Mutely, I slipped my hand into his arm and followed as we continued to the south wing. What else was I supposed to do? He was right. We needed to get to Finn. The rest could wait.
If the silence was unsettling before, now it was grating. My ears roared, and my head began to ache as my stomach continued to twist into knots.
It was a small mercy when we reached our destination shortly after. We turned a corner after passing two large doors, and my candle landed on a large figure, casting a bulky shadow against the wall as Min stepped toward us.
I suppressed a surprised cry.
“Amelissa,” Min greeted. His presence was a balm to my agitation. “I understand your conversation with the king went well.”
Before I could respond, Erwin cut in, “Not here.”
I pressed my lips together. He was right. We didn’t know who was housed in the wing. Anyone could be listening through their doors.
Min nodded. Without another word, he spun around and walked down the hall, turning down two separate corridors before finally approaching an apartment door. His knuckles knocked three consecutive times before lifting the latch and pushing the door inward. I followed him inside without any reservation. Min had my trust. There was once a time where I never would have trusted a draekon, but that was a different life.
I crossed the threshold, and my steps faltered. Erwin was behind me. He placed a steadying hand on my shoulder to help me regain balance. Once he was sure I was stable, his hand swiftly retreated. I barely noticed. Familiar brown hair, styled in a neat arrangement despite the late hour, had caught my attention. My eyes traveled down and were snagged by kind, disbelieving, dark draekon eyes.
“Amelissa?” Prince Finn breathed. His shock morphed into a wide grin. “I cannot believe it. You’re really here.”
A genuine smile pulled at my lips. I’d forgotten how reassuring Finn’s presence could be. He’d never made me feel unwelcome or bothersome like I’d expected from the powerful royal. From the moment we met, he’d treated me with unfathomable kindness. He and Agent Min were the two draekon responsible for my initial change of opinion for my continent’s superior race.
“Yes, Your Highness.” I dipped into a well-practiced curtsy.
As I straightened, I was caught off-guard to see Finn had closed the distance between us and wrapped his strong arms around me. He squeezed me in a tight embrace, pressing my face against his left shoulder. I had to turn my head to not be smothered.
Erwin caught my attention, and he smirked. That was the Erwin I remembered from Draek. Instigating and teasing. I welcomed his return, and hoped he’d remain. I knew how to handle that version of my cousin.
Finn pulled back, but his hands moved to hold my shoulders. He surveyed me from head to toe, searching for injuries. “You are unharmed?”
“Yes,” I assured him.
He exhaled. “I feared for your safety when I’d heard you were taken by pirates. Even after Min told me it was all a ruse to get you safely out of Draekon, I struggled to believe it.”
Finn may know my abduction had all been an act, but he didn’t know the truth of why Erwin and Brion felt the need to see me to safety.
The prince thought I was a human from Avelin, not an elven-hybrid, descendant of Princess Lassandra. At least, he didn’t know yet. There was no chance he could remain at the palace and not learn my true identity. I was surprised the news hadn’t been revealed during Court dinner that evening, but I supposed the conversation may have been more secretive around the enemy prince.
“I am very well. Lord Erwin has seen to my wellbeing.”
“Ah, yes.” The prince’s eyes dimmed. He briefly glanced at my cousin. “You have my thanks.”
Erwin stood with crossed arms, and a familiar glint shined in his eye. “I did not do it for your thanks.”
Finn stiffened. I intervened before the two began snapping at each other. “What are you doing in Avelin, Your Highness?”
My question drew his irritated gaze away from Erwin. It shifted into a more agreeable expression when it landed on me. “I am here on my father’s bidding. He wants to reopen negotiations with King Aquin for a peace treaty.”
Erwin scoffed.
Finn glared.
I quickly asked, “What changed King Roderick’s mind?” Erwin’s time as an ambassador had come to an end when the draekon king tried to murder him and his team of elves. I wanted to know if Finn would tell me the truth: that he was really here for a more nefarious reason.
