Pathways (The Kingdom Chronicles Book 1)

by Camille Peters

  “How did you become friends?”

  “During the many frequent diplomatic visits between him and dear Rhea. He often escaped their outings to spend time with me instead. You never seemed to mind, did you, Rhea?”

  He ruffled Princess Rheanna’s hair. She blushed and lowered her eyes to her lap. “Considering he’s already rejected me, my presence here is nothing more than a formality.”

  “Is he as fierce as everyone says?” I asked.

  “We shouldn’t gossip about His Highness,” Princess Aveline said cooly as Princess Elodie eagerly leaned closer.

  “He is. Darkness fills his soul. No one dares cross him. Rhea is fortunate he broke off the engagement. He’d not be fun to be married to.” She giggled and Prince Liam rolled his eyes.

  “We’ve met several times over the years,” Princess Rheanna continued. “He’s admittedly very handsome but quite fierce and…” She trailed off, seeming to have run out of descriptions.

  Princess Elodie continued the explanation. “He’s rather intense and is always cold and distant towards poor Rhea.”

  Princess Rheanna once more lowered her eyes. “To be honest, I’m rather frightened of him.”

  “It was nothing personal, Rhea,” Prince Liam said. “Allusiveness is just his way, especially around women. Over the years, I’ve done my best to teach him how to treat ladies, but has it done any good?” He shrugged.

  Princess Aveline raised her eyebrows. “You tried to teach him how to treat ladies?”

  “Certainly,” Prince Liam said. “After all, do you know anyone more charming than me?”

  Princess Aveline pursed her lips and made no comment.

  With this less-than-reassuring assessment of the prince’s character confirming the rumors I myself had heard about him over the years, I could only imagine what he’d do to me if he discovered that I, a mere commoner, had lied in order to enter a competition to become his bride. The already strong urge to escape this scenario intensified.

  I spent the remainder of breakfast formulating escape plans. I’d rather be lost within the Forest than forced to participate for the hand of the Dark Prince, for I’d inevitably be found out and subsequently thrown in the dungeon…or worse. My blood chilled at the thought.

  No, it wouldn’t come to that. I refused to allow myself to become tangled in this scheme. I would escape. Tonight.

  Chapter 13

  While everyone else was mingling, I spent the entire day pacing the circumference of my room as I plotted, pausing only to look out the window in order to measure the sun’s progression across the sky, too tense and worried even to draw.

  I only left for lunch, where Prince Deidric was once again absent. The royalty of Draceria informed me they’d learned he wouldn’t make an appearance until the end of the competition, which would be a series of tests that would begin the following night after everyone else had arrived, a fact which only increased my desire to leave as soon as possible.

  As I paced, I fiddled with my necklace and went over my plan yet again, desperate for something to do to fill the endless day. While being led by Guard Alastar through the labyrinth of elegant hallways that held me prisoner, I’d noticed that guards flanked both the entrance to the palace and, from the view of my window, the outer gate. They’d be difficult to slip past, but I hoped they wouldn’t question me when I tried, considering they were under the delusion I was royalty.

  I stared out the window at the surrounding Forest, longing for the safety found within the trees. Once away from this gilded cage, I’d have to rely on the Forest to lead me home. If it proved as mischievous as yesterday when it’d gotten me into this mess in the first place, I’d be forced to travel home on the roads. The capital was several hours north of Arador by cart, meaning walking would take ages, not to mention I’d be out alone after dark. And what if I succeeded in escaping but the Dark Prince came after me? But as frightening as that possibility was, the alternative of remaining was far worse.

  I went over every possible detail for as long as possible, for if I stopped planning, my fear would eclipse my thoughts. But one could only plot for so long. I eventually collapsed backwards onto my bed and frowned at the ceiling, the worry I’d fought to suppress washing over me in waves, gnawing at my heart until I feared it’d swallow me whole.

  Mother.

