by Cait Marie
“You think she did?” Phillip asked, his voice rising in clear frustration.
“No, you don’t understand.” Lee looked up. Leaving Ada was the hardest thing he’d done in the past century, and now he’d done it twice. “I told her I didn’t want her growing old without me. It’s why we were falling apart—why I left…”
Understanding dawned in Shane’s eyes. “She doesn’t blame you for what happened in Rayerna. Or for her immortality. No one does.”
Except Lee. He knew it was his fault. All of it. If he hadn’t left her in Rayerna, she wouldn’t have been kept prisoner by Michel. She might not have figured out that sacrificing herself would break the curse. She wouldn’t have become immortal. He wouldn’t have killed Ren. The never-ending spiral threatened to consume him, but Phillip’s hand went to his shoulder, grounding him.
“She’s upstairs.” Phillip nodded toward the door. “Talk to her. Stars, you don’t even need to talk. Just be there for her.”
“She’d probably prefer you didn’t talk actually,” Shane said, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
The corner of Lee’s mouth twitched before he could stop it. He looked over at Kal and Karey.
“We’ll watch over them,” Shane repeated. “Go.”
Straightening his shoulders, Lee walked out of the room without another word. He moved quickly through the halls and up the familiar stairs. Not much had changed in the castle in the last century and a half. The third floor of the residence wing remained a deep burgundy on the top half of the tall walls with wooden paneling below, and lanterns burned at regular intervals between the doors. Outside, the sun had long since set. The castle was quiet—still in the night. He reached Ada’s door and paused.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this, and he didn’t know how to make it better for her. Shane was right, Lee had nearly a century and a half to get used to being immortal. Except it wasn’t something anyone could just get used to. It got easier, especially while out at sea with his crew. Living the life of a pirate had occupied his time and mind, but he never got over the pain of not being able to settle down.
He could have that now with Ada. He knew that—wanted that. But he didn’t want this life for her. Immortality was a curse he didn’t wish upon his worst enemies. To watch those they loved grow old and die… it didn’t get easier. She’d have to watch Shane and Phillip’s lives continue, just as he’d have to see his crew go on without him. Yes, they would have each other, but he worried that wouldn’t be enough for her when everyone else was gone.
With a deep breath, he knocked and waited, but Ada didn’t answer. Looking around, he met the eyes of one of the guards outside the former king’s door. “Is she in here?”
The man nodded. Even with his absence over the past few weeks, no one questioned his presence. Gossip spread in a castle like wildfire, and he had no doubt all of the staff knew of the captain spending all of his time with the princess while there. At least they didn’t know of his history of stealing from this very kingdom throughout the years.
Turning back to the door, he opened it slowly and peered in. By the light of the crackling fire, he saw her huddled up in bed. He closed and locked the door behind him before stepping into the room. When she didn’t so much as move, he toed off his boots and began climbing into bed behind her. The mattress dipped under his weight as he slid in close to wrap an arm around her waist.
Before he knew what was happening, she flipped over, dagger in hand. She pressed the blade to his throat while a knee dug into his stomach and her hand pinned down his arm.
“I don’t think that will do much good, love,” he said, not budging. While she’d startled him, he couldn’t help but be proud of his fierce princess. He was glad she knew how to protect herself.
Her eyes widened with recognition and then narrowed with anger. She didn’t retreat. Instead, she stayed poised over him, her chest heaving with each breath.
Slowly, he reached up with his free hand and plucked the knife away. He tossed it to the bedside table, holding her gaze in the flickering light. Stars, he missed those deep blue eyes.
Palpable tension lingered between them until he couldn’t take it anymore. Wrapping his fingers around the back of her neck, he pulled her down to him. Her mouth crashed against his as she shifted to straddle him. With the absence of her knee digging into him, he sat up, bringing her with him. One hand slid into her hair while the other wound around her back, holding her as close as possible.
She pushed him back. “You left me.”