I acknowledged that was asking a lot from the prince. He wasn’t the sort to betray his father so easily, no matter the evil acts committed by the king. I would settle for Finn simply acting uneasy about his father’s crimes. He didn’t have to admit what his intentions were, but I at least hoped he’d seem bothered by whatever his father really tasked him to do.
Finn’s face twitched, and I held my breath, hoping I was going to see evidence of a male who could have his mind changed—someone who wasn’t happy with the task he’d been assigned. There was hope for such a male.
But the prince smoothed out his features and portrayed a calm and collected demeanor. Disappointment filled my chest.
“My father’s behavior towards Lord Erwin and his fellow elves was heinous and ill-advised. He regrets what he did. I am here to try and smooth over relations with King Aquin.”
“Oh? And what excuse does your father have for murdering two of my comrades?” Erwin asked, not trying to tone down his hatred for the king and his crimes. I wanted to urge him to act civil, but I couldn’t. The grief in Erwin’s eyes was haunting. He’d lost his friends. None could begrudge him his anger.
To his credit, Finn maintained his composure. “Draekon intelligence revealed a very powerful elf was leading the rebellion. My father believed that person was planted on our shores by none other than King Aquin, himself. He retaliated accordingly. Though, he now regrets his rash behavior and seeks to make amends.”
My heart was beating as fast as hummingbird wings.
A powerful elf?
Could he be speaking about my mother? Did King Roderick know she was alive and leading the rebellion against his people?
I didn’t want to believe it. My mother and father had been leading the rogue group for years. How could King Roderick suddenly learn of her involvement? Had there been some kind of breakthrough in his hunt for the rebel bases? Were my parents all right? Were my siblings unharmed?
I needed to know if my loved ones were okay, but I couldn’t ask Finn. He couldn’t know of my connection to the rebellion. Neither could King Aquin. I wouldn’t give him information about his daughter which could lead to the discovery of my dual-race blood. I wouldn’t let him learn about Lorie and Lin. I couldn’t protect them from all of the dangers associated with being involved in the rebellion, but I could protect them from this.
Finn’s proximity and lingering hold allowed him to detect my panic. “Amelissa?” He spoke softly. “What is it? Are you unwell?”
“Your father has found the rebellion?” The question escaped my lips before I could think better of it.
Finn’s chest puffed out with pride. “Brion and his soldiers have spent the past weeks scouring the Royal Forest, rooting out and destroying every rebel camp they come across. The rebels they don’t kill have been captured and questioned.”
Hearing Finn speak so casually of death made me flinch. I didn’t want to believe Brion would hurt those he found in the forest. My brother had joined the rebellion after seeing me and Lorie taken away by the authority of King Roderick’s Census. So many of the rebels must have experienced similar injustice or hardships. Call me naïve, but there wouldn’t be a rebellion if every citizen in Draekon was treated with dignity and fairness.
There was a social status discrepancy between humans and draekon which led to resentment, and that resentment is what fueled the flames of the rebellion. To punish the rebels for simply wanting to live better lives was its own kind of crime, and I prayed to the god
s Brion would see that and show mercy to the desperate souls.
“And is that how you learned of their supposed elven leader?” Erwin bit out with obvious disdain. “Your father believed the words of peasants were enough to condemn me and my men to death?”
Finn bristled, finally removing his arms from my shoulders. He crossed them over his chest as he faced Erwin. “I assure you; my father’s intelligence was thorough.”
“And yet, you are here to reopen negotiations. Wouldn’t that imply King Roderick had been wrong? That he made a mistake?” Erwin taunted Finn. I braced myself for the fall out of their impending argument. This was not why we journeyed to the palace, but this was a conversation Erwin obviously needed to have. He wanted answers. Or perhaps he just wanted Finn to see what a monster his father truly was. Whatever the reason, my plan to dissuade Finn from following whatever covert orders his father had given him would have to wait. Erwin had unfinished business he needed to see to.
