“Stopping Aeron? You realize how ridiculous that sounds, do you not?” The princess shook her head. “I can’t help you.”
“But you can,” Jenson said.
Maya jumped to the ground, blonde hair bouncing about her chin. “It is foretold that were royal blood of any race to set foot on the soils of Raenya and drink the waters of the Amber Falls, their soul would be forever blessed and protected against Aeron’s shadow magic. They say the Goddess created the country as a safe haven for her Demi-Fae children by removing a piece of her soul and placing it at the country’s heart. She dwelled there in mortal form, and over time the sacred waters eroded at it—fueling the country’s magic and beauty. The Amber Falls still flow with her power.”
“But that has nothing to do with me!” the princess protested.
“As far as anyone knows, you are the only remaining heir to the four royal houses of Navarre,” Maya said. “All other royal children were slaughtered by Aeron’s demons a hundred years ago or haven’t been heard from since.”
The princess huffed, delicate brows knitting together in frustration, but Jenson added, “Each moment you fight the truth, his chances to completely break the seal containing him increase. You are the only hope left for this Realm, the only one alive who could stop him. There are prophecies passed down through generations, speaking of the promised heir to unite the people should Aeron rise again. Those prophecies are talking about you.”
“This is insane!” Joseline cried. “I know the stories of Aeron. My nursemaid whispered them at night to scare my sister Julia. They’re just stories. It’s been centuries since Aeron threatened Navarre, and my parents stopped believing in fables and myths years ago. I refuse to—”
Quinn cleared his throat, interrupting her.
“And he, dark and immortal,
shall rise thrice from the shadows to thrive;
His eternal glory and power unleashed once more.
Mortals shall slave for him, Gods shall fear him.
Pain, torture, and destruction in his wake.
But she, the blessed mortal, who resembles the darkest embers of the sun shall be his purity and imprisoner;
The last of three to be the key.
For she holds in her soul the capacity to feed him or destroy him,
Her bloodline his everlasting salvation.
With diligence and patience, she may learn,
Guided by great warriors to achieve her royal fate.
The slumbering waters of light bend to her will, the warriors follow her command, the first of six united in the elements of power.
And only she may command the supremacy
To push the shadows back into their dungeon of eternal darkness.”
FOUR
THE SILENCE FOLLOWING was deadly.
The princess glared at Quinn. Her eyes glowed with fiery golden flecks, small fists clenching and unclenching in her lap.
Nobody moved.
When Quinn spoke, he refused to let the building annoyance show. “That prophecy is about you, Your Highness. I don’t give a damn what you believe. You can believe whatever you’d like. But I’ve spent my entire life training for your safety. The world needs you, yet you chose to be a whimpering child and leave your people to suffer.”
The contact of Joseline’s hand against Quinn’s cheek resonated throughout the room.
Her nose wrinkled in a scowl, nostrils flaring with anger. “How dare you speak to me that way. I don’t know who you think you are, Sir, but I am your princess and heir to your kingdom’s throne. Keep your thoughts to yourself if they are unpleasant.”
The throbbing pulse along his temple did nothing to ease his growing anger. “Why, because I’m speaking the truth? You’re a woman now, best time as ever to start making your own choices. Unless that isn’t something a spoiled, insufferable princess can manage.”
She slapped him again.
Quinn closed his eyes, gnawing on an already raw bottom lip to settle his nerves. “Look, Your Highness, I don’t want to argue. I apologize.”
“We meant no offense.” Jenson’s light tenor voice was even more pleasant than usual.
Joseline gave a half-laugh. “Meant no offense? Yet you drag me here while I’m unconscious and ramble on about some ancient myth you call a prophecy. Oh, and did I mention, I’m going to save the realm from the demon king who wants my soul?” Her face reddened with anger. “You must take me for a fool. I may be young and naive, but I most certainly am not a fool.”
Quinn fought to keep a rein on his temper even as hers flared. He had no intention of causing problems, but she was being so damned difficult. “Princess, forgive me. I’ve angered you.”
The remark came out more sarcastic than he wanted.
Joseline pulled at the pins holding up fiery curls, the scarlet waves falling to frame her thin face. Her lips tightened in a firm line, the breath shuddering through her.
“This is absurd.” She moved toward the door. Jenson and Maya cut her off, swift as shadows. She spun around, nearly colliding with Quinn.
“We can’t let you leave, Your Highness.” Jenson gave her a weak smile as Joseline attempted to dash for the stable door. Quinn blocked her with ease, an arm around her waist guiding her back toward the room’s center.
“I beg your pardon. That is no way to handle a lady!” She struggled to control the shaking, arms folded across her chest gripping the teal silk of her dress with white knuckles. “You’ve all given your souls to Sauda if you think I’m some savior who’s going to rescue Navarre from ancient demons. Now if you’ll excuse me, I would like to leave. You’ve got no right to keep me here.”
“Whether you choose to accept it or not, Aeron is coming for you. Stepping out that door now is suicide.” There was pity in Jenson’s voice.
“Oh, stop, both of you. Can’t you see how frightened the girl is?” Maya gave Jenson’s arm a light slap.
The princess straightened her dress, her shaking defying her words. “I am not frightened.”
Maya gave her a weak smile. “We’re only trying to protect you from those who want to harm you.”
“By doing what, kidnapping me?” she cried.
“Yes, damn it. If that’s what you must call it, yes,” Quinn growled. “Your return to the castle is neither safe nor wise. Aeron has spies watching you.”
Joseline let out an exasperated sigh, her eyes flicking to the door again.
“You can hate it all you want, but if we let you go, your soul is as good as his.” Maya took a cautious step toward her. “You’re lucky Quinn found you first.”
Concern flashed in her eyes seconds before the hatred returned. “When I was thrown, I woke for a moment.” She turned her gaze to Quinn. “What did you do to Kellen?”
“Who?” Quinn rubbed a hand around the back of his neck.
“You know who. My guard, Kellen. Stop treating me like a child.”
“There was no one else there.” She has no idea who he truly is, he thought. Not a clue that the man responsible for guarding her life is now trying to end it. I could have ended his life if I didn’t have her to worry about.
He walked to the window, her glare burning into his spine. His eyes glazed over, the headache making his vision blur.