Anger radiated off her, but he could see it warring with desire.
Resting his forehead against hers, he closed his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“No.” She moved away from him, sitting back on her feet. “You don’t get to just crawl back into my bed with an ‘I’m sorry’ and act like that takes care of everything.”
The venom in her words cut deeper than any blade. It pierced his heart. “I…”
As he trailed off, she shook her head and moved from his lap. “If you don’t want to be here, just go. Don’t stay because you feel guilty or because I’m your only option now that I’m immortal too and no one else is.” Her voice shook, and she crossed her arms, turning her head away from him.
“Adalina, stop.” He tilted her chin up as he moved closer. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
“You sure have a funny way of showing that.”
He supposed he had that coming. She’d told him she would go with them to the southern islands, but she was still in shock from coming back to life. For once, he wanted her to put herself first and take the time she needed. Knowing she wouldn’t, he’d left without telling her.
And it had pained him more than words could describe.
“I didn’t want this life for you,” he went on, ignoring her jibe. His voice lowered to a whisper, and he took her hand. “But my feelings have not changed.”
When a tear rolled down her cheek, he wiped it away gently. He leaned forward to brush his lips over the spot. He kissed her other cheek next, then he moved to her mouth. It was a sweet kiss, so unlike their earlier desperation.
Meeting her gaze, he said, “I love you, blodau.”
Letting out a shaky breath, she moved to lie back down. Lee followed suit, smiling when she curled up against his chest. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head. Her hand lay splayed across his chest, and he traced swirling patterns across the smooth skin of her arm.
“We’ll figure this out,” he whispered. “Just like we always do.”
Though it had been less than a year since he’d found her on his ship, it felt like she’d always been a part of him. Like everything had been leading him to her. He thought of the prophecy and supposed that was exactly what had happened.
“I know.” Ada tilted her head back to see him.
He brought a hand to her jaw, voicing his biggest fear. “No more sacrifices though.”
“Lee—”
“No,” he cut her off, unable to hear whatever argument she had planned. The thought of losing her again ripped at his very soul. When she’d fallen in his arms weeks ago, something broke inside him. “Promise me, Adalina. If we find a way… I can’t lose you like that. Not again.”
Nodding, she lowered back down to rest her head on his shoulder. “I promise.”
He heard the lie, but let it go for now. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for the people she loved. But he’d move the stars above if it meant saving her. They didn’t know why her sacrifice didn’t hold. He did know, however, that she’d continue searching for a way to make it happen—to set him free. He tightened his arm around her and pressed another kiss to the top of her head. He didn’t want this curse broken if it meant she wasn’t in his life.
Chapter 5
Shane
Shane took Melanie’s place on the corner of the cot when she stood.
“This is Shane,” she said to the small children. “And his friend, Phillip.”
; The little boy sat up, rubbing his eyes as he looked at Phillip with a flicker of recognition.
“We’ve met before.” Phillip knelt beside the bed. Melanie quietly told Shane she was going to get some water and clothes to clean them up.
“No,” he said. “Prepare the room next to mine. They don’t need to stay down here. We’ll bring them up.”
“Of course, your Majesty.” She gave him a warm smile before leaving them.
A small hand tapped his arm, and he turned to find big blue eyes staring at him. “My brother’s sad.”
Shane felt his entire heart melt as he took in the little girl who couldn’t be more than four or five years old. “What’s your name?”
Lee had said their names, but Shane wanted to make sure.
“Karey.” She pointed to her brother. “And he’s Kal.”
The boy moved closer, as if he meant to protect her from this stranger, but he still didn’t speak. They reminded Shane so much of him and Adalina. He turned to fully face Kal, willing him to see the truth in his words. “You’re safe now.”
Kal stared at him for a long moment. He looked a year or two older than Karey, but it was hard to tell with how small they were. It was clear they hadn’t had proper nourishment in a while, if ever.
His sister’s yawning broke the silence.
