Page 4 of Crown of Briars
When we reached the mouth of the cave that opened up to the winding pebbled path leading to the castle, I turned to Azure and brushed my hand along her lengthy snout. I pressed my fingers to my amber necklace and whispered, “Be safe. You know how to reach me.”
“Can I take that black stone with me?”
I snorted. “Not a chance. I want to be there when you experiment with it. Let me do some research first, to see if I can dig up any information about it.”
Azure huffed in dismay.“You wanted nothing to do with it earlier.”
“No, I just didn’t want to touch it. I’m still curious, and I want to know more.” Already, I was itching to search the books in the library, my favorite place in the castle. I found nothingmore relaxing than curling up by the fireplace with an enthralling read, surrounded by the smell of ink and parchment. Alone and unbothered. Just how I liked it.
Azure’s eyes flared wider, and I could have sworn she was rolling them at me.“Fine. It will be easy to steal that bag away from you anyway. I’ll give you the day to research and then snatch it tomorrow.”
I laughed, knowing it was an empty threat. The cinched opening of the bag was too small for her talons to pry apart. “We can inspect the stone together. I promise. But I’ve been away for too long. Father has probably already sent guards to look for me.”
My father knew about my fae ability, but he didn’t know I often snuck around caves in search of new gemstones. If he knew, he would have me locked in my bedroom. He wouldn’t risk anything getting in the way of my lessons, not when they would help prepare me for becoming the Wraith King’s bride.
“Don’t forget to write to our mutual friend about this discovery,”Azure reminded me.
I nodded. She was referring to Eira, the princess of the Winter Court. I had met her at a ball in the Fire Court years ago. Like me, Eira was half fae, but in a court of mostly fae nobles, she was looked down upon because of her human bloodline. Azure had spent some time in the Winter Court before settling in my court, so she was acquainted with the Winter Princess, too.
Already, a smile tugged at my lips at the thought of how I would compose my next letter to her. Eira and I often wrote to each other in vague references that only the two of us would understand, in case our letters were intercepted.
“I won’t forget,” I promised, playfully flicking Azure’s ear. I wrapped my arms around her, burying my face in her scaly neck. “I mean it—be safe.”
When I withdrew, she fixed her wide blue eyes on me. Itouched my amber stone, and she murmured,“Don’t worry, Sybelle. I am always careful.”
I offered a small smile before I started down the gravel path. When I glanced behind me, Azure had already disappeared into the caves.
My heart sank just a fraction. Oh, how I longed to bring her home with me. But it was too dangerous. For centuries, the dragons belonged solely to the Summer Court. But over the last decade or so, the creatures had been spreading out, finding homes in other courts. Azure was young when I first found her, and I was too afraid someone would cage her or kill her. So, I kept her to myself. And even now, with her large size and ability to defend herself, I loved her too much to risk it. Father would weaponize her and try to use her against the Shadow Court, even at the expense of her life.
No, Azure was much safer kept away from the politics of my family.
So, with a heavy heart, I left her to the safety of the caves as I made my way back to the palace.
As expected, Gerard, the captain of the guards, was pacing in front of the outer gate. Four other soldiers patrolled alongside him. He scrubbed a hand down his clean-shaven chin, his expression agitated.
At my approach, his dark eyebrows drew together, a muscle feathering in his jaw. His blue eyes swept over my form, taking in my dirty tunic and stained hands.
“Again?” Gerard muttered, running a hand through his bronze hair. “My lady…”
“I know,” I said with a sigh. “I’ll go inside and get cleaned up.”
Gerard leaned closer to me, glaring as he hissed, “Protecting this kingdom is hard enough without wayward princesses to chase after. You would do better to stay within the palace walls where you’re meant to be. The king has already made inquiries into your absences.”
I narrowed my eyes at him before taking a step back, putting more distance between us. “How about you mind your own damn business, Gerard?”
His lips flattened with irritation, but he said nothing else before waving me through the gate.
Despite my barbed retort, my heart thrummed with anxiety. If Father was suspicious of my frequent outings, he might start investigating. He could discover my trove of gemstones. Or worse, he might find out about Azure.
Shit.If Father was already looking for me, then the library would have to wait. I needed to face him to smooth things over.
But first, I had to change. I was filthy from my time in the caves.
Perhaps Gerard was right. Perhaps I needed to stay away from the caves for the next few days, just until Father’s temper cooled.
But I promised Azure we would study the new stone together. And what if it ended up helping us with our plans to take down the Shadow Court?
I hurried through the outer bailey and took the back entrance toward the inner gate. Keeping to the rear side of the castle, I entered through the servants’ quarters. It was the longer way to my chambers, but it ensured I wouldn’t encounter my father or my sister.
