I withdrew my arm and moved away. Kingdom matters that involved them? Like their would-be betrothal?
He frowned and took my hand. “I’ll fill you in.”
I followed him, trying not to let my imagination run wild. So much about Zyacus confused me. How much I wanted him. How I could feel his presence. He was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. And holy phoenix, the way he challenged me and seemingly adored me made my stomach flutter in all sorts of ways. He was the only boy I’d ever considered tearing the clothes off of when we were alone, and yet a small part of me still didn’t want to accept it. That was the confusing part. Perhaps it was simply the old mistrust I had of him. Perhaps part of me still held that old grudge. Especially when we’d spent months apart. Perhaps I believed deep down he’d leave me for his crown. Legacy reminded me of another possible reason I couldn’t fully give into him; he would die of old age long before me.
“Vis,” he said softly. “I wanted to talk to you alone without the whole group around. I was called away because there’s been a change. My father sent word and Jennika told me that she’s going to accept a betrothal to my brother and wanted to tell me before it was official. I guess she thought I’d care. I told her I was happy.” He smiled.
After the meeting we’d had with his father I didn’t think he’d budge any time soon. “Why did he change his mind?”
“I gave my father an ultimatum before I left to come here. If he didn’t give me my free will, not only in who I chose to marry but as a grown man, I’m nineteen now, then I’d step away from the throne. I’m not going to be controlled by him or anyone.”
I smiled at the irony. Enden should have known his son would be as stubborn as him.
“My father said Drakonus has accepted as well. He’s always had a thing for her. Her father has agreed to the new arrangement. Honestly I don’t think she ever liked me for me; all she saw was a crown. She flirted with Drakonas more. Anyway, she’s going back to Hesstia and asked that you not hunt her down to kill her.” He grinned at the threat I’d made. “Everyone is happy.”
“This means you’re free.” My words came out in barely a whisper. This whole time I’d always worried he might have to give me up for his crown but now… now I had something new to fret over. The future for us was real. And as I’d always been told, no one courts a princess without marriage intent, and I supposed the same went for a prince.
“Free?” he repeated. “Not entirely.” His blue eyes held me. “You have captured me and…” he cheeks colored, “And I don’t think I will ever be free again.”
I couldn’t remember ever seeing his brazen confidence falter let alone a blush stain his cheeks. It looked good on him. I nervously grabbed onto the hilt of my sword. I had to grab something. “I know what you mean.”
That confident smirk returned. “There might even be a word to describe this feeling but I don’t think you’re ready to hear it.”
My lips parted. Love. He was right. I wasn’t ready to hear it. Aric had said he loved Legacy and yet look at them now. Many of our fellow students had “fallen in love” and fallen right out when someone else came along or they got bored or insert reason, but I didn’t want to hear that word until I knew he meant it. Until I knew he wanted me forever. The kind of love I wanted was a bond that wouldn’t break. A force that no one and nothing could stop. So desirable that people talked about it around a campfire.
Burning.
Smoldering.
Unquenchable.
“When you mean it with every bit of your soul, when you’re completely utterly sure, you can say it but not before then.”
My prince stared at me for a long moment before he slowly nodded.
A loud whistle cut through the evening air drawing us toward two girls standing on a large boulder. “Hello, hello everyone. We’re excited so many of you showed up,” the short strawberry blonde Delhoon girl said.
“And we have to recognize the crown prince and princess in the back,” the brunette girl beside her said, and a few cheers and whistles came from the crowd.
“Now,” said the first girl, “in honor of our blood moon.” She lifted a hand to the sky where the moon shone as scarlet as ever, “We have put together a scavenger hunt. On the property somewhere we have hidden a magical red orb that has a calming effect when held. You’re worried about a test? Hold the orb and your anxieties will wilt. If you find it, not only are you the winner but you get to keep the orb.”
That would be useful for me right now.
“Wahoo!” A boy next to me shouted along with the cheers in the gathered groups.
“But that’s not the only prize,” the brunette said. “Should you find the orb you’ll also get this.” She raised a golden bow with black markings etched into it. “It’s enchanted to always hit the mark. A rare prize generously donated by Firo Hazelvale.”
“I want it,” Zyacus purred.
I wanted it too. I’d never seen a bow like it. Enchanted weapons were rare. They had to be made by a weapons master who had the ability to imbue magic into them. To my knowledge no one alive had the gift. Anyone with magic talent could enchant items but the effects weren’t lasting. Why would Firo donate such a rare and expensive weapon?
“The game is simple, bring the orb back to us and you win. The only clue: find
