A Trial of the Heart (Valdor #2)

Chapter Nine

“T here she is,” I said, pointing toward the gathering crowd. “In the front.”

“What in the Gods’ names is she doing so close,” Castor cursed. “Hurry, we need to move.”

Sensing the panic in his voice, I followed the frantic pace of his footsteps as we weaved through the crowd.

I knew Queen Minaeve was going to make a public spectacle of Daxton, Adohan, and Seamus this evening. She would force them to bend their knees and grovel to her rule in front of everyone in attendance. Seamus, I assumed, was overjoyed to bow and obey like the good lap dog he was, but not Daxton and Adohan.

To say I was nervous was an understatement. I couldn’t imagine what Daxton and Adohan were feeling.

“Idris!” Castor called out as we reached her side.

“I need to be here, Castor,” she said. Her demeanor reminded me of a slow, crackling ember. Hot enough to burn the skin off your flesh, yet quiet under the raging flames above. Her mate was about to be drained of his magic while she was forced to watch helplessly from the sidelines. She was like a sleeping volcano, ready to erupt and unleash a death sentence on the queen .

“Idris, no, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.” She answered Cas in a low, quiet tone that only a mother could master. The steadiness of her voice was matched by the fire burning behind her deathly, terrifying stare. There was no moving her. She was not going to leave this room unless she wanted to, and we both knew that it was not going to be without Adohan.

I went to her side and grasped both her hands in mine. “Dig in if you need to.” I motioned to our clutched embrace. “I’m pretty tough.”

She gave me a half-smile in return before turning her attention back to the throne. Queen Minaeve had all three of the High Fae princes standing below the steps, facing the crowd. She glided to stand in front of them, and the hairs on my neck stood straight. Daxton was in the center with Adohan on his right and Seamus to his left.Minaeve slid between Daxton and Seamus, lightly caressing both their arms and receiving a cunning, sultry smile from Seamus, while Daxton continued to stare blankly at the wall beyond the crowd.

The silence in the room was deafening. The tension becoming so suffocatingly thick that it could be sliced with a knife. I glanced around at the furrowed brows and grimaces that adorned almost every face in the ballroom. No one wanted this. They all understood that this was a sacrifice unwillingly given, and this time, the queen was making a unique spectacle of it.

“Welcome, my subjects,” Minaeve announced with a soft, sweet voice that lured all eyes to her. I wanted to turn around and hurl into the nearest wastebasket. “Tomorrow, during the new moon, our shifter champion will enter the first trial. As our mother, the sun, is at her apex, the gates to the labyrinth will open, and we shall wait to see if her mind is able to overcome the obstacles.” Minaeve’s turquoise stare slanted toward me, and this time, I refused to buckle or show any sign of fear.

Fucking bring it on, bitch.

Idris’s grip on my hand tightened in silent encouragement, causing me to grin. Minaeve narrowed her eyes, but other than that, she showed no sign of unease.

“If the shifter is able to best the trial of the mind, then she will be the first to do so, bringing our people and our home one step closer to salvation.” Minaeve kept her gaze locked on me as she spoke.

I didn’t know if she expected me to cower or show her praise, but neither was happening tonight. I refused to incline my head or bow to her stare. She was not my queen.

Minaeve curled her arms in front of her and opened her palms to her people, sending a blast of her magic out through the room. Everyone felt the strength of her power pressing on their minds, and I could detect the faint smell of fear sweeping across the crowd.

I watched through gritted teeth as she grinned. She gods-damned grinned . Sickly enjoying tormenting us all and using her magic to force us into submission, ruling over the people with fear instead of love and respect.

Yep, I definitely was not a fan.

“If the shifter fails, however,” she said with an all too confident smirk, “we must wait another century for the trials of the Heart of Valdor to open. To ensure our continued safety, I will accept the submission and offerings of power from the three realms of the Inner Kingdom. Each high prince will freely grant me access to their magic, sharing their life’s blood and powers with me so I may continue to combat the wilt with my magic. Without this sacrifice, I would not be strong enough to continue protecting the three realms, and the wilt would consume us all.”

