A Trial of the Heart (Valdor #2)

Chapter Eight

“A re we finished yet, ladies?” Castor’s foot impatiently tapped against the floor on his side of the secret door. “The festivities have already begun, and our absence will be noted if we don’t hurry along soon.”

“Perfection takes time!” Idris snapped back through the wall. “If anyone makes a fuss, you can blame it on me. They won’t sneer or ask questions as to why I’m moving so slowly.” The final pieces of my hair fell into place as Idris stepped back. “I have to say, Skylar, this is my best work yet!”

I grasped the bottom skirt of my deep purple fitted gown and walked over to the mirror next to the doorway.

“I-Idris. Is that me?” This was hands down the most glamorous gown I had ever seen, let alone worn. I was practically speechless, and the fact that Daxton had given instructions to have this specially made for me made it all the more special.

I twirled in the reflection, gawking at the beautiful, vivid amethyst and silver sparkling gown that hugged the curves of my hips perfectly before flowing out behind me in a long, delicate train. The sheer glittering fabric mimicked a second layer of skin around the neckline and sleeves, holding microscopic gems that made my fair skin sparkle to life in the reflection of the fae lights. The slit along my right leg ended just above my upper thigh, adding a sensual, captivating aspect to the bewitchingly beautiful design. The purple fabric opened in a deep V between my breasts, highlighting them in an elegant yet still alluring way that would undoubtedly catch the attention of any eyes glancing my direction. Idris pulled half of my hair back using the hairpin I was gifted in the marketplace as the accent to finish her design.

“You love it?” Idris asked, circling me.

“How could I not?” I gasped. “You look amazing as well, Idris.”

“Obviously,” she said with a brazen smile.

Her flowing gown was a deep crimson color, tightly fitted and stretching wide over her very pregnant belly. It dropped into a similar deep V-cut, exposing the entire length of her back from the nape to her hips.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Ready,” I answered, steadying my nerves and preparing myself to enter the Aelius court. And trust me, I knew it was not for the weak of heart.

I opened the secret door to find a handsome, debonair Castor waiting impatiently for us to join him. He was dressed in a black shirt layered with a fitted silver jacket and elegant black stitching along the seams. Paired with black pants and a silver cloak draped over his right shoulder. The emblem of the three silver mountains hovering proudly above his heart.

In Silver Meadows, if anyone wished to join their army, they had to successfully master the Gauntlet to become a Silver Meadows warrior and earn their first peak. Another was added when the warrior defended their realm, and the third was earned when their actions honored their people. Holding all three peaks was considered a treasured distinction beyond measure.

“You look handsome.” I looped my arm through the nook of his elbow. He grinned and held out his other arm for Idris, who happily accepted and stepped to his other side.

“I’ll be the envy of every male and female in attendance tonight. I have no doubt we’ll likely steal all the attention this evening— Gods above, how lucky you two are to have me as your stunning escort,” he teased.

On cue, Idris and I both smacked him firmly in the chest.

“Ouch.” Castor chuckled. “I didn’t know you enjoyed rough foreplay. That can always be arranged…”

“Castor,” I said in a low warning tone.

“What? I have to get these in while I’m out of Dax and Adohan’s hearing range.”

“He has a point.” Idris laughed as she gripped Castor’s arm tighter.

I could see a look of concern flash across her face, so I tugged on Castor to wait a moment longer before exiting our shared room. I watched as Idris straightened her shoulders, embodying her inner strength and grace.

“Let’s join them,” Idris confidently said, holding her chin high as the three of us walked down the long corridor to where the sounds of music, mingling, and laughter lured us.

Guards at the entrance to the main ballroom stood watch, adorned with lightweight deep green armor. They held up their hands, recognizing who we were, and asked us to wait before entering.

“What should I be expecting?” I whispered to Castor and Idris .