“Come on, let’s get you two up to bed.” Shane got to his feet. When Karey stood with her arms in the air, he chuckled and picked her up. She immediately rested her head on his shoulder. He held his free hand out for Kal and waited.
On the other side of the bed, Phillip raised with a smile. He’d watched the entire interaction without saying a word.
When Kal finally took Shane’s hand, the king let out a breath. He knew what it was like to feel alone in the world with the responsibility of taking care of a younger sibling. After Shane and Adalina’s mother died, it was the two of them against the world. They had the Lavens family, as well as Melanie, but most of the time it was just the two of them and Phillip. He remembered looking after her—worrying nonstop.
Walking upstairs, he knew he’d do anything he could to make sure Kal never felt like that again.
Halfway up the first flight of stairs, Kal slowed, and Phillip paused to carry him the rest of the way to the third floor. The room beside Shane’s stood open, and they met Melanie inside. She’d managed to find some small clothes and prepared a bath. But Karey was asleep in his arms by the time they reached the bedroom.
“Looks like someone’s attached,” Melanie said with a grin, directing them to the bed.
He didn’t know if she meant him or the girl, but he nodded all the same. Laying Karey down, he brushed blond curls from her face. Her eyes fluttered open, and with the sweet smile she gave him, he knew this child already owned his heart.
“Will you make my brother better? I don’t want to be sad anymore.”
Leaning forward, Shane pressed a kiss to her forehead and pulled the covers over her. “Yes, sweetheart. Everything is going to be fine now.”
He glanced up to see Phillip tucking in Kal on the other side.
“Where’s Captain Lee?” Karey asked.
“He had to take care of something, but he’ll be here tomorrow,” Shane said.
“Promise?”
Though Karey had asked, it was Kal who sat up and watched them as if he wanted the answer.
Shane rounded the bed and sat down beside the little boy. He’d seen the guilt in Lee’s eyes when they talked about Adalina and knew he wouldn’t leave again anytime soon, but Shane didn’t want to make promises he couldn’t keep. “He will come see you tomorrow. But if he can’t stay, you’ll still be taken care of. That I can promise.”
Kal raised up and wrapped his arms around him. Shane held him tight, rubbing circles along his back like he used to with Adalina when she was upset or scared.
“You’ll be here too?” Kal whispered.
Shane met Phillip’s eyes, remembering what Lee had said about the boy not speaking the entire trip here. He could see the same heartbreak he felt reflected in Phillip’s gaze. “I’ll be here.”
He hugged Kal once before gently pushing him back down to the bed. With the covers pulled up, Shane stood to leave.
“I’ll stay with them,” Melanie said, pointing to the nearby sofa.
“Thank you. If you need anything, please come get me.”
Taking Phillip’s arm, he headed to the door. He paused to look back and found a set of blue eyes watching him. Shane nodded, said goodnight, and then opened the door, releasing Phillip. But Phillip didn’t leave him. He followed the king into his room and lit a couple lanterns.
“Kal and Karey… they’re…” Shane said, covering his face with both hands as he took a seat on the edge of his bed.
Gentle fingers pulled his arms down.
“They’re us—Ada and I,” Shane whispered.
Phillip erased the distance between them, his breath tickling Shane’s lips as he spoke. “I know.”
Shane pulled him closer. They’d only been together a few weeks, but with each stolen moment behind closed doors, Shane grew bold and more confident. It had made him nervous in the beginning, kissing his best friend. Now, it felt as natural as breathing.
“Shane.” Phillip pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. “If I don’t go now—”
“I know,” Shane cut him off. They’d talked about it several times, but in the end, Phillip wouldn’t stay because of the guards in the hall.
“If they suspect, they’ll think I only got this position because—”
“Because you’re sleeping with the king,” Shane joked before kissing him once more. He knew the assumptions people would make, regardless of what did—or in this case, did not—happen in his bedroom. “I know.”
