Page 42 of Rising Out of the Darkness
The man before me, nodded to the tables behind me. Once I was seated, he went and grabbed us two plates of food and a bottle of wine to share.
It was silent between us still, and I watched intently as Declan filled my glass almost to the brim. Both of us ate, taking glances at each other every few moments, until I had drained my glass completely.
A smile warmed the prince’s cheeks as he filled my glass once more. Pushing his plate aside, he leaned back in the chair and adjusted his legs to a more comfortable position. As he did, his legs brushed against mine and I inhaled my drink from the sparkit created within me. Declan’s eyes widened as he began patting my back.
“I’m fine,” I managed to squeak out, as I took another gulp to calm the tickle that still lingered inside my throat.
“So, tell me a little about yourself.”
I gave him a blank stare. He sighed, then both elbows landed on the table as he leaned forward. “We’ve been riding for three days and I know nothing about you besides the fact that you’re feisty, don’t take orders well, and care more about helping others than you do yourself.”
“Sounds like an accurate description.” I said as I raised my glass toward him before taking another sip.
“I’ll make you another deal.”
Now he had caught my attention. “Continue,” I ordered, watching his lip twitch with satisfaction.
“For everything you share with me, I’ll share a little bit about me as well.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“Okay, ask away, Your Highness.” I raised my glass to his as we clinked them together.
Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a terrible idea to get to know the Shadow Lord a little more.
“So, horses?” I asked.
Hours had passed, and most of the patrons of the tavern had left. Declan and I still sat chatting about our past. We’d already moved to another bottle of wine, which might or might not have influenced my loosened lips.
“Yes, horses. Whenever I have a free moment away from my duties, the first thing I do is go for a ride on Shadow.”
“Of course the Lord of Shadows would have an all-black horse named Shadow. Very creative.” I smirked into my cup. “I’ll make sure to warn your future wife to avoid letting you name your children.”
“I’m sure she would appreciate the advice.”
I’m not sure why, but a little wave of jealousy drifted through me at the thought of seeing someone being Declan’s wife.
His lips quirked as gaze fell to his glass. All mirth faded as he swirled the wine within it. “Truth is, it was a pastime that my older brother and I used to share. We loved riding along the shore in the mornings and over the hillsides in the spring when the wildflowers would cover them in a blanket of colors.” He paused, but I could tell there was more he wanted to share. “When I was younger, sometimes even my father…” He winced and drained the glass. “He used to go with us, before …”
His father was not known for his kindness, so for Declan to reveal this fact about him was surprising.
“So, books?” He smiled weakly as he attempted to change the conversation.
“I didn’t get to leave Lostburrow much, or at all really.” I shrugged nonchalantly. “Books became my chance to explore, my friends…my escape when I needed it most.”
My shoulders dipped low as Declan leaned his elbows on the table once more. “What were you trying to escape?” he asked, genuine concern intertwined with his tone.
A sigh fled my lips as I brought my finger up to my forehead and tapped it against my head. “I’m always trying to escape the darkness that taunts me inside here.”
“It’s hard to imagine you with any dark clouds swirling inside of you. Especially when all I’ve seen is sunshine.”
Declan’s brows shot up to his forehead, almost as if he hadn’t meant for those words to slip. I covered my smile with my glass.
“Oh, it’s there.” I made sure not to mention his comment, and Declan’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “It’s always there.” I said quietly into my glass before draining it. “So, any love interests?” I piped, not wanting to linger anymore on the past conversation. “Well, besides the one I already know…your cook.”
Declan’s lips quirked, but he only responded with his own question. “What about you? What about…Will?”