“The usual,” Castor said. “Dancing, conversations, lies, deception, scandal. Oh, and perhaps the occasional fucking in a secluded room out of earshot from the music and conversation. Or perhaps just outside the—”

“So, everything you live for, then, I assume?” I arched my brow at him, and he gave me a half-grin, turning to brush his lips against my cheek as one of the guards switched his gaze toward us. I tried my best to fake my enjoyment, but all Castor would get out of me was compliance. I couldn’t bring myself to return that kind of affection.

“Alright, time for a confession,” I said, swallowing my nerves.

“And that is?” Castor asked, leaning in close. Luckily, he wasn’t much taller than me, so it made our hushed conversations easier to hide. From the outside looking in, it appeared that we were whispering sweet nothings to each other.

“I’ve never been to a ball … or any fancy party like this before.” Judging by the look on Castor’s face, this didn’t seem like a surprise to him, and that somehow put me at ease.

Castor rolled his eyes. “Shifters. It had to be shifters …”

Deciding to ignore Castor’s remark, I was still a bundle of shaking nerves, and my hands began to sweat. Thank the Gods, Castor didn’t notice, or he was trying to be nice and not taunt me about it for once.

The guards motioned for us to enter, and for the first time, I stepped into the Aelius court. The space was decorated with gold splendor that would put even the human king’s treasure vaults to shame. The floor-to-ceiling arched windows gazed out onto the surrounding landscape and Aelius, which was glowing with fae lights that sparkled against the darkening evening. The high vaulted ceiling was painted a deep blue, almost black, with dustings of gold specks that danced along the textured surface. The starry sky decorated above our heads trickled down into the white walls, slowly fading into gold designs that flickered like starlight. Large columns stood between the windows, and the same black thorny vines decorated the spiraling pillars. As we entered the massive room, the music slowly sank into the background while all the High Fae in attendance turned their attention toward me.

“Did I mention I don’t do well in situations like this?” I murmured while Castor released Idris and wrapped an arm around my middle, practically dragging me forward into the room.

“You’ll learn,” he said. “I’m a fabulous teacher, and I won’t let you tarnish my reputation. Now walk, one foot in front of the other. There you go.”

We passed through the crowded space, and each High Fae who met my gaze immediately dropped their heads in a show of respect. I blushed, “I still don’t understand why they’re all looking at me like this.”

Idris leaned in from Castor’s other side. “You still don’t get it, Skylar?”

“Clearly,” I mumbled, but she didn’t seem to hear me.

“You represent hope for all of us. For the first time ever, a shifter has volunteered to enter the trials. News of your resilience from your experience with the hunters has traveled with you here to the Inner Kingdom. For the first time in centuries, our people dare to dream of a life without the wilt.” She paused to look down and lovingly caressed her growing belly. “We have hope that our children will be born, never having to live in a world filled with fear, never being locked in a cage. ”

My heart stilled at her genuine words and heartfelt confession. I had become a beacon of hope for our world by simply doing what I believed was right.

“Are you beginning to understand?” Castor turned to look at me as reality of this finally sank in. I was about to say something when a grand melody erupted around the space, drawing our attention.

Idris removed herself from Castor’s company as she marched to the far side of the room. We both hastily followed in her footsteps, and I could see what she was pacing toward. At the opposing end of the ballroom was a raised platform with a set of five steps leading to a single golden throne where Minaeve, the High Queen of the Inner Kingdom, sat with her three high princes surrounding her.

Minaeve’s elegant black dress flowed alongside her golden throne, decorated in vibrant green and golden gems that sparkled when she shifted in her seat. The exposed front of her gown dropped below her navel, clinging tightly to her silhouette, highlighting the seductive feminine curves of her thin frame. Her luminous turquoise eyes popped against the colors painted on her tanned skin that shimmered with a magical glow. Wavy jet-black hair held a golden crown with three small glimmering translucent gems that sparkled like stars in the night sky.

There was no denying the high queen’s beauty, but I knew it only ran skin deep. The singular throne was a reminder to all those in attendance that Minaeve was the sole ruler of the Inner Kingdom. She alone was the leader, and although each prince held their own territory and power, they were all at her mercy.

“Very subtle,” I said under my breath.