  My heart twisted to think of her, frantic with concern. I’d slipped into the Forest yesterday afternoon and had now been missing for an entire day. Mother was likely in hysterics wondering what had become of me. She’d never approved of my Forest wanderings, and now I’d vanished without a trace, just like Father had. The thought that I’d broken her heart was torturous.

  I stilled. I’d done the same thing as Father had when he’d left and never returned. But my situation was different. I hadn’t abandoned Mother; I just currently found myself unable to return home. Yet the reason didn’t matter; Mother’s pain was the same. For the first time since Father’s disappearance, I wondered whether something really had happened to him after all, that rather than abandoning us, he’d instead been prevented from returning.

  I shook my head to clear it. Wondering did me no good. The fact was he was gone. But unlike him, I’d find a way to return to Mother. Somehow. If I could sneak away tonight and make it home, all would be made right and this strange experience could become nothing more than a memory.

  By the time the dinner hour arrived, my anxiety had made me physically ill. My stomach churned as Alaina bustled around midst her excited chatter as she helped me prepare, tugging on another gown borrowed from Princess Elodie—this one a soft fern green like the leaves of the Forest—before plopping me in front of my mirror to fuss with my hair.

  Her tittering paused as she surveyed my reflection. “Are you feeling alright, Your Highness? You’re looking a bit pale.”

  The nerves twisting my stomach and making my head throb made my plans to feign an illness unnecessary. “I have a horrible headache. I don’t feel up to attending dinner.”

  “But Your Highness, tonight is the welcome feast. You can’t possibly miss it.”

  My forehead pulsed at the thought. The longer I lingered amongst real royals, the higher the likelihood this façade would crack, landing me either a lifelong dungeon sentence or a trip to the gallows. I groaned, causing Alaina to flutter around in a panic.

  “Oh dear, you don’t seem well at all. How shall I serve you, Your Highness?” She rested a cool hand along my brow. “You’re quite warm. Shall I open a window? Are you near a faint? Shall I fetch the smelling salts?”

  My surroundings swayed and darkness lapped at my senses. I buried my head in my hands. “I need to lie down. I’m in no state to go down tonight. What a horrible impression I’d make if I fainted during dinner.”

  That seemed to be enough for Alaina. She wrapped her arm around me and guided me towards the bed, where she helped me settle. I sank into the mattress. Unlike last night, its feathery softness immediately began luring me to sleep. No, I couldn’t sleep. I needed to use the time everyone else was at dinner in order to finally escape. I forced myself to keep my eyes open.

  Alaina stroked my hair back, a gesture that caused me to miss my own mother fiercely. “What can I do for you, Your Highness?”

  I waved her towards the door. “I’m sure I’ll be fine after a bit of a rest.” Especially if come morning I was far away from the palace. I’d much rather take my chances wandering the Forest than posing as a princess.

  Despite my insistence, it still took Alaina far too long to finally leave, precious minutes of lingering daylight I didn’t want to waste being cooped up in this room. She promised to check on me in a few hours and bring a dinner tray, which was bad news as that gave me limited time before she discovered me missing and informed the guards. But I had no other choice.

  I waited several minutes after she’d tiptoed from the room to see if she’d return. When she didn’t, I slipped from bed and frowned down at Princess Elodie’s gown. Such fi
nery would be nothing but a hinderance while traipsing through the Forest, but the buttons lining the back were impossible to undo myself. It was while I was mumbling several choice curses about my predicament that a knock sounded on the door.

  I bit back a sigh, both of impatience and relief. So Alaina had returned to assist me after all. “Come in.”

  I gasped as the door swung open, for it wasn’t Alaina who stood there but—“Aiden?”

  He beamed, his eyes lighting up as they settled on my face. Warmth seeped over me to see him again after all these weeks, and my heart performed several cartwheels as he stared at me, his expression tender.

  “Aiden!” I fell into his arms, burrowing myself against him.

  He nestled against my hair. “It’s wonderful to see you. I admit I thought it’d be much longer before our paths crossed again, and I’m pleased that’s not the case.”