“The only mistake my father made was linking the elven leader to King Aquin.”
“The only mistake?” Erwin shouted, rattling a teacup and saucer on a nearby table. “My men died, Prince Finn. That is more than a simple mistake. It was a crime. Of the highest kind.”
I had to give it to Finn, he was brave. There was no way I could stand so tall under Erwin’s hateful stare and thunderous yell.
I watched Finn’s throat bob, the only evidence he was affected by Erwin’s words.
“You are right,” Finn said through gritted teeth.
“Say that again?”
Finn uncrossed his arms but clenched his fists and pressed them into his legs. “My father never should have ordered the attack on your men. He will never apologize for it, but I hope you and King Aquin will settle for my sincere regret for the actions taken out of my father’s fear and anger. He never should have done it.”
Erwin eyed the prince skeptically. His forehead creased, and his stance was still rigid. But despite his unforgiving posture, Erwin dipped his chin and said, “I cannot speak for the king, but I know I find it refreshing to hear a draekon admit they did something wrong.”
I jumped in before Finn could take offense or Erwin could say anything else which might destroy the pseudo-truce they’d achieved. “Prince Finn, I am sure you are wondering why Lord Erwin and I arranged to meet with you so late in the evening.” It was time to get to the point and beg Finn not to risk starting another terrible war between elves and draekon.
“Indeed.” Finn gestured for me to take a seat at one of the chairs around the table at the back of the room. I complied. Finn sat beside me, while Erwin took a seat across from me. Min remained standing by the entrance.
I took a deep breath, preparing myself. “Your Highness, forgive me for my boldness, but I must speak my mind.”
“You needn’t ask for forgiveness,” Finn replied. “Please, say whatever you must.” He really was kind. I could only hope the words I needed to say would not forever rob me of his kindness.
“Your Highness—Finn, you know I’ve been living on Eelie with Lord Erwin. During my time there, I have come to see a society where elves and humans are treated as equals. The two races get along, and their world runs smoothly. It is the kind of life I could’ve only dreamed of in Caldiri.” The prince knew of the harsh conditions in my home region.
I continued, “There isn’t a limit on the level of wealth or accomplishment a human can achieve on their own. They do not need to link themselves to an elf to gain standing in the world, all they need is their own merit and determination to succeed. It is inspiring, and I greatly admire this continent and their fair society.”
As I spoke, Finn watched me with polite interest, but the more I said, the more confused he appeared to be. When I finally stopped, he nodded. “I am pleased to hear your time in Avelin territory has been so… pleasant. Min’s report of your wellbeing and happiness was accurate.”
Encouraged by his reply, I returned his nod. “It truly is a wonderful society, and one I believe Draekon could emulate one day.”
“I see,” Finn frowned. “Forgive me, Amelissa, but may I ask why you needed to visit me in the middle of the night to sing Avelin’s praises? Couldn’t this have waited until a more appropriate hour?”
I exhaled. This was it. He just gave me my opening.
Steadying myself for the potential repercussions, I finally said what was on my mind, “Because, Prince Finn, I don’t believe your father sent you here to negotiate peace.”
His eyes widened. I pressed on before he could speak. “I believe King Roderick thinks King Aquin is a major player in the rebellion against his rule, and I believe he is determined to eliminate all threats against his person, no matter the cost of life.”
“Amelissa, I don’t—”
“I think King Roderick sent you here to assassinate the elven king,” I interrupted, too far gone to stop now, “And I think you will be making the biggest mistake of your life if you follow through with it.”
21
The silence felt deadly. It was probably because Finn looked at me with the most violent anger I’d ever seen in another’s eyes. Not even when Arlin talked about killing King Roderick had he looked so threatening.
I worried I made a mistake. I’d never seen Finn look like this. What if I’d been wrong about him? What if he wasn’t the levelheaded twin I’d always imagined? What if, beneath his composed exterior, a more dangerous and threatening beast laid within, just waiting to be unleashed.
“Get out.”
