Brandon Delacourt strode into the library. His doublet and boots were stitched in the latest fashion I had seen all the nobility wearing in Neris. He came up to Rafe and gave a short bow now that we were alone. “Your Highness.”
Rafe smiled and stepped forward, clasping Delacourt’s forearm. “It’s good to see you, Brandon. Thank you for getting us out of that tavern. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to hurting my own citizens.”
Brandon laughed. He was almost as tall as Rafe, though his torso was big and muscular whereas Rafe’s was powerfully built but lean. “Think nothing of it, my old friend.”
“This is—” began Rafe, looking at me, but Brandon cut him off.
“I know who she is.” Brandon stepped forward and bowed briefly before me. His straight, aristocratic nose complemented his square jaw and the cleft in his chin. He straightened and looked me up and down with a piercing gaze, as if I were a prize mare. His knowing stare made me feel a touch uncomfortable.
“I had heard the lost princess of Illiador was alive, but I didn’t believe it until I saw her in person. She looks just like her father.” He turned to Rafe. “I must say I was surprised to see you in my town, Rafael. But I could tell you didn’t want to be recognized. You do know the king is looking for you? Running away from the palace with Princess Aurora was not your best moment. I’m sure Lady Leticia will not be too pleased either.”
Rafe grimaced at this. “No, probably not.”
Brandon looked at me and smiled. “No offense, Your Highness.”
“None taken.” But I was sure I was blushing. “Please call me Aurora.” I peeked at Rafe from the corner of my eye. I hated being reminded of Leticia, and it was a quick jolt back to reality. For nearly two weeks, I’d had Rafe all to myself and become comfortable around him, secure in the knowledge that he was there. But one day he would leave me, return to his fiancée, and marry her.
“How did you know who I was?” I asked Brandon.
“My spies know what information is significant. They keep me apprised of everything that happens in the capital. I received a raven last night with news from the palace. The council has called for your arrest, Aurora. They are saying you have gone rogue and abducted the crown prince.”
“Abducted! Who?” I turned to look at Rafe and burst out laughing. “The Royal Council of Eldoren has gone mad.”
Brandon smiled at my reaction, but Rafe did not look amused.
“And what does Silverthorne have to say about this?” Rafe crossed his arms. “I’m sure my father would not listen to the nonsense ramblings of some insignificant nobles.”
“Silverthorne has tried to pacify them, but they will not listen,” said Brandon. “There is talk that the Blackwaters have returned to Neris and been given a full pardon by the king. They are the ones out for her blood, and they have convinced all the nobles and the king that Aurora is a threat to the whole kingdom.”
“How is that possible? The council must know I could never hold Rafe against his will.” But an uneasy feeling had settled in my gut. What if what Brandon said was true?
“They have a witness who says you had help.” Brandon rubbed the nape of his neck. “They are saying the Black Wolf colluded with you to bring down the monarchy. And the fae are involved in this conspiracy.” He shot a glance at Kalen, who was standing quietly behind me, listening.
“Even if the Blackwaters are back,” said Rafe, “there is no way my father would pardon them after what they did, and he certainly would not listen to them over the word of the Duke of Silverthorne.”
“But he has pardoned them, and he is listening,” said Brandon. “What’s more unnerving is that many of the nobles are supporting the Blackwaters and not Silverthorne.”
“This is absolutely absurd.” I waved my hands in the air. “Do you actually believe the Blackwaters?”
“At first I was not sure what to believe. But after seeing the two of you together, I can see that it is not the case.” He gestured to the cozy seating arrangement near the library windows. “Come and sit. We can talk freely here. I am curious to know what you are up to, Rafael.”
I shot Rafe a worried glance, and he reassured me with a smile. This eerie castle gave me a bad feeling. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I wished we hadn’t come here. I was not completely convinced Lord Delacourt was on our side. Although Rafe knew Brandon, and he had saved us from being recognized by the whole town, I still didn’t trust him. What exactly did he want with us?
Fugitive
I settled myself on a comfortable chair with Rafe and Kalen seated beside me. Brandon poured all of us goblets of gold liquid from a crystal pitcher he had on the table and sat down on the opposite chair. Rafe took his drink with a grateful smile and downed the contents in a few gulps.
“What is this?” I asked when Brandon offered a goblet to me.
“Fireberry whiskey from the best whiskey makers in the Andrysian Highlands,” answered Brandon, looking very proud of his acquisition. “I just returned from there and brought these barrels with me.”
I shook my head and put down the goblet. “Sorry, I don’t drink.” I needed my wits about me at all times now. And I had read somewhere that alcohol could affect your magic.
“As you wish,” said Brandon, sipping his drink. “What exactly are you doing here? And how can I help?”
“We need to get to the library of the Emir of Sanria,” said Rafe.
Brandon’s eyes went wide. “Roderigo Valasis’s library?”
Rafe nodded.
“But he is the most powerful of all five emirs on the Brandorian council,” said Brandon. “You
