Pathways (The Kingdom Chronicles Book 1)

by Camille Peters

  He gnawed his lip guiltily. “I have more to apologize for: I could have helped you escape from the beginning. But I was afraid if I did I’d never see you again. Once more I must beg your forgiveness.”

  I sighed. Even though I was still angry, I was tired of turning away from him, for I loved him. That would never change. He hadn’t intended to hurt me; he only feared losing me, a fear I understood because I desperately didn’t want to lose him either.

  “You did say you weren’t perfect. I’m immensely disappointed that you were correct.”

  “But despite my imperfections I do love you, Eileen, and will strive never to hurt you in such a way again.” Agony hardened his expression, and he looked away to stare unblinkingly ahead. “Considering we likely won’t see one another after today due to my betrayal, I can at least keep that promise.”

  My hold tightened on him to keep him from slipping away. I couldn’t lose him, a fact that only became more clear the closer our separation became, and in that moment I finally better understood what Mother had been telling me about love: sometimes it hurt, but the beauty of it made it not only worth the risk but a journey worth taking.

  Aiden paused in front of a marble fountain in the shape of a majestic dragon, water spewing from its mouth. “Alastar has told me you’ve been searching for secret passageways. You yourself once asked me if I knew of the one that leads to the Forest.”

  “Are you about to share the secret?”

  “I trust you won’t tell.” He winked before releasing me and hopping onto the rim of the fountain, where he pressed the dragon’s eye. The fountain rumbled before shifting a few feet to reveal a staircase descending belowground. I gaped at it.

  “Amazing. There really are secret passageways.”

  “I’d once hoped we could explore them together, but…” Sadness filled his voice, reminding me that it wasn’t just passageways we wouldn’t explore; our separation would also prevent a lifetime of wonderful memories. My already abused heart twisted at the thought.

  Aiden rested his hand on my lower back to guide me down into the dark passageway. As we reached the bottom step, the fountain above us shifted and slowly slid back into place. It closed with a resonating thud, swallowing us up in darkness.

  I shivered and Aiden soothingly rubbed my arms. “Come, let’s take you home, where you’ll be safe.”

  Calm enveloped me. Unlike when he’d first spoken those words earlier, this time I believed them.

  Despite the smothering darkness surrounding us, Aiden found his way easily, as if he’d traversed this route many times. I clung to his hand and trusted in each step he took. The passage wasn’t long, and soon the ground began to slope upward. At the top, Aiden pushed a hidden knob embedded into the stone wall. The ceiling shifted and opened up to the sunset-shrouded sky and the familiar trees of the Forest towering over us, my old friends.

  Stepping into the Forest again felt like being granted breath; it bathed my senses in the scent of pine and earth, the sound of the swaying branches, and the feeling of coming home. The trees opened in invitation for us to step inside, where a single path awaited us.

  Aiden led me down this twisting path. I glanced behind me and watched the trees rearrange themselves to not only swallow it up but mask the palace from view. A strange sense of loss filled me to no longer see it.

  The last time I’d been in the woods, I’d been wandering lost in the storm before the pathways finally guided me to the palace. Now that I was leaving it behind, I realized that the Forest had taken me to a destination far different than I’d imagined: not to the palace, not to the Princess Competition, but to Aiden, and with him the experiences that had forever changed me. It was only by trusting the Forest’s ever-changing paths, despite not knowing where they were leading me, that I’d experienced such a remarkable journey.

  We walked deeper through the trees, but I no longer noticed the gorgeous colors and scenery, conscious only of Aiden’s presence beside me. He was here. No matter how many times I pushed him away, he kept returning. I knew he always would. Despite the moments he’d hurt me, I could no longer imagine being without him.

  He helped me over a log, the heat of his touch lingering around my waist. I rested my hands on his shoulders and stared into his dark eyes, full of sweet concern. “Will you be happy, my Eileen?”