Wait. Life’s blood? What did she mean by that? What was she planning to do?

On cue, Minaeve summoned a golden chalice and withdrew a long, slender dagger from her thigh. She turned to Daxton, beckoning him to hold out his hand. Daxton’s expression remained unchanged as he reached out and gripped the blade of the dagger himself, slicing his palm and squeezing it over the opening of the cup. Even though Minaeve’s back was to me, I knew she was smiling with her victory. She was truly wicked… a grotesque excuse of a queen. Adohan didn’t falter as he followed Daxton’s lead, with Seamus slicing his palm last.

“With the offering of their life’s blood, a connection is made. The link forged by magic to transfer from their vessels into my own.” Minaeve tipped back the chalice and drained their offerings, not allowing a single drop of their blood to fall to the floor or remain in the cup.

“What now?” I whispered to Idris.

She bit her lip, hesitating at first but eventually whispering a hushed reply, “Now… Now, she uses her siphon abilities to link with each of them and absorb their magic. Their essence, their lifeforce in a sense, is taken from them.”

Memories of Daxton in Solace flashed across my mind, and I squeezed Idris’s hands tighter. “She wouldn’t kill them… would she?”

Idris’s eyes widened, and I knew I had just spoken her fear out loud.

“She wouldn’t dare be that foolish,” Castor cut in. “Killing Adohan or Daxton would instill a civil war. Wilt or no wilt. They have the loyalty of their people and their realms. Silver Meadows warriors would gladly fight and die to avenge either of them.” He smirked, lowering his voice so only we could hear him. “On the contrary, they would greatly enjoy tearing this place apart and shattering the golden throne of the queen.”

“And what about Seamus?” I asked.

“I would throw the party myself if she drained his life away,” Castor said with a humorless laugh. “But that wouldn’t happen.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s Minaeve’s lap dog, her king consort in all ways but the name and title.”

“Why not the title?”

Castor looked around to see if anyone was listening in. “Because Seamus isn’t the most powerful high prince, even though he is powerful…” Castor bit his tongue, struggling to finish his thoughts. “Seamus is the closest to rival Daxton’s strength and power, but my brother is still her main prize. She wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best. And, unfortunately for Dax, that’s him. She’s obsessed with power, Skylar. My brother has always been her desired target for marriage and breeding .”

“But he refused her, right?” My chest tightened as my heart froze. I found it difficult to draw in a breath. My eyes were transfixed solely on Daxton.

“Of course.” Castor huffed, and my heart began beating once more. “Please don’t insult him by thinking otherwise.”

“Adohan will be the first to give his offering,” Idris whispered, trying to hide the fears she refused to voice.

Minaeve turned to Adohan and reached up to cup his dark-skinned chin in her tan, golden hued hands. Idris clutched onto me tighter, practically breaking my skin with the sheer strength of her grip as the queen stepped closer to him, drawing his lips into her own. The kiss was quick, unnatural, and a second later, I understood why.

Minaeve pulled her lips from Adohan’s and inhaled a deep, all-consuming breath. Swallowing in wisps of a red-shadowed figure resembling the Crimson City prince himself. She continued to inhale as she siphoned the traces of Adohan’s magic, devouring the beautiful fire that ignited the depths of his soul.

Adohan dropped to his knees as the queen consumed his essence.

“That’s too much!” Idris yelled as she stumbled forward. I refused to release my hold, preventing her from climbing the steps.

“No. He’s stronger than this,” Castor insisted.

“I’m not leaving my mate’s life to chance!” Idris tried to break free, but Castor stepped in and hugged her to his chest. “No, Cas—” Idris groaned, struggling against his hold as tears pooled in her eyes.

“Idris … Dax won’t let him fall.” I didn’t know what Castor meant exactly, but it seemed to calm Idris down enough for him to keep her in place.

Adohan groaned in pain and collapsed onto shaking hands.

“Enough!” Dax demanded. Minaeve released Adohan and turned her attention to him. “Take from me whatever else you need. I’m at your disposal, High Queen.”

Castor released Idris, and she sprinted to the steps, clinging to Adohan with everything she could. She refused to allow her tears to fall as she tilted her chin up to glare at Minaeve with hatred steaming from her dark, ominous eyes .