Phillip sighed, rolling his eyes. “You’re killing me.”
Shane chuckled and slowly pushed him away. Seeing Phillip leave each night was getting more and more difficult. He wanted him to stay, but he knew how important Phillip’s job as the captain was to him.
“You know,” Shane said, standing, “you could always leave and then sneak back up through the tunnels.”
It was something he’d given a lot of thought to in recent days. Grinning, Phillip stepped forward and placed a hand on the side of Shane’s neck. He kissed along his jaw before bringing his mouth to his ear. “Very tempting, your Majesty.”
A shiver ran down Shane’s spine. He braced both hands on Phillip’s hips, pulling him closer and kissing him with everything he had. His mouth parted.
And a sharp knock on his door startled them apart. Heavy breathing filled the air as they stared at each other for a long second.
The pounding started again, and Phillip rushed to the door. Shane followed, knowing there was never a good reason for someone to disturb him in the middle of the night. He thought of the two children next door and quickened his pace.
“Captain,” Lord Harold said when Phillip opened the door. The older man looked from Phillip to Shane and inclined his head. “Your Majesty. I’m glad you're both here.”
“What’s happened?” Shane asked, glancing to his sister’s door across the hall.
“There’s been a development.”
Phillip took a step back, letting the man in. Lord Harold twisted his wrinkled hands together as he fidgeted. Shane had always admired the one noble who seemed to genuinely care for their people more than his own status and power. He hadn’t hesitated to ask him to be an advisor when taking the throne. Harold acted grateful, but he could never hide his visible nervous reaction whenever he addressed the king and the rest of the council. It made many of the council not want to listen to him. It made Shane want to even more.
“Please,” Shane pointed to a chair, “sit.”
Harold took one of the chairs at the table instead of the more comfortable seats near the fire. Biting his cheek, Shane sat across from him. Phillip stayed on his feet but moved to stand behind Shane.
“On
e of my men returned from Rayerna.” Harold straightened, clenching his fist as if to stop moving. “King Michel is gathering troops and setting up camp in the eastern fields. They’re prepared and waiting.”
“He’s been gathering his forces for weeks; this isn’t news,” Shane said. “We’re also preparing to fight.”
Harold looked down at his hands. “Half of our fleet is missing, sire.”
Phillip cursed and pulled out the chair next to Shane. Sinking down into it, he asked, “How?”
“Many of the commanders were loyal to your father,” Harold said, meeting Shane’s eyes with a grimace. “They’re refusing to fight for you.”
Shane rubbed at his temple. Detmarya had one of the biggest militaries on this side of the world, but that meant nothing if thousands of men wouldn’t fight.
“We can’t win this battle without them,” Phillip said. “We’ll be slaughtered if we show up with half an army.”
“We might not have a choice.” Shane’s head throbbed.
Since finding out he was the true heir to the Rayerna throne, Loxley hadn’t once mentioned going after the crown, but that didn’t mean they weren’t going to war. Michel had broken the treaty the day he threw Adalina into a dungeon cell.
Shane dreaded this coming battle with every fiber of his being. Michel had been a close friend their entire lives. They were like brothers, and he’d loved the idea of Adalina one day marrying the man. Shane knew that betrayal ran deep, regardless of her new love for Loxley.
They would go to war soon. It was inevitable. He hoped they had enough time to gather those remaining soldiers, but he doubted it. Michel would find out and take advantage of this weakness.
Shane didn’t want to fight Rayerna, but he would destroy Michel for all the hurt he’d caused—all the death. And once he did, he would do whatever it took to see Loxley in his rightful place as King of Rayerna.
Chapter 6
Adalina
Ada paced down the hall. A familiar habit the guards did not question. She had done it nearly every day since returning—each day determined she’d finally go through the locked door. Other than the two soldiers standing outside her father’s room, the hall was empty. Shane had ordered the tunnel entrance barred from the outside, so there was nowhere the former king could go.