  How could I? Now that I’d met Aiden nothing would ever be the same. I could never return to the way things were, especially after experiencing the feelings I felt for him. I could never forget them, forget him. I loved him, I’d found him, and if I allowed my old fears to overcome me once more and push him away, I’d always regret losing him.

  Aiden cradled my cheek, his riveted gaze full of fierce adoration. “Will you be happy, Eileen?” he repeated.

  His expression was so earnest. I leaned against his hand, basking in all I felt for him. I loved him; I loved being with him; he made me happy. My life would never be the same without him, not after he’d broken down all my defenses and stolen every piece of my heart.

  “Will you?” I asked him.

  “I can be content if you’re happy. You couldn’t find it with me, so I’m hoping that letting you go will allow you to find what you’re looking for.”

  How could he not understand that he was what I’d been searching for? My heart had known it, but I’d repeatedly ignored its gentle urgings with every bump in our journey together. No longer. My path was not to return to my life in Arador, but to move forward with Aiden, wherever that would lead us.

  I took a deep, wavering breath and stepped closer, bridging the distance between us. I cradled his face.

  “I love you, Aiden. I gave you my heart, and no matter what happens, it can never be taken back. It’s always been yours and it always will be. I now realize I don’t want to go back home, I only want to be with you. I just need Mother to know I’m alright before we can begin our new life together.”

  He wrapped his arms around me to hold me close. “Oh Eileen, there’s nothing I’ve ever wanted more than you.”

  I smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss him, but to my surprise he pulled away, his expression pained.

  “Wait, Eileen. There’s something I need to tell you before we can finally be together, those secrets I’ve been hiding from you that I can’t keep any longer. I hope you’ll still want me after I tell them to you.”

  I clung to him, needing to keep him near. “I’ll always want you.” After the long, exhausting journey to come to that realization, it was one I’d never forget.

  “First I have a riddle for you.”

  I gave a half laugh, half sob. “Another riddle?”

  “The last one, I promise.” He cradled my face, his expression grave.

  The sound of pounding footsteps and crashing branches pierced the reverent moment. Aiden’s brow furrowed as he glanced behind me. He stiffened and in one move he’d drawn his sword and yanked me behind him, just as an entourage of royal soldiers stepped into view, surrounding us with raised swords, their piercing gazes focused intently on me.

  Fear seized me in a tight grip. It had finally happened: I’d been caught.

  Chapter 24

  My heart pounded as I stared at the surrounding soldiers, encircling us like a noose with their sharp swords. I pressed myself closer to Aiden, his warmth the only thing keeping my escalating panic from completely overcoming me. Why hadn’t the Forest protected us? I suppose even its love for us couldn’t override its allegiance to the king.

  “Lower your swords.” Aiden’s words were clipped and full of authority.

  The soldiers obeyed him, lowering their weapons but not sheathing them. I blinked, surprised at the ease with which Aiden had been obeyed.

  “What’s the meaning of this, General Duncan?” Aiden demanded, his expression hardened.

  A dark-haired soldier stepped forward and bowed. “Forgive us, Your Highness, but we’re under orders from His Majesty.”

  “Your Highness!?” Shock pierced my suffoca
ting fear. The soldiers and swords faded from my awareness as this emotion eclipsed me. I could only focus on Aiden. I gaped at him in utter disbelief, searching his black eyes. He couldn’t be…he was just a nobleman. He would have told me…why hadn’t he told me? “You’re a prince? Of which kingdom?”

  Aiden’s face twisted with guilt as he met my gaze. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his hold tightening around my hand. “I tried to tell you so many times.”

  His attention snapped back to the soldiers, a problem more pressing than the shock and confusion raging within me at this revelation that Aiden was a prince.

  “I order you not to touch Eileen,” Aiden said.

  “Apologies, Your Highness, but His Majesty’s command overrules even yours.”

  Aiden scooted farther in front of me, placing himself as a protective shield between General Duncan and me. “I don’t care. I refuse to stand aside and let you take her.”

  General Duncan’s stance didn’t falter as he took in Aiden’s defense and our intertwined hands. “I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I’m under orders to bring her before His Majesty.”