“Take your mate ,” Minaeve spat at them. Like Adohan was nothing more than a toy she no longer had an interest in playing with. “He’s given all he can, and I need more.”

And that more was Daxton.

Idris draped Adohan’s arm over her shoulder as a path cleared for them to depart the ballroom. He was weak, stumbling from his loss of energy and power, but his mate was there to support him. The loving looks exchanged between them were heart-wrenching. They were partners, and when one fell, the other was there to pick them up.

Castor and I stayed behind. There was no way I was leaving without making sure Daxton survived this. Even with Seamus eagerly awaiting Minaeve’s kiss of death, I knew she was planning on taking all she could from Daxton.The temptation was too much for her to ignore.

In a flash, Minaeve reached out and pulled on the base of Dax’s neck, bringing him to her lips. Her kiss was more sensual compared to the one with Adohan. She pressed herself up against Daxton, possessively tracing her hands up and down his body, making me smolder with rage. I could see him stiffen as her fingers scraped against the smooth skin on his chest. His palms curled into fists as Minaeve deepened the kiss. Her hands entangled into Daxton’s hair, pulling at the tie and letting it fall freely around his face. She was clearly enjoying this more than she needed, and Minaeve was not afraid to show her people how she could make the High Prince of Silver Meadows bend to her will.

Slowly, the queen pulled away from Daxton. Drawing in a deep breath, just like before with Adohan, she inhaled the wisps of his silver essence. The amount of swirling energy coming from Daxton was brighter and much greater compared to Adohan. It was evident that she was taking more of Dax’s power simply because there was more for him to offer. Minaeve’s skin glowed with a golden hue, becoming even more vibrant as Daxton’s seemed to dim. She was literally sucking the life out of him, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do but watch as she tore him to pieces.

No! I screamed inside my head.

I didn’t know how it was possible, but I could have sworn that I felt Daxton’s pain as my own while the queen siphoned his magic away. Daxton’s groans of pain echoed as he crumbled to the floor, but Minaeve continued drawing from his pool of power. My heart galloped inside my chest seeing this, feeling like I was going to shatter into a million little pieces.

My animal surged inside my chest as Castor frantically threw his arms around me, hauling me toward the back of the crowd.

“Castor! No. Please!” I grunted as he lifted me off my feet, carrying me backward through the gathering and away from Daxton. “Castor!” He muffled my voice with his hand across my mouth.

“Do not scream,” he whispered in a harsh tone. “Do not draw attention our way. Follow me out the back, Sky. I’ll come back for him, but we need to get you out of here now.”

I was prepared to tear through Minaeve myself to help free Daxton if I had to, which was exactly why Castor was forcing me to leave. My heart and my animal were begging to stay with Daxton—to do anything in our power to help save him.

Castor wrapped his arms around me, sneaking toward the wall in the back and finding a side door that allowed us to leave unseen. With everyone’s attention locked on the queen and Daxton, our departure went unnoticed.

Outside the ballroom, Castor dropped me onto the ground and forcefully pushed me up against the wall. His arms framed my head as he stared at me in silent outrage. I could see the look of pain etched into his features, and I realized I wasn’t the only one who was angry. I cursed at myself for being so selfish.

“Cas, I—”

“Don’t.” His dark brown eyes were an endless sea of regret and guilt that suffocated the words I was trying to form. He pushed off against the wall and paced along the hallway before speaking to me. “Go to the room.”

“What? Like hell I’m leaving.” How could he think that I was going to simply drift into the background and stand idly by as that was happening in the next room? It wasn’t in my character to just ignore this. I wasn’t a fully trained healer, but I still had a gift that could help. I needed to help. There wasn’t any other choice for me in this matter, especially when it concerned someone that I cared for.

“Do I need to haul you out of here and tie you to the bedpost?”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.” Castor glared, backing me up against the wall once more. “Skylar, I like you—I really do. But right now, I don’t give two shits about what you want. It’s not about you right now.”

