Page 38 of The Call of Crimson
Several minutes later, soft snores sound around me. Despite my body crying for sleep, my brain is wide awake with thoughts of what will happen when we arrive tomorrow plaguing me.
We haven’t spoken about it, but I wonder how long Ayden will wait before forcing me down the aisle. I truly need to look at that godsdamned contract—therehasto be a loophole somewhere.
Unable to quiet my thoughts, I toss and turn.
Ayden adds a log to the fire, prodding it until the flames catch. “Trouble sleeping, darling?”
The flames lick at my skin, their heat just close enough to be comfortable. “I’m just anxious.”
“Don’t tell me you’re actually getting excited to marry me, Princess.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Prince.”
“I know this isn’t what you wanted. Believe me, it’s never what I pictured for myself, but trust me when I say I did it for a very good reason.”
“You must know I never wanted war with Prudia. It didn’t require a marriage to ensure peace between us.”
“I know, Princess.” His voice is withdrawn, perhaps even regretful. “I did it to protect my people, and yours.”
“You speak in riddles.”
“Just trust I know what I’m doing.”
“Aurelius once said the same thing to me when I confronted him about secrets,” I say sadly. “You see where that got me.”
“I don’t intend to hurt you.”
“I’m sure he didn’t intend to, either.” I yawn, blinking back years. “Doesn’t change the fact that he did.”
“How long are you going to punish him for that?”
The question catches me off guard. “Why would you care about me forgiving him? I would think you’d want that wedge between us.”
“Breyla, you may be my betrothed, but I know you care for him. Just because I don’t want you in his bed, doesn’t mean I want you to hate him.”
I mull over his words for a few moments before responding. “I don’t hate him. Not really.”
“Obviously,” he teases, “I’m pretty sure you just have a thing for hate sex.”
“Whatever,” I say, rolling away from him.
“Good night, Breyla.”
“Good night, Ayden.”
Finally, sleep claims me.
The next morning, Ayden, Aurelius, and I all opt to take a carriage for the final stretch. Charlotte, Ryder, Zion, and the others trail behind us on horseback. To pass the time, Ayden insists we play two truths and a lie.
All our games are rooted in worship. Our gods and goddesses believe that respect for them should be freely given from a place of joy and reverence. Most gods and goddesses have one they favor, many of them responsible for the creation of their game. This happens to be attributed to Saelem, the god of mischief.
Ayden is bound and determined to find a way to get past Aurelius’ Gift.
Aurelius crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes. “I’m telling you there’s no way to lie to me.”
“And I’m telling you there’s always a way,” Ayden argues.
“Fine. Go again. I’ll prove you wrong once more.”