  The regality cloaking Aiden melted away as he crumpled, his eyes full of so many apologies when he turned and cupped my face, pressing his forehead against mine. “Eileen.”

  My whimper escaped as I pressed myself closer, needing to feel the security and assurance that only came from him. “What’s going to happen to me?” I stuttered.

  Aiden pulled me aside to give us a small bit of privacy. “Nothing, darling. Everything will be alright. Trust me.”

  Despite the promise of his words, fear filled his voice. His gaze caressed my face, as if committing my features to memory in case this was the last time we saw one another.

  I clung to him more tightly, desperate for him to remain with me. I’d fought too long and hard for him, for us, only to lose him now. How ironic that the Forest that had brought us together would now become the place where we were torn apart.

  “Don’t leave me,” I pleaded.

  “I’m so sorry, I have no choice. I need to go ahead and explain everything, but first there’s something I need to tell you.” His gaze penetrated mine. “I’m not just a prince; I’m the Dark Prince Deidric.”

  My breath hitched at this second startling revelation. “What?” But his name was Aiden, not Deidric.

  “I should have told you before now; I tried to before but it just never seemed to be the right time. This wasn’t how I wanted to do it.” He ran his fingers through my hair. “I promise to explain everything, but first I need to talk to my father. I’m so sorry for the mess I’ve entangled you in, but I promise I’ll get you out of it.”

  There were so many questions I had, but now wasn’t the time. I stroked his face and he melted against my touch, relieved at my acceptance.

  He leaned down to kiss me but hesitated, as if afraid that my learning his true identity would change everything between us. And perhaps it would have if the old Eileen had discovered the truth. But I was not that Eileen anymore. I no longer feared falling in love, but of losing it—of losing him.

  I stood on tiptoe to meet his kiss. Light, soft, and full of tenderness. I kissed not the Dark Prince but Aiden, the man I’d fallen in love with, and in that kiss I realized I trusted him completely. No matter what happened, we’d always remain together.

  Aiden stared longingly at me after we broke apart before he turned to the surrounding soldiers. The hardness I used to fear filled Aiden’s expression as his regality returned.

  His sharp glare took in every soldier. “No harm is to befall Eileen. She is your future queen and will be treated with respect. Do I make myself clear?”

  Future queen? Me? The panic filling my chest escalated.

  General Duncan bowed. “Understood, Your Highness. Our instructions were only to bring her to the king. Rest assured no harm will come to her. You have my word.”

  Aiden stroked my cheek with his thumb before reluctantly releasing me and stepping back, pain filling his eyes as if he’d just severed himself from his heart.

  I scrambled for his hand, the panic his presence had managed to quell rising again as he pulled away. “Don’t leave me.”

  He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll be alright. I’ll go ahead to explain everything to my father. I promise to protect you.”

  I searched his dark eyes and slowly managed to loosen my vise-like grip. “I trust you.”

  He turned to Duncan. “Remember my orders. You’re not to touch her.” He kissed my cheek before he disappeared down a path that had opened up, a shortcut that the Forest immediately sealed off behind him.

  The fear clenching my heart tightened as General Duncan and his accompanying soldiers, swords now sheathed, escorted me down another trail that twisted towards the palace I’d just escaped from.

  With each step, I struggled to process all I’d learned about Aiden’s true identity. This entire time, he’d been the Dark Prince Deidric? All the unexplained riddles fell into place—why Aiden had enrolled me in the competition for Prince Deidric’s hand, why Aiden had never been present at court during the tasks, why Aiden had been assisting me so I would win…these thoughts and more swirled through my mind as we entered the palace.

  Inside, the marble hallways were abandoned except for an occasional footman. Murmurs and music drifted from the ballroom down the corridor where the final task was taking place. I ached to escape back to the Forest or even to the ball—anywhere rather than confronting the formidable king.

  The sound of laughter and music faded as General Duncan led me down an opposite hallway. My pulse palpitated with each step and skittered to a stop when he paused outside a guarded door.

