Scars and Burns (No Light Without the Dark #1)

30. Aeron

30

Aeron

L ast I saw her, my Goddess mark burned. Searing into my chest at what felt like a greater degree than my Father’s magic.

I’ve wanted to go to her every single day since. But I can’t. Not with what I know. Not with my knowing of what is to come. I haven’t even allowed myself to go to the forest to see her. Forbidding myself to give into this pull I feel towards her.

If there had been anything between us. Any hope of us truly being mates. It will die soon.

When we arrive in Azaria, I will be announced as Prince Aeron of the Shadowlands. One, I lied to her about my name last we saw each other. Two, I vanished from her after I offered to get to know one another. And three, I am the Prince of the Shadowlands. The son of the one responsible for the raid that she believes claimed her Mother’s life.

She will never look at me in the same light again.

I sit on the balcony of my chambers. Overlooking the Forest of Despair. Thinking about what it will be like to see her again.

She would be a woman grown now. Fully, not just of marrying age. The last time I saw her she was utterly breathtaking. Defiant, unleashed, not willing to be controlled any longer.

I’m curious as to how she’s grown. How has she blossomed over the years? Exploring the darker side of her soul. Embracing the rage that has been lying and waiting all this time.

She will be exquisite.

There is a knock at the door, “Enter”, I say.

Looking over to find my Father’s page, “His Majesty requests your presence.”

I nod, waving them off.

One-on-one talks with my Father are just a bother and a bore now. He knows the people are rising up against him. He just doesn’t know who is rallying them together.

I ensure all his endeavors lead to dead ends. Aemond’s name stayed well out of his thoughts. Never bringing Estelle and Lilliana to his attention.

He has no idea what is coming for him. He thinks his dark forces and shadow magic will protect him. He thinks I will protect him if anything should befall him.

But I can’t. I won’t.

Won’t stand by the man who mutilated my body and soul. He will die by my hands. Slowly. Painfully. Receiving everything he deserves.

I make my way over to his study. Dismissing the page that was there. Entering without knocking. Aside from his title I am in every way his equal.

“You sent for me, Your Grace?” I stand stoic in the center of his study.

“Your Grace? Must we be so formal, my son?”

Ever since I have defeated him and received my full Goddess mark he has acted as if I am the most valuable thing in his life. Prouder than ever that I have become exactly what he created me to be.

Death .

Going on with his life as if he didn’t torture me for the majority of mine.

Clearing my throat, “What can I do for you, Father?”

He smirks at me, “I want to know your plan for the marriage celebration in the Middle Kingdom.”

“We plan to depart in two weeks time. We will come in celebration.”

“And? Is that all? You only plan to come in celebration?”

“I will make myself known to the Princess. She’s known to be very welcoming to flattering. I may only be a year older than Prince Proteus but he is untested. He has yet to see battle or blood shed. He assumes he is secure. His parents will be there, making him feel safe and powerful. He will not know how to navigate the landscape I am about to present to him.”

He hums in agreement, “And what of King Elio?”

“What of him?”

“He will surely sense something to be awry. He keeps a very close eye on his daughter. He has been planning this alliance for years. Do not believe he will not go down without a fight. He will ensure this alliance continues.”

“Well, we will just have to offer him a new alliance.”

He gives me a suspicious look, “You intend to kill Prince Proteus and claim Princess Saphrina as your own.The same plan as before.”

“Yes, is there a problem with that?”

He walks over to me. Standing directly in front of me now, mere feet away. He places a hand on my shoulder. “Not at all my son. I had hoped you would stick to my original plan. With you bonded to Princess Saphrina and the Celestial Realm prince out of the way. The other two realms will be ours for the taking.”

* * *

Our horses are ready and our bags are packed. Aemond is saying his final goodbye to Estelle and Lilliana.

I see him give Estelle a loving and lasting hug outside the billet. I look at them. Longing for that kind of embrace. Torturing myself. Knowing it will never come.

Lilliana rushes over to me. I sweep her up into my arms. She must feel like she is on top of the word. Her standing barely at three feet while I tower over everyone.

“Uncle Aeron, are you leaving too?”, she asks, with her sweet high pitched voice. Arms wrapped around my neck.

“Yes, little flower, I am.”

“Lilliana, it’s Your Grace.” Aemond says, walking over to us, hand in hand with Estelle.