As the crowds parted, I noticed Adohan seated on the lowest step. He wore the same-colored attire as his mate with an elongated open-chested vest and fitted black pants. His golden armband matched a gilded crown on his brow that shone in the glimmering fae lights as he leaned forward, sensing his mate’s presence.

Adohan’s hazel gaze shot up from the floor as soon as Idris entered his line of sight. I watched him tense as Idris marched straight across the room without hesitation and reached out for him. She knelt next to Adohan on the steps, intentionally ignoring the glares from Minaeve, who sat above them on her throne. It was bold, perhaps stupidly brave, to ignore Queen Minaeve’s presence like that. They shared a sweet, longing kiss, and I smiled at the love they truly shared.

The next high prince on the middle steps directly at the feet of the queen was none other than Seamus. His dark green fitted coat was paired with black pants and knee-high boots, giving him a clean-cut look that I would deem handsome … if it were not on him. Gold thread accented his attire in elegant swirls paired with the same golden crown resting atop his tousled blond hair as Adohan’s.

Seamus’s forest-green eyes were locked on Idris and Adohan with keen interest and, possibly, longing . Was there a hint of jealousy for what they shared?

A mating bond amongst High Fae was highly regarded, sacred even. Could it be that Seamus covertly longed for a connection this deep and profound?

Crossing one ankle across his knee, Seamus leaned back and boldly ran his hand up Minaeve’s leg as he glanced her way. The longing, lustful look hung heavy in his eyes as he reached higher, stroking her inner thigh with his fingertips.

Then—Gods. Mother and Father, help me. I couldn’t bring myself to look past the queen’s throne to the final high prince at her side tonight. I purposely kept my eyes tilted down, not wanting to find the male that would tear away the mask I had worked so hard to build.

Castor was muttering pleasantries to the queen and guided me into a low bow that I executed with absolute perfection. As we rose, however, I could no longer look away.

Discreetly, frost brushed against the nape of my neck. The ice-cold caress on my skin sank into my middle, igniting a blaze that spiraled through my limbs. I recognized his magic instantly and couldn’t fight the pull from my animal that pushed me to meet his gaze. So, I bravely braced myself for the inevitable.

Time stood still as I lifted my amber eyes to the High Prince of Silver Meadows, stoically standing beside the high queen’s throne.

Handsome would not do him justice. He was the epitome of grace and power, something I imagined even the Gods would envy. Daxton’s hair was pulled back, framed by a crown of golden thorns that highlighted his square jaw and jet-black trimmed beard. He shifted on his feet as a lock of his midnight-streaked hair fell across his brow. I waited on bated breath as our eyes locked on to each other. His lips parted as he took in a deep, silent gasp, causing my knees to tremble underneath my skirt. One look from him and my whole body hummed with a melody that spanned across the distance that separated us. It was a song that only we could hear, a tune so sweet and lovely that it made you stop and listen.

This is dangerous . For him. For me. For all of us.

A depth of regret and shame lay hidden behind his storm cloud eyes that stole the breath from my chest. I longed to leap into his arms and kiss away his pains, comforting him as he had done for me countless times before. Fighting the urge to run to him, I forced myself to remain where I stood. I needed to be strong, not merely for him but also, for me. If Castor wasn’t holding onto me, I believe I would have.

“Daxton,” the queen’s voice snaked through the room, snapping us out of our trance and hurling us back into reality.

“Yes, Queen Minaeve?” His words were vacant and distant. Secretly laced with wild disdain and hatred beneath a calm exterior.

“We’ll lead the first dance together.” This wasn’t said as a request.

Silver Shadow stepped to Minaeve’s side from behind her throne and held out his arm. His midnight silk dress shirt was unbuttoned at the top of his collar, revealing an opening down toward the center of his firm chest. Goldstitching, not silver, adorned his attire. It dawned on me that it mimicked the same design Minaeve was wearing tonight.She was purposely putting him on display. Flaunting the fact that she was claiming him as hers.

I could see his muscles tense as Minaeve accepted Daxton’s arm, tracing her hand up his shoulder and lacing her fingers into his hair. She tugged on the base of his neck and pulled him in to kiss her.