“You think?” I roared back. “It’s about Daxton. I don’t care if I’m safe. I need to help him.” Castor’s stare bore into mine, and for a long, silent moment, neither one of us moved or uttered a sound. I knew this look, all shifters did. This was a dance of dominance. To see who was willing to back down first and bend to the will of the other. Well, sorry, Castor. I was never going to back down when it came to protecting those I cared for. He should have known that by now.

“Please,” Castor finally asked, dropping his challenging gaze. “Just go to the room. Can you do that?” Castor asked with a stern, flat expression.

“I can’t explain it,” I confessed, shaking my head. “I just can’t leave without knowing Daxton will be all right.”

“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do, Skylar!” If we didn’t have to keep our voices down, I knew he would’ve been screaming. “Your death will only kill him faster,” he growled, this time flashing his elongated canines as he did so. “Daxton is my brother. My high prince. It’s my duty to follow and uphold his command, and I was sworn to keep you safe above all else. Do not push me on this and force me to uphold a promise I made to my brother.”

I pushed back the tears from forming in my eyes. Not out of fear from Castor, but from the terror I saw in his eyes for Daxton. Without saying another word, I picked up the skirt of my dress and sprinted down the corridor to our room.

Thankfully, there were no other souls in sight as I stormed through the hall. Reaching the heavy golden framed door that led to our shared quarters, I grasped the metal handle and threw it open, quickly spinning around to slam it shut once more. Racing toward the window across the blue and gold room, I twisted the latch open, desperate for the fresh night air to help calm my shaking nerves. I held my breath as the seconds ticked by for what seemed like hours, and the minutes seemed to stretch on for days. Pacing through the room, I became restless, wringing my hands together and eagerly waiting for my shifter hearing to alert me to anyone coming my way. I hated this, but there was nothing else I could do right now.

My ears picked up the sounds of footsteps in the hall, followed by the scent of fresh pine and mountain air. Daxton. I sprinted across the room and leaped to turn the handle.

“Castor,” I gasped as he and another High Fae male carried an unconscious Dax through the doorway.

“To the side room.” Castor motioned to the other male. They both gripped Daxton’s waist with an arm over each of their shoulders, carrying him carefully across the threshold. “Bastard gave her too much,” Castor cursed.

“Why?” the other male asked. His hazel eyes contrasted against the whispers of silver that highlighted the dark brown hair hanging just below his jawline.

Castor glanced my way, and instantly, I understood why Daxton had freely offered so much to Minaeve. “Adohan.”

I opened the secret door to the smaller adjacent room as the males carried Dax through, carefully laying him on top of the bed. This room held the bare minimum compared to the other, with only enough space for the bed, a small side table, and a dresser on the other side. The walls were a stone-gray color, matching the outside of the castle with an open doorway to the adjacent washroom with a large, plain white bathing tub.

I didn’t hesitate to find my place, kneeling at Dax’s side on the edge of the bed. Reaching up, I brushed the hair away from his face and trailed my fingers across his bearded cheek, waiting and watching for any sign of him waking up .

“Prince Castor, what more can I do to assist you or our high prince?” the male asked, looking at Daxton and then at me.

“Nothing more this evening,” Castor said with pursed lips, clearly more concerned for his brother’s well-being than he was letting on. “Thank you for stepping forward to help, Reece. Dax has all he needs for tonight.”

“Yes, thank you,” I said, reaching out to grasp his hand in gratitude before returning my attention to Daxton. Reece seemed to blush at my thanks, but I didn’t give it much thought. My world was locked on the male lying unconscious next to me.

Bowing slightly, Reece quietly took his leave. Once he was gone, I released my own magical barrier, allowing my scent to fill the room. Castor shifted uneasily, taking a step toward the doorway as my scent swirled and combined with Daxton’s. I hadn’t paid much attention to my own scent before, but it was just as Daxton described it. The warm aroma of burning cedar combined with his pine and winter air, creating a unique balance.

“Dax?” I leaned closer, caressing his cheek in my palm. He twitched, and he released a quiet groan. “Castor!” I gasped.

Castor was lightning fast as he knelt by his brother’s side next to me. “Hey. Looks like I’m still retaining the title of the smart brother.”