“No, Dada, it’s Uncle Aeron.” She turns her head smiling back at me.

I give her a smile, “That’s right but only you can call me that.”

She giggles as I tickle her tummy. “Hehe, because I’m special?”

“Very.”

“Uncle Aeron?”

“Yes, little flower?”

“Will I ever get an auntie?”

I give her a weary look. Aemond and Estelle are in shock. Surely, the thought was put in Lilliana’s head when she overheard the two of them talking about Dinalia.

“Lilliana, honey -” Estelle begins, but I cut her off.

“No, little flower, I don’t think there is anyone out there for me to make your auntie.”

She gives me a grumpy look. Furrowing her brows together and pursing her lips.

“There must be someone.”

I give her a small laugh. Giving her parents a look. They both look away. Cowards. “Well, if there is. You’ll be the first to know.”

“Hehe, good.”

I set her down. Estelle takes Lilliana’s hand in hers.

Aemond kneels down. Face-to-face with his baby girl. “Now, you be good for Mama while I’m gone.”

“I will Dada. I promise.”

He rests his hand on the side of her face and she leans into it. Caressing her cheek with his thumb before standing. He gives Estelle one last look. Nodding at one another since they both know what is about to happen. Both know the risks.

Aemond turns to me. Resting his hand on my shoulder. “Ready, Your Grace?”

I give him a small nod and smile, “Are you?”

He huffs at me, “As I’ll ever be, Your Grace.” and heads over to our horses.

“You will take care of him.” Estelle says to me. More of a command rather than a question.

I know she is worried. She always does. She worries now more than ever with the state of things and Lilliana getting older. It’s becoming harder to hide the world from her.

“When have I not?” I say flatly.

Giving me a skeptical look, “And you will take care of yourself.”

Knowing that answer is harder than the other. I sigh, “I’ll do my best.”

She smiles and gives me one last hug.

We pull away from each other just as Aemond is returning with our horses.

We mount and turn toward the path that leads out of the Shadowlands.

Then I hear,

“Do not fight fate, My King. Your will, will not overcome our Goddess’s. ”

It’s in my head. Estelle’s voice. She is a telepath just like Queen Freya was. She is very spiritual and has a strong connection to our Goddess which is no surprise as she was trained to be a priestess.

I glance over my shoulder. Using the telepathic skills she has taught me,

“My fate is my own.”

“Is that so? Your mate might say the same.”

We share a look. She’s growing smaller in the distance but I can see it on her face. Knowing who we are both thinking. She knows of Dinalia. And aside from Aemond, she knows me the best out of anyone else in my life. She has been blessed with knowledge from our Goddess.

Of what she will not say.

* * *

We arrive in the Middle Kingdom right on time. The ride was long but not treacherous.

Most of the dark creatures that have emerged, sense our shadow magic and see us as one in the same as them. Leaving us alone as we are not a threat to them. They will fight with us when the time comes.

We ride right up to the front of the gates. My chest begins to tighten. Knowing I am about to see Dinalia for the first time in years. I have to act as if I do not know her. Have to resist the burn of my Goddess mark. Restrain the need to take her into my arms.

Along with hiding the fact that I know King Elio murdered Queen Freya. He of course, said she was lost in the raid. The only substantial life. The rest were soldiers and servants that the common people do not pay any mind to .

We entered the castle. Aemond at my side. I follow the escort with my head held high. I am a prince after all.

I pay no heed to the other servants that scurry away after seeing us. I see the wandering eyes, hear the whispers.

I snicker at them. This is the first time since the division of the three realms that the Shadowlands have entered the Middle Kingdom in peace.

They value life. Cowards constantly trying to defy death. But they cannot escape it.

Cannot escape me.

I stumbled slightly just as we were getting to the grand doors. Aemond looks at me. I know what he is thinking. But I can’t bring myself to care or meet his eyes. Not when I feel it.

The pinch of my heart. The burn of my Goddess mark. The pull of my longing soul.

She is here. She is behind those doors.

The page announces our arrival, “The representative of the Shadowlands, Prince Aeron, son of King Perseus.” The double doors enter. It’s utter silence as we make our way down the grand hall towards King Elio. Princess Saphrina to his left and Lady Dinalia to his right.

I look straight at King Elio. I can’t look at her, not yet. But I see her out of the corner of my eye. The shock, disbelief, and confusion on her face.

She is exquisite.