Don’t fucking touch him! I desperately wanted to scream.

Watching them ignited an explosion of fury inside my chest. I clenched my fists until they turned white and gritted my teeth so tightly, I thought they would crack. My animal surged with rage and pumped power through my limbs, making me visibly shake against my escort’s steady hold.

Castor gripped my waist, sending waves of his ice magic through me to try and settle my wrath. His hold on me, was the only thing keeping me from charging up the steps and throwing myself between Daxton and Minaeve.

My eyes were ablaze with raw power as my animal continued to supply me with more and more of it, pushing me to help save him. To help in any way I could. Gods above, I was going to…

“This way. Let’s go,” Castor said.

Silently, I refused to budge.

“Now, Skylar!” Castor fronted me, blocking my view of the queen and Daxton. His eyes were black, a premonition of impending death taking hold. He blinked rapidly as the whites of his eyes returned.

“If you walk up those steps…” His jaw clenched. “Champion or not, Minaeve will see this as an insult and kill me as punishment for both you and Dax. Trust me, I’ve seen it.”

“Fuck,” I cursed.

“Fuck, indeed. Now let’s move onto the dance floor.”

Castor twirled me around in step with the vibrant music filling the ballroom. My temper continued to simmer, unable to erase the image of Daxton and Minaeve from my mind. Even with the music and dancing as a distraction, when I closed my eyes, all I could see was them.

I hated Minaeve. I even dared admit that I wanted to kill her. I wanted to win the trials so she could no longer call herself high queen. Dax and all the realms wouldn’t have to bow to a ruler who treated them like playthings or possessions.

Our world was dying, and the people of the Inner Kingdom were suffering from more than just the wilt .

“You’re falling behind, Skylar,” Castor said as he lifted and spun me around in the air before gracefully placing me back on the floor.

“I can’t—”

“You can. And you will.” He spoke as if there was no other option. And to be honest, I couldn’t argue. I knew there wasn’t.

“Look at me,” Castor commanded, and I snapped my eyes to meet his. “Not like that.” He sighed and twirled me around again. “Imagine I’m Daxton.”

“What?”

“Cute.” He rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen the way you look at each other, and despite your reluctance to admit the obvious… I know there’s a connection forming between you both that goes beyond mere physical attraction.” I glared at him, but it didn’t seem to do me any good. “I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who noticed how my brother had to physically brace himself behind the queen’s throne as you entered the room on my arm.” I almost stopped dancing, stunned to hear this, but Castor gracefully countered, dipping me back into a low bend. “We both need to pretend tonight, Skylar. We both must imagine the face of another we wish to see.”

The sincerity in his words caught me off guard. “The face of another?”

He nodded as the music slowed, and he grasped my waist, pulling me close to his chest while holding out my other hand. “Place your right arm on my shoulder, around my neck.” I silently nodded and followed his instructions as we began blending in with the other couples dancing about the room.

Across the way, I saw Daxton dancing with Minaeve until Seamus approached them and bowed to cut in. He respectfully excused himself and retired to the side of the dance floor near the throne. He looked to be far away, finding whatever sanctuary he could inside his mind to guard himself as best he could.

“Focus, Skylar,” Castor cursed under his breath. Right. Focus . I gazed at Castor, trying my best to imagine he was Dax. “That’s a slight improvement.”

I rolled my eyes as Castor turned me around toward another male dance partner, waiting and ready to take my hand. Castor accepted another female, so I followed the pattern, dancing with an array of different companions throughout the rest of the song. The music’s melody was beautiful and relaxing, helping calm my temper.

The final loop of the song began as I was guided to my final dance partner. I stopped, frozen in place and unable to turn away.

Why is my luck always this Gods dammed horrible? I moved into step with my new partner, keeping my eyes cast downward because one look from him would completely unravel me.

Daxton .

I knew I couldn’t just run away. Wandering eyes might suspect something if I picked up my skirt and sprinted from the dance floor.

