The Throned Crown

words in his mind. The prince was testing him, circling like a hawk watching for the slight

fitting snugly against his frame. It was a stark reminder of his position: a

lf, none

oor, Aelric's hand was alrea

said, his

ard with wide eyes and trembling hands. "The

ning his sword belt as he step

tables

through the winding halls and out into the crisp morning air. The sun was jus

he largest stallion Aelric had ever seen, its coat a sleek black that shimmered faintly in

iel said without looki

ier's habit," Aelric r

ray eyes locking onto Aelric's.

ep

faint smirk. "We're riding out.

lenge but kept his tone measured. "I

ease, his movements fluid and precise. "The terrain ahe

ng for him, his mind already racing. W

tween them. They rode out of the palace grounds and into the dense forest that bordered th

eral?" Cassiel asked, his voi

our Hi

said, his tone distant. "A place of secrets an

ened on the reins.

glimmer of something unreadable

on surging ahead with a burst of speed. Aelric cursed under his breath and

to a clearing. Aelric reined in his horse,

ing light. In the center of the clearing, a man knelt in the dirt, his ha

Cassiel. The prince had already dismou

said, his voice sh

cking onto Aelric's. There was something familiar abo

The steel glinted in the sunlight as he r

siel said, his gaze shifting to Ael

moment pressing down on him. He forced himself to remai

ully, his voice steady. "Mer

faint smile, but it didn't re

od turned to

word to him. Aelric caught it on reflex, the weig

cute

nterest as Aelric stared at the man before him. The bound pr

lating the risks, the consequences. If he refused, Cassiel would see th

e broke throug

al? I thought you said me

ctant gaze. The prince's challenge was clear:

e, Aelric felt the full weight of the game he

sn't just

was toyin