  I tipped my head back to gape up at him. “Wait, what are you doing here?”

  “An excellent question, one I was about to ask you. May I come in?”

  I slowly nodded. He shut the door behind him, his eyes never once leaving my face. The shock of seeing him at the palace of all places slowly subsided and I tentatively smiled. “I can’t believe you’re here. I never thought I’d see you again.”

  He returned my smile with a lopsided one of his own and my insides fluttered. “I promised we would. How are you?”

  I sighed. “Your timing is rather bad. I’m in a bit of a predicament.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Indeed. So you’re a secret princess keen on trying to persuade the prince to marry you?”

  I pulled a face. “No, this is all some horrible misunderstanding.”

  “Is it?” He folded his arms and leaned against my bedpost. “And how did a common girl end up in such a plight?”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. A secret danced within his dark eyes, taunting me. “You don’t happen to know the answer, do you?”

  He chuckled, and the warm sound I’d fiercely missed washed over me. “I do, actually.” But instead of explaining, he looked me over, his gaze as soft as a caress. The heat in my cheeks deepened. “Your finery suits you. You look beautiful.”

  I glanced down at my gown and wrinkled my nose, never mind it truly was lovely. “A pretty dress can’t transform a common girl.”

  “I disagree. Now your apparel finally reflects the woman inside the dress.” He gave me a look that ignited my insides.

  I shook my head to clear it. I couldn’t afford distractions, not when I had an escape plot to execute. “Are you going to tell me how I ended up in this mess and help me escape?”

  His smile widened. “I’ve really missed you, Eileen. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “Why am I here?” I pressed my hands on my hips and glared at him, demanding he answer me.

  He straightened and came over until he stood directly in front of me, enveloping me in his warmth and causing the strange sensations that only came from him to fill my heart. “It so happens I witnessed your unexpected arrival last night.”

  “What are you even doing here?”

  “Isn’t it obvious? I’m a member of the court.”

  My brow furrowed. “I don’t understand. How does your witnessing my arrival explain why I now find myself trapped here?”

  “Because thanks to my position, it wasn’t difficult to convince the guards that you’re one of the princesses come here to woo the prince.” He winked.

  I gaped at him, my heart pounding furiously. With each beat my insides burned, my anger searing and poisonous. “You told them what?”

  He frowned. “I told the guards that you’re a princess.”

  “You mean to tell me,” I hissed through gritted teeth, “that it’s your fault I’m tangled in this dangerous mess?”

  Perplexity twisted his expression. “Mess? It’s an opportunity.”

  “An opportunity for what, exactly? To be executed?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Why so dramatic?”

  My fists tightened. “If I’m caught posing as a royal, what do you think will happen? You think the royal family will merely have a good laugh before releasing me? No, they’ll send me to the gallows.” My blood chilled. I needed to escape. I stomped to the door, but Aiden blocked my exit.

  “You’re not going to get caught.” But worry now marred his expression, which wasn’t at all reassuring.

  “Your empty promises make me feel loads better.” I tried to walk around him, but he blocked me once again. I darted to the other side and he matched my movements. Angry tears burned my eyes. “Get out of my way.”

  “Please, Eileen.” He seized my shoulders, his grip both firm and gentle. “Don’t be upset. I just wanted to see you again and spend time with you.”

  “How do you expect to do that after I’m thrown into the dungeon?”

  He flinched. “I’m so sorry, Eileen. I’m so selfish. I never once considered the potential consequences for you.”

  I yanked myself from his grip, his touch burning. “Well, now that you’re aware of them, if you have any decency, you’ll help me leave while I still have the chance.” I made for the door, but he blocked me once more. I stomped my foot. “Aiden!”

  “Didn’t the Forest lead you here?”

  “Yes, and like you, it’s proven to be nothing but a betrayer.”

  “I didn’t betray you.” He stepped forward, reaching out to touch my cheek, but I flinched away with a glare. “I was just trying to help you. Would you rather have been thrown back into the storm?”