Daxton took me in his arms and coldly regarded me as a mere nuisance or stranger. He casually grasped my hand, spinning me around until we stepped into frame, moving with the rhythm of the music and other dancers around us. If I didn’t know any better, I would have guessed that my presence aggravated him.

Right now, I was simply a burden … his ward . I was anything but a ray of hope for their world.

Slowly, the melody halted. I slid my right hand from his shoulder and pressed it on his chest to steady myself. I could feel the smooth, sculpted muscle beneath the fine silk of his formal attire as my pulse began to race. I was barely able to move, let alone breathe. His body was rigid like the ice he commanded—but never cold under my touch. I forced myself to tilt my chin up, glancing into the eyes that swirled me into an endless sea of emotions.

There was a glimmer of softness underneath the iron-cold stare, unlocking his hidden world and showing me a window into the depths of his true soul.

I knew the person concealed within—the true High Fae prince who sacrificed himself time and time again to the will of the queen, the sole saving grace of his people.

Daxton was the most powerful High Fae born to the Inner Kingdom, which is why he had to give so much. He was the prince who was promised to unite his people, a selfless ruler who strived to put others first. This was the male I knew.

Dax … my Dax .

“Daxton, Adohan, and Seamus,” Minaeve called out as the music finished.

I clung to the silk collar of his shirt, my fingers curling in the fabric, refusing to let him go. “Dax, I…” The words stopped on the tip of my tongue, but the emotion rang through my gaze as I stared at him.

Quickly, Daxton moved to turn his back toward the queen’s throne and grasped my right hand in his. “Thank you for the dance, Champion .” He took one step back but hesitated to take another, unable to release me just yet.

To everyone else in the room, this seemed routine, mundane even. But to us, this was more . Daxton held my right hand close to his chest as he gave me a respectful bow. Then, as he rose, his lips moved toward the scar just above my wrist—the scar he gave me the first night we met—the scar that never healed, even under the magic of the mage that held me captive.

His mouth pressed into my skin, covering the permanent mark he had embedded into my flesh. Sparks ignited against his touch accompanied by a lick of fire spreading through my center.

Daxton straightened, hesitating to return to the queen’s throne. His back, now turned to me, carried heavy shoulders with the weight of five centuries of torture. Each step he took felt like the world was spiraling and splitting in two.

My mind raced, unable to focus on anything besides the feeling of his lips as they caressed the mark he had made on my wrist. Did I mention before that I have a knack for the worst possible timing in the world? If not, this is evidence of just that.

A hand suddenly grasped my waist, guiding me away from the dance floor amongst a flurry of High Fae that were enthralled in their drinks and conversation. I was so consumed with the thought of Daxton that I didn’t even notice who was leading me away from the gathering.

“Hello, Champion.” His smooth voice had a calming essence that aged him beyond his physical appearance. “I need to show you something,” he said, leading me toward a doorway in the forgotten corner of the ballroom off to the side of Minaeve’s throne.

I called upon my animal to help me assess his intentions while searching for Idris or Castor, but as luck would have it, they were nowhere in sight. To my surprise, I didn’t feel anything from her. Great, thanks for the help. I cursed under my breath.

“You don’t need to fear me, Skylar Cathal. It would be foolish to threaten the life of the shifter who is trying to free us from the wilt. ”

“Logically, yes, I agree with you,” I said as I matched his pace. “So, you know my name. Is it not polite that you share yours with me?”

“Curious, are we?” He released a lighthearted, humorless chuckle. “Care to take a guess?”

I looked him over, carefully calculating how to navigate the game of the courts with this key player. All right, Castor, let’s see what I can do. “You’re wearing a long green dress coat that matches Prince Seamus. That tells me you’re a member of the Aelius court and likely high on his list of trusted associates due to the intricate fine detail of your clothing.”

“You catch on quickly.”

I attempted to detect his scent, but realized it was shielded. “And due to your magical barrier protecting you, you have other gifts as well.”

“Can you infer what they are?”

“You’re from Aelius … so naturally, you possess a power of the mind.”

