is he's the Harland brothers' uncle and rules the kingdom of my enemies. For all I know, I could be tossed into a sewer-smelling cell or tortured for information about my city, parents, or Bastian's magic. The Tronovian king wouldn't believe that the heir to the throne of Midori has no true knowledge of the politics, strategy, economics, or secrets a royal would be privy to.

What if Atlas deceived me? What if he played his part in distracting me, so I'd lower my guard and not trust my better judgment?

My frayed nerves manifest into beads of sweat around my hairline. I've been a fool.Never trust a Tronovian. It's a simple rule. One I've been taught since birth. Yet the first time I am in the presence of my enemies, instead of adhering to my training, I befriend them, break bread with them, even lust after one of them…

Am I a traitor to my own people? Are the Midorians my people to lay claim to?

I rub the heels of my palms against my eyes and groan. I have so many questions, and I'm no closer to answering any of them.

When I hear movement in the house – doors closing, people talking, footsteps up and down stairs – I throw my quilt off and peel myself out of my comfortable bed. I don't have many clothes and I'm not entirely sure what is most appropriate for me to wear to meet King Soren. All I have available are black pants, a loose white blouse, and my traveling boots. Before our excursion through Bava, I never would have been caught dead dressed like that, especially in front of nobility, but it's the best, and only, option I have and it's comfortable. It will have to do. Hopefully, the king won't find an issue with my wardrobe.

I scoff and roll my eyes. King Soren isn't going to care about my attire. Like any royal, he wants something, and soon enough, I'll discover what he desires from me.

Once I'm dressed, I slip out of my room and head downstairs. As I pass the second floor where the library and piano are, I notice a sleeping Prince Ronan curled up on the leather couch with a foot poking out from beneath his blanket. He lets loose a thunderous snore and flips over to his stomach. I shake my head and stifle a laugh as I continue my descent to the dining room. Atlas, Nyx, Finn, and Eris are already seated at the table filling their plates with eggs, buttered rolls, strips of bacon, assorted fruit, and yogurt. There's a glass pitcher of orange juice at the center of the table, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee entices me, beckoning me to eat and drink my fill.

"Good morning, sleepy head," Nyx smiles and waves me down. "We were just about to wake you up for breakfast."

I force myself to return his smile, even though my nerves seem to be getting the better of me. "Good morning."

Everyone is sitting in the same spots as last night, so I take that as my cue to claim the seat beside Atlas, seeing the place setting waiting for me. Atlas stands when I pass him and he pulls my chair out, gently sliding me forward when I sit down.

"Thank you." Our gazes collide once he takes his place.

"You're welcome," he lifts his mug of coffee to his lips and blows away the steam.

"How did you sleep?" Eris asks from across the table, drawing my attention.

"I slept well." I lie.

"So, what you really mean is," Nyx scoops a healthy serving of scrambled eggs on my plate, "you didn't sleep a wink."

"If she didn't sleep it's probably due to Ronan's snoring," Eris snickers, crunching into a thick piece of bacon.

Nyx points a finger at her, "True! Did Rone keep you up all night, Kitarni?" he winks, his tone ripe with mischief and innuendo.

"Perhaps, it was due to Atlas pacing around his room like a caged animal all night," Finn inserts himself into the conversation, garnering a wicked side-eye from his older brother.

"I promise I slept fine." I double-down on my lie, refusing to make eye contact with any of them. I busy myself by slathering butter on my bread and ripping pieces apart to toss in my deceitful mouth.

"I'm glad you slept well," Atlas' soothing drawl forces me to glance in his direction. His fingers circle the rim of his coffee mug, but his full attention is glued to me. "If I were in your position, in an enemy kingdom about to meet with a rival king, I'd be nervous. I might even lie awake most of the night mulling over dozens of unanswered questions." We stare at one another in silence for a few seconds before he says, "One might even pace their bedroom for hours, unable to quiet their mind."

Had I not asked him in Bava if he could read my mind, I would believe he had the power to do so. It just shows how observant he is. I feel seen, almost stripped naked and forced to bare all my fears and insecurities, and here he is reassuring me without exposing me to the others. In his own way, he's reaching out and letting me know that everything will be alright.

For a moment, a peace washes over me, but loud, fumbling footsteps break our nonverbal connection. My eyes shift from Atlas to Ronan stomping down the steps. His hair is a mess, his eyes bloodshot, and his shirt is unbuttoned down the center giving a peek-a-boo glance at his toned, tattooed, bronze chest.

"Good morning, everyone," Ronan cracks his neck side-to-side before shimmying to the seat beside me.

"Good morning," I offer a tight-lipped smile, though he doesn't seem to notice me. I watch as he plops down, grabs a roll, and bites off a chunk.

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