  “Better risk catching a chill from the rain than risk execution for participating in this charade you thrust me into.”

  “It’s not a charade.” Aiden’s voice was all gentleness, cajoling me to forgive him even though he didn’t deserve it. “I just want us to be together. I told you I have a plan—”

  I snorted. “This is your plan? How will having me impersonate a princess allow us to be together? It’s the last thing that will change our circumstances or make me happy. The only thing worse would be to actually be a princess.”

  Aiden seemed on the verge of saying something, but at my words, his mouth snapped shut and his forehead furrowed. “I…I thought you’d welcome this opportunity. Don’t all girls want to become princesses? That’s what fairy tales always seem to be about, anyway.”

  “Well, not me. I’m perfectly happy with my simple country life, thank you very much.”

  He merely stared at me, seeming both stunned and at a loss as to what to say next.

  “Besides,” I continued. “It sounds like a fate worse than death to be forced to marry the Dark Prince.”

  He finally found his voice. He cocked an eyebrow. “The Dark Prince?”

  “I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about him. You are a member of the court, after all.”

  He didn’t answer. I ignored his silence. Since the door was obviously not going to be my form of escape thanks to him, I tried the windows. Locked.

  “What is this, a prison?” I fiddled with the latch but couldn’t figure out how to make it work. I growled in frustration. “A little help here?”

  He sighed and came over to unlock the window and push it open. A rush of cool evening air caressed my flushed cheeks. Together we peered down to the manicured gardens below. My stomach lurched. From the third floor, the ground was quite a ways down.

  “You’d fall to your death trying to escape this way.”

  He was likely right. I gnawed at my lip as I scanned the room. “The bedsheets.” I stomped towards the bed, but Aiden seized my wrist to stop me. Despite my fury, my stomach still jolted at his touch.

  “Please don’t climb out the window. You could get hurt.”

  “How can you possibly care about that after already putting my life at risk?” My voice stuttered, on the brink of tears. I swallowed. I would not cry in front of him.

  He pressed my hand against his chest, his eyes wide with remorse. The feel of his hands enfolding mine
and his heart pulsing beneath my palm did strange things to my insides and made it difficult to think.

  “I’m genuinely sorry for entangling you in this, but I promise not to abandon you. I’ll help you not fail.”

  I gaped at him. “You want me to try to win the Dark Prince?”

  Sharp betrayal pierced my heart. After our near kiss, I thought he felt more for me. My jaw tightened. He obviously didn’t. He was just like all men: fickle and unreliable. I refused to allow him to hurt me any longer. I yanked my hand out of his. “I don’t want your help.”

  “Please allow me to give it to you.” He reached for my hand again but I jerked away.

  He winced at my rejection and I inwardly smirked. Good, let him be hurt. He deserved it.

  “I don’t want to marry a prince, so your help isn’t at all welcome.”

  “But you don’t want to be caught as an imposter either,” he said. “If the prince doesn’t pick you, then you can go home.”

  “But what if he does?” Not that I thought such a situation likely; no matter how much Aiden tried to help me, I would never be princess material.

  “There are plenty of other eligible brides for him to pick instead,” Aiden said. “Now, will you accept my help?”

  I eyed him warily as I folded my arms like a shield over my frantically pounding heart. “How could you possibly help me?”

  He had the audacity to grin, causing my treacherous heart to flip-flop. I silently cursed my body’s reaction. “As a member of the court, I’ve been forced to be part of the shallow world of the nobility my entire life. I know exactly how to play the game. And in the meantime, we can spend time with one another again.” He reached for my fingers and curled his own around my fingertips, giving me an earnest, hopeful look.

  In that foolish moment I almost told him yes, for I secretly wanted that very same wish. But I locked those ridiculous desires away. This couldn’t happen, especially with a man who was very much engaged. I yanked my hand away as if he’d burned me.

  “We can’t do this.”