She’s wearing a high neck gown. Clearly still keeping her complete Goddess mark a secret. I wonder how she keeps it from the servants and those she engages in more personal matters with.

Unless she doesn’t engage.

Her gown is thick and structured. Long elegant sleeves with cuffs that hang low. Cinching at her waist, and although her breasts are small, still showing off her lustful figure. The color of her gown is a sapphire blue embellished with silver accent decor. If I didn’t know any better. I’d think she wore this dress to match my eyes.

But I do know better.

She looks directly at me as I make my way toward them. When we finally reach our destination I glance over at her. A small smirk on my face as I meet her eyes.

Those dark, mysterious, purple eyes that have tormented my mind since I first saw them.

She clenches her jaw and looks straight ahead. Not bothering to look in my direction. Restraining her gaze. Trying to remain stoic.

I look back over to King Elio. Hands clasped behind my back. We stare each other down. Who shall be the first to speak?

A moment of eerie silence passes. Then,

“Prince Aeron, how kind of you to join us in celebration. May I present my daughter, Princess Saphrina.” King Elio says, gesturing to his left. “And my ward, The Lady Dinalia.” nodding to his right. “As grateful as we are for your attendance, is there a reason your Father, King Perseus, is not here?”

I raise a brow at him. So, I am now the true power behind the throne and I am still lacking respect from the other rulers around me. How fitting for the fate that is about to befall them.

“Shortly, after receiving the invitation my Father fell ill. Unable to endure a lengthy amount of travel. He sends his regards and sympathy. Though we had hoped my attendance would be sufficient.” My Father is the oldest ruler of the three realms. Two-hundred ninety to be exact. He had me late in life. Unable to find a chosen wife until my Mother.

“Of course it is, Your Grace. We were just expecting all the rulers to witness the first alliance between realms.”

I glance over at Princess Saphrina. She is glancing between her Father and myself with a worried look on her face. I can’t tell if she worries about the Shadowlings in the castle, given the events of what happened last time we were here, or if she is afraid of her Father and the tension rising inside of him. Then I glance over to Dinalia. She is still looking straight ahead. Boredom splattered across her face. As if she could care less about who from the Shadowlands has arrived and if it harms King Elio’s fragile ego.

Until she feels my eyes on her.

Only her eyes move. I see her take a deep breath. Trying to keep it under control. The muscles in her jaw twitch as she clenches down even harder.

I return my gaze back to King Elio. Who is now eyeing Dinalia. Glancing between the two of us.

Fuck, I lingered on her too long.

Knowing exactly what I need to do to turn the tides of this interaction.

I stand and lift my chin even higher. My demeanor changing and the whole room sensing it,

“Blood for blood, King Elio, blood for blood.”

I look over to Dinalia and give her a slight nod.

King Elio’s eyes widened. A flash of anger overcoming his calm persona. His breathing is heavy. You can hear it in the eerily quiet hall.

Confusion but a sense of realization forms on Dinalia’s face. As she glares over to King Elio.

He whips his head over to her. A warning look in his eyes.

She looks him up and down. Not bothering to hide the suspicion on her face. Before slowly turning her head back to the front.

King Elio returns his attention to me. His pristine facade is back once again. He can’t risk losing control at a time that is meant to be for peace.

“Is that to say King Perseus is dead? ”

Of course he would assume I killed him. I can see it on his face. The murder of Queen Freya still haunts him to this day.

With a small laugh, I say, “No, King Elio, my Father is very much alive. Just not well enough to attend. I do hope you are not offended by my presence.” I place a hand over my chest, bowing my head. Portraying the best amount of sincerity as I can after my last comment. Glancing up from under my lashes to Princess Saphrina, giving her a smile.

She stiffens. Eyes boggling just a bit. Darting around before returning her gaze forward.

King Elio clears his throat, “No, of course not. You are very welcome here. So glad the Shadowlands are accepting of the union and alliance between us and the Celestial Realm. We shall see you all later this evening for the Welcome Masquerade Ball.” He claps his hands together, “Dismissed.”

We all bow as they exit. Lady Dinalia leading the way out to her right with King Elio and Princess Saphrina following.

I look up and watch them leave. Once they are sufficiently out of the hall I rise. My men following my lead.

Another escort walks in, “Please follow me to your chambers.”

Aemond and I exchange a look. A smile spreading across both of our faces as we follow the young escort.