“Yes,” he said as we reached a door.

I stepped away, uncomfortable with the idea of going somewhere alone with him. “Your name,” I said. “Give me your name, and I’ll consider going with you.”

“You’ve already assessed enough information to take a guess at my identity, have you not?” He interlocked his hands behind his back, cocking an eyebrow of anticipation in my direction.

His lean, muscular frame that gave him a unique sense of gracefulness I hadn’t seen before. His deep-set blue eyes were cunning, ever calculating, and draped under a mesh of midnight-black hair hanging below his brow. I took note of the softness of his hands. Indicated that he was not a battle-hardened warrior but possibly a warrior of a different kind.

A scholar .

“Rhett Parmeet.”

A moment of silence passed between us as an unabashed grin adorned the corner of his mouth. “Very clever, indeed.” He reached for the handle of a door and opened it. “After you.”

What would it say about me if I blindly followed his lead?

So, I tried once more to listen for my animal. Nothing— Really? Seriously? Come on . I sighed, gritted my teeth, and pushed back my shoulders to give the illusion that I held no ounce of fear. “How long will this take?”

“Long enough to go unnoticed, if you don’t dawdle,” he said in a calm, even tone. “And enough time to accomplish our intended task.”

“Which is?”

“You’ll have to step inside to find out,” Rhett said, his hands still folded behind his back.

I nodded and boldly followed his direction, entering the doorway and stepping through. Rhett followed, waving his hand to illuminate fae lights that hung along various columns. Endless stacks of books and trinkets lined the shelving on the walls, surrounding a single stand in the center. I was overwhelmed by the vast collection of texts that towered over my head, seeming to continue with no end.

I gasped as I raced toward the books on the shelves, delicately tracing my fingers over the spines, reveling in their presence. I could spend years here and never tire of the endless stories and knowledge I could learn from the pages of wisdom I eagerly wished to devour.

“You’re an admirer of knowledge as well?”

I nodded as I inhaled a deep breath to take in the delicious aroma of the room. Awakening a feeling of peace and fullness inside my soul. Books always had a distinct essence that called to me. The knowledge locked away in these pages was a gift. Something to be cherished and protected.

“You’re their keeper?” I asked with a piqued interest.

“Yes,” Rhett said as he strode to the center of the room. “That, along with various trinkets I’ve collected over the years. Each has its own story to tell, and not only the written words.”

“Your gift.” I recalled that Rhett could see the past of an object just by touching it.

Rhett nodded as he moved to the stand in the middle and beckoned me to join him. “This is what I wanted to show you.”

I rounded the book stand and gazed upon a scroll that appeared to be centuries old. “What is this, exactly?”

“Pull back the left sleeve of your gown. You seem to be a clever female—I’m sure you’ll notice the similarities.”

I did as he said and exposed my arm where the champion’s mark flared to life across my skin. “It matches the seal.” I slowly reached out to touch the scroll.

Rhett moved in a flash and firmly grasped my wrist. “Please, don’t touch it.”

Although he was firm, I knew I could free myself if I wanted, and his grip didn’t cause me harm. I could sense that this was merely a warning, and he didn’t intend to hurt me.

“What is this?” I asked again.

“This, dear Champion, is the scroll of the Heart of Valdor.” Rhett released my wrist and very gently waved his hand over the scroll, using his magic to unroll the parchment so it was fully exposed to the fae light .

“The Trials of the Heart of Valdor.” I gasped at the black star design that adorned my skin and how it was identical to the three on the scroll. Next to each star held a title, alluding to aspects that each trial would entail.

The trial of the mind. The trial of the body. The trial of the soul.

“This enchanted parchment is linked to the Heart of Valdor,” Rhett said. “The first trial is described here.” He directed my eyeline to the writing near the star closest to the top.

Alone, you will enter the world of the labyrinth. It will invade the confines of your mind and test the strength of your resolve in the face of your fears. Your logic will be tested along this singular path, but the challenge is that you must never abandon your goal nor turn back. A choice must be made against the terrors that haunt your waking dreams. Once you reach the end, the true limits of your sanity shall be tested, and you must cross the divide. The choice will be yours to decide… obtain the key—or die.