“I’d say I agree with you, but then we would both be wrong.” Daxton grinned. He actually grinned, and I couldn’t help but shake my head and release a small laugh of gratitude. “Fuck,” he groaned, “please tell me you have whiskey or something stronger to take the edge off. This feels worse than Gauntlet training days. ”

“Males,” I muttered, trying to smile as he turned his gaze toward me.

Daxton lifted his quivering arm and placed his calloused palm on my cheek. “Found you … Spitfire.”

“Why am I not surprised by this anymore,” I said as I moved closer, trying to assess his condition as discreetly as I could. “You’re ice cold, Dax.”

“That’s not a very nice thing to say,” Daxton said, closing his eyes and wincing as he moved to sit up on the bed. “And here I thought we were starting to spark something. Not the other way around.”

“Good grief. You’ve lost it.” Castor rolled his eyes, reaching out a hand and placing it on his brother’s shoulder. “You gave her too much, you gods-damned idiot.”

“Careful,” Daxton warned. “I will remember how you keep insulting my intelligence the next time we’re sparring. You know why I did it, Cas.” He winced. “Did Seamus…?”

“Yes.”

I looked at Castor as I leaned closer to Daxton, sitting on the edge of the bed next to him. “What about Seamus?”

Castor grunted as he moved to stand at the foot of the bed. “You want me to tell her?” Dax didn’t protest, so Castor interpreted his lack of objection as encouragement. “Seamus will be the one bedding his queen tonight, with perhaps a few others joining them,” he said with a look of disgust. “She gets an erotic high from all the power she siphons. Daxton gave her a larger offering of his magic to not only help Adohan … but to make it impossible for her to expect anything more from him tonight.”

“Smart plan.” I sighed, relief rolling through me knowing Daxton wasn’t going to be forced to spend the night with Minaeve. “Just not the life-draining aspect of it.”

“Well worth it,” Dax muttered, and I didn’t hesitate to agree.

Sitting up on the bed, I began preparing my healing magic. “All right, start getting him undressed, Castor. I’m going to heal you tonight, Daxton.”

“No.” Daxton’s eyes shot open, his stare burning a hole through me. His body trembled with violent convulsions as he forced himself to sit forward, pushing himself upright on his strong arms that held a tenth of his normal strength.

“Yes,” I fired back at him with the same unwavering glare he was shooting at me.

“Skylar, the trials are a little more than twelve hours from now. The last time you healed me after the queen siphoned my magic, it put you into a shifter’s sleep.”

“And?” I countered, defiantly crossing my arms in front of my chest.

“ And I can’t let you jeopardize yourself like that for my sake.”

I stared him down. “What makes you think I’ll be able to focus in the labyrinth knowing that you’re suffering and I didn’t help?” I asked. “I’m beginning to agree with Castor’s insults to your state of mind because you are a gods-damned idiot if you think I’m not going to heal you.”

“Gods be damned, Skylar. This is not a joke,” Daxton argued.

“Do you see me laughing?” I pursed my lips together, raising my brows. “I know it’s not, Dax!” I yelled, this time rising on the bed, so I was even with his eyeline. “I’m well aware of what lies in wait for me tomorrow. I understand the burden I carry not only for my home and my people but for all of Valdor.” His lips pursed together as he silently listened to my ranting.

“I know that no shifter has bested the logic of the labyrinth. That Stark, the last champion, made it to the final obstacle and then turned back… swallowed by some unknown madness or fear that ultimately killed him.” Dax stiffened uncomfortably, his brows pinching together, realizing I knew what happened to the last shifter. “I also know that if I fail, this sadistic cycle of nightmares continues for you and everyone here in the Inner Kingdom. I know that another shifter in one hundred years must leave their home and step into this role I am in now. I know all this, Dax.” I stared him down, unwilling to budge. “And yes , I will still heal you.”

The room went silent. Neither Daxton nor Castor said a word or muttered a sound as seven seconds ticked by like seven hours.