  “General Duncan to see His Majesty,” he informed the guards. One opened the door enough for him to slip through. I wiped my sweaty palms on my gown as we waited. After a tense moment—during which my nerves flared to life all over again—he returned.

  “His Majesty will see you.”

  General Duncan escorted me into the vast, gilded throne room. Inside, the stern king sat on a gold-and-jewel-encrusted throne, surrounded by guards and his closest advisors, all watching me with sharp intensity. Princess Seren stood beside him, smirking, while on his other side…sweet relief washed over me to see my Aiden. Worry twisted his expression, but his eyes were adoring as always. He strode towards me and wrapped me in the security of his tender embrace.

  “Eileen,” he murmured, pulling me close. I clutched his uniform as I burrowed against him. His breath caressed my skin as he leaned down to my ear. “Don’t worry, I’m explaining everything to Father.”

  I peeked out. One glimpse of the king’s hardened countenance revealed that Aiden’s explanation wasn’t going well. Aiden wound his arm around my waist and turned us to face the king.

  “Your Majesty, may I present Princess Eileen, my chosen bride.”

  I shakily curtsied.

  The king cocked an eyebrow. “Princess Eileen? Not Princess Gemma of Malvagaria? It appears there’s been some deception going on.” He gave Aiden an accusing look. “She’s not even a princess, is she? I’ve suspected something amiss about her. It appears my instincts were correct.”

  I remained silent. My chest tightened; each hitching breath became a struggle.

  The king’s frown deepened as he surveyed us. “So it’s true? You’re nothing more than a peasant?”

  I swallowed and struggled to force words past my parched throat. “Yes, Your Majesty, but I swear it was never my intention…” I trailed off, fear silencing me. Aiden jumped in.

  “As I’ve been explaining, Father, I’m the one who—”

  The king’s hand snapped up in silent command and Aiden stilled. The king continued to stare at me, the force of his accusing eyes causing my heartbeat to escalate.

  “If you’re not a princess, then you’re obviously a spy sent to infiltrate my kingdom.”

  I frantically shook my head. “No, Your Majesty.” But my prote
sts came out as only a squeak.

  “Then how do you explain the presence of a common girl competing for the hand of the crown prince?”

  I pressed myself closer to Aiden. He rubbed my back soothingly. “She knew nothing about the competition until she stumbled upon the palace.”

  The king frowned and shook his head. “Too coincidental.”

  “You’re correct; it’s no mere coincidence,” Aiden said. “I told the Forest to lead her here so she could compete for my hand.”

  My head jerked towards him in astonishment. He’d given the Forest such instructions? My heart fluttered at this realization.

  “Eileen knew nothing about the competition until after her arrival, when I told the guards and servants she was a princess,” Aiden continued. “She didn’t even know my true identity. I had to hide it from her because she never wanted to marry a prince. But I love her and want no one but her to be my queen. I’m just hoping she’ll still have me now that she knows I’m the crown prince.”

  The king’s expression darkened as he slowly rose, tall and foreboding arrayed in his royal regalia. He took an imposing step closer. “Yes, you’re the crown prince, while she’s nothing more than a commoner.” He slowly raked his gaze over me. Despite my elegant appearance, he sneered in disgust. “Dressing her up can’t change her inferiority. She’ll never do.”

  I stiffened and Aiden’s hold tightened. “But she passed all your tests,” he protested.

  “She barely scraped by, undoubtedly due to your efforts, making her unqualified to rule. I only agreed to allow you to break your engagement if you found someone just as eligible as Princess Rheanna to marry.” He glared at me and I withered beneath it. “You agreed to choose a true princess, which this girl clearly is not.”

  “She’s just as eligible as the other candidates,” Aiden said. “If the terms of our agreement were that my chosen bride were of noble or royal birth, then you’d be correct, but instead you merely dictated I marry someone shown to be eligible within the confines of the contest you designed, something her participation in the contest has proven. There’s no law forbidding the crown prince from marrying a commoner.”