Page 69 of A Kingdom of Shadows

Desperately trying to change subjects, I glance at his spindly fingers. He twirls a ruby crystal ring, and I point to it. "Where did you get that ring from?"

He looks at it and tilts his head. "The king gifted it to me."

My eyes widen at such a beautiful gift, although I'm confused about the generosity. Ever since Sarilyn, trusting royalty has been something difficult to do.

I rise off the bed, waltzing over to my window. Resting against the ledge, I say, "Has the king said anything odd whenever he has spoken to you in the comforts of his study?"

"He's been kind... telling me he understands my past and—" He stands beside me, glancing out into the gardens. "If I want to, I don't ever have to go back to The Screaming Forests."

Oh.

I turn my head to him. "That's really nice of him, considering he banished your kind."

Aias nods, his gaze flitting to the gardens again before he goes, "What's Darius doing out this early—"

My ears stop working when I hear him say the name, Darius. I whip my head to the window, spotting Darius out front, flipping a coin as he looks around and leans against a tree.

I smile like a complete fool as I stare at him. Aias continues speaking, and I will never know whether it's important or not because it's simply muffled noises in the background.

Cloud's part, making way for a shot of the sun to burst through and shine against his raven strands. My heart jolts the more I look, remembering our heated kisses from last night.

Faye joins him from behind, and though I must look like a mad woman staring at them speak, I can't help it. I almost want to roll my eyes at how Darius would love the fact that I am looking at him. He’d likely make fun of it, and have his head grow bigger like the vain man that he is—

My smile fades, and I blink.

Darius's hand is reaching out to touch Faye's cheek.

Delicate... soft like a lover's touch.

He leans in, and a sharp pain shoots up my chest.

I suddenly feel sick.

He's kissing her.

They're kissing.

In plain sight.

"I hadn't realized he was interested in an elf, much less a princess," Aias comments beside me.

"Neither had I," I say, my heart splitting. I want to look away, but it's hard to do so.

They stop.

She smiles, flirtatious and bright.

And then they start to walk away together.

Rage conquers against my despair, and I stand up, my fingers curling into my palm as I storm out of the chambers.

"Where are you going?" Aias calls out, his feet pattering behind me as he tries to catch up. Determination sets between each of my strides. To think he likely believes he can do as he pleases without consequences—"To speak with him."

"Nara, shouldn't you—"

"Seducing, dragon pig," I mutter, scowling as I pass down each hallway. "You know, I should warn Faye of him."

"I thought you did not want to fall in love?"

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