I started to rise from my chair, but Finn’s hand snapped out and held me in place. “Not you,” he bit out. Then, he looked up at Erwin and Min. “Get out.”
“Not a chance.” A chair screeched against wood floor as Erwin shoved it back to stand. Heavy hands hit the table as he leaned forward with menace. “You have three seconds to get your hand off her before I rip your arm from its socket.” He looked just as dangerous as the prince, and alarm shot through me. I needed to deescalate this situation, and I needed to do it fast.
“Erwin, I’ll be fine.” I met his eyes before turning to Finn’s. Anger continued to swirl as he watched me, but there seemed to be some awareness bleeding through the hate. “Prince Finn vows not to harm me. Don’t you?” Draekon valued vows highly. To break one would be to dishonor oneself. If Finn promised not to hurt me, he wouldn’t hurt me.
Grinding his jaw, Finn took a few seconds to answer. “I vow, no harm shall come to Amelissa by my hand. Be it this night, or any night.”
Whoa. I hadn’t expected an indefinite vow of protection. That might come in handy when he inevitably learned my mother’s identity.
Erwin seethed. Leaving was the last thing he wanted to do. He glared at the prince, but finally relented. He shoved off the table and caught my eye. “Five minutes.”
I nodded, glad he was willing to walk away without a fight. “I will call out if I need you.”
With one last glare at Finn, Erwin retreated. Min held the door open for him, closing it once they were both in the hall. I knew neither would venture far.
“You’ve certainly captured his loyalty,” Finn commented. I wasn’t sure if it was meant as an insult or not.
“Lord Erwin has been a good friend these past weeks,” I said.
“As good of friends as we once were?”
I hated how my thoughts immediately traveled to our unexpected kiss. My cheeks burned, and I stared down at the table in an attempt to hide the reaction.
“I would like to believe we are still good friends,” I murmured, then peered up timidly. “Or would you disagree?”
Finn sat back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. “I don’t know, Amelissa. The girl I knew never would have openly accused me of murder.”
“I didn’t,” I disagreed.
“Apologies. The girl I knew never would have openly accused me of potentially murdering someone. There. Is that better?” His arms folded over his chest, and he gave me a snarky grin.
> He acted like a petulant child, and I wasn’t amused.
“And the male I knew never would behave in such an aggressive or disrespectful manner,” I snapped back, not caring I was speaking to a draekon prince. At that moment, he was nothing more than an arrogant ass. “I only wish to help you, Prince Finn. I understand it might be hard for you to see, but I only have your best interests in mind.”
“Is that so?” He scoffed, staring at the ground beneath his feet. “Is that why you’ve allied yourself with the elves? For my best interest.”
Since when had he become so stubborn and hardheaded? It wasn’t a flattering look.
I wasn’t sure how to reach Finn. I needed him to hear what I had to say without dismissing it so quickly. I sighed, then leaned forward until my hand rested on his knee.
The prince’s eyes flew up, and his lips parted slightly.
“Your Highness… Finn. Please. Just listen to me. I swear I am not on anyone’s side. I just don’t want to see this world erupt into another senseless war.”
Finn’s attention flickered between my face and the hand on his leg. He licked his lips. “I’m listening.”
I pulled my hand away, but sat on the edge of my seat, leaning towards him. “I promise not to repeat anything that is shared between us tonight. I only wish for us to have an honest conversation. If, afterwards, you are determined to continue this ruse of a peace negotiation, then so be it. But at least I would have said my peace.”
“Understood.”
I exhaled. He wasn’t reverting back to his avoidant or arrogant behavior. That was a good sign.
“You know I left Draekon for my safety. Correct?”
“Yes, Brion had Min tell me what truly happened on the ship.” Finn swung his head from side to side. “I was so angry when I thought Brion allowed senseless pirates to take you away, but I should’ve realized that didn’t make sense. My brother is not weak. He wouldn’t have stood by and allowed you to be taken while he still had air in his lungs.”
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