I read the passage over and over again, trying to memorize each word written and decipher the meanings behind them.

“We’ve studied this for nearly five centuries. I doubt you’ll uncover anything new in the minutes we have remaining here.”

“I’d hate to blindly agree with you… and we both end up being wrong.” I shot Rhett a menacing glare as I read the scroll one final time. “Why show me?”

“I have my reasons,” he said plainly. “Once you complete the first trial, the first star will fill in. When the trinket or key is retrieved and touches the parchment, the second description will appear.” He pointed to the second star in the middle of the page.

“How do you know that? ”

“Because the last shifter, Stark.” Rhett became still as he cleared his throat. “The last champion was the most successful thus far. Reaching what we believe was the divide dictated at the end of this description.”

I recalled Castor’s retelling of what happened to Stark, knowing they all heard his grotesque, agonizing screams of death. I understood Rhett’s unease with the subject. Hearing anyone’s final screams of agony was unnerving.

“How do you know the previous champion almost made it?”

Rhett pointed to the outlined star of the first trial on the scroll. “Because the first star on the page began to fill in.”

There were countless questions spilling into my mind. I didn’t know where to begin. This scroll was connected to the magic of the trials, and apparently, after each key was retrieved, the next clue was revealed.

“What—”

“Skylar!” Castor’s voice cut into the room. He shot Rhett and me a frigid expression that sent a chill down my spine. Daxton might be the terrifying Silver Shadow, but this was a firm reminder that Castor wasn’t far behind.

“Hello, Cas. I didn’t know I was going to enjoy your company this evening. What a treat,” Rhett said.

My eyes darted between the two of them, sensing unspoken tension brewing in the room.

“Rhett,” Castor sneered as he strode toward me. “Come on, Skylar. Your absence has been noticed.” He glared at Rhett with daggers in his eyes that reminded me of a scorned lover.

“Such hostility,” Rhett snickered with a calm demeanor, which I had no idea how he was able to pull off. The look on Castor’s face made me uneasy. “You know I only have our champion’s best interest at heart. I show each of them this scroll before the trials.”

“Yes, but never alone,” Castor rebutted.

“True.” Rhett moved from behind the stand of the scroll and fronted Castor. “I apologize. I should’ve asked you privately first if she could accompany me. I was unaware of your … attachment to her?” A sly grin appeared on the side of Rhett’s mouth.

Privately? What was he aiming at here?

“There’s no need for that, Rhett.”

“Oh, why? It was such fun last time,” Rhett said as he boldly stepped toward Castor and me. “We both seemed to be enjoying ourselves amongst the mass entanglements of our various companions. I certainly have fond memories of the occasion.”

Castor’s jawline tightened. “As I said before, there’s no need for us to speak privately.”

Rhett scoffed, frowning like a disappointed child. “Such a shame. Your reputation in the bedroom did precede you.”

My eyes widened. Oh shit. Okay, then.

Castor growled a low, threatening warning at the back of his throat in reply.

Yep, that answered my question.

The music changed in the other room. Trumpeting sounds consuming Rhett and Castor’s undivided attention. “Well, the nightmare of a spectacle is about to begin,” Rhett muttered under his breath. “You two better hurry along. This night is just beginning.”

With out saying another word to Rhett, Castor gripped my arm and led me out of the hidden library.

“What was that about?” I couldn’t help asking, even as Castor threw me a glare that told me to keep my questions to myself. “Cas— ”

“A regret from a drunken night with barrels of wine and multiple willing partners wanting to lose themselves in each other’s company.” He cocked his head in my direction as we continued our way. “Do you really need me to elaborate on this? Do you truly not know what an orgy is?”

My brow shot upward. “Nope!”

“ Ha, ha , ha . Such a prude.” He snickered. “We can address this later, but right now, we need to find Idris.”

“Why?” I asked as we re-entered the ballroom.

“Because the offerings are about to begin.”