“I can’t enter the labyrinth with the clear mind needed to win if I’m…” I was fumbling over my words now. Great. I swallowed and tried to steady my shaking hands. “If I’m worried about you , Daxton.” I turned away from his burning gaze. Afraid of what he might see or perhaps what I wouldn’t see in return. “I’m sorry,” I muttered. “I’m sorry that I’m not strong enough to push the thought of you aside and pretend that it means nothing.”

“Castor, leave us,” Daxton commanded in a flat tone, his eyes never leaving my face.

Castor nodded and went to the door without arguing. “I’ll ward this room along with the other. If anyone comes looking for either of you, they won’t be able to detect your presence.” Dax gave him a nod of thanks as Castor slipped outside, latching the door shut behind him .

The fae lights in the high corners dimmed, casting us in a shadow that concealed the strong features of Daxton’s tired, weathered face. I braced myself to turn to look at him.

Gods, this demanding drive to protect him was overwhelming, and I didn’t want to fight it anymore. My animal stirred in my center, encouraging me to give in to my feelings and allow all logic to fall to the side. If tonight was my last night in this world, I wouldn’t want to spend it anywhere else.

I held up my hands as I slid closer next to him. “Will you let me heal you? Please, Dax,” I practically begged. “Just enough so I won’t lose my mind with worry while I’m in the first trial.”

I could see him grimace, struggling to accept my request. I knew I was asking him to put aside his reservations to appease my own, and although it was selfish of me, I had no choice.

I saw him nod yes, and I didn’t hesitate to act, fearful he might change his mind. I called upon my healing magic and placed my palms under his silk shirt, resting them on top of his bare chest, concentrating on healing his energy levels.

After a minute, Daxton firmly grabbed my wrists in his hands. “That’s enough, Spitfire,” he said. The fact that he could lean forward without trembling meant I had done my job. “I can manage from here.”

I nodded in agreement, content with the amount of damage he allowed me to repair.

“All right,” I said, but he didn’t release me, nor did I move away.

“Skylar,” he whispered, and I imagined what deeper meaning lay beneath. “You don’t ever have to apologize for who you are or how you feel when you’re with me. The more time I’m gifted to spend in your presence, the more your strength and beauty—both inside and out—transcends past all my hopes and dreams.”

“Dax, I-I…” I was speechless. His quivering hand released my wrists and intertwined our fingers together. “If Castor hadn’t hauled me out of there tonight, I would’ve… I would have tried to kill her.” Gods. Above . I didn’t know if I could, but at that moment, watching him writhe in pain with his life being sucked out of him, I knew I wanted her dead.Seeing him and Adohan suffer like that bore a deep hole in my heart.

“I know,” he said softly as he pulled me closer. Daxton moved his shoulders, bringing himself into the dim light and drawing me in until his lips were mere breaths away from mine. “Trust me. I know.”

I didn’t dare move or even breathe. I couldn’t bring myself to kiss him, even though every fiber of my being was screaming inside to do it. I would wait for Daxton to take the lead, giving him control tonight.

This close to Daxton, I could feel his heart drumming inside his chest. Despite the coldness of his skin, I could sense a flicker of heat radiating from within his center. It sang to me, to my animal, and we were anxious to answer its call. His eyes scanned my features before finding the flower hairpin from Crimson City.

“This is beautiful,” he said.

“Remember asking me what my favorite flower was?” I watched Daxton’s eyes soften as he gave me a shallow nod. “This is it. I didn’t even know it existed until I saw it in the shop.”

“The moondance flower,” Daxton said the name with familiarity and ease.

“You know it? ”

He reached up and stroked my cheek, bringing my gaze to meet his. “More than you know.” The way he looked at me stole the breath from my lungs.

Gazing into his entrancing eyes, I could feel the longing building behind his stare.“What do you want, Dax?”

It was the same question he asked me the night before. I allowed my fingers to trace over his arms and dared to move them toward the opening of his shirt against his chest.

“You,” he rasped with heavy, heated breath. “I want you , Skylar. I’m tired of fighting against my desire to have you, and so gods-damn sick of denying it.” I immediately pulled up my skirt, straddling his waist as his hands cupped my backside, possessively hauling me into his lap. “But…” he whispered.

Well, that’s one way to dampen a mood.