A Curse of Shadows

As you’ve learned by now, we Lunarians live long lives and your arrival brought me back to a painful time in my life. That’s no excuse, but it is the truth. You won’t see that version of me again, I promise you that.

These people and their promises… Though his words do remind me that I need to figure out just what the old me’s relationship was with this man. Being close to him and being engaged with the intention of becoming a queen are two completely different things.

I shudder. Though I don’t know if the action is because I’m actually freaked out over the potential answer or something else entirely that I will refuse to admit even on my deathbed.

Please enjoy these flowers. They were your favorite before and I hope they still are. They also remind me of brighter days. Maybe they can do the same for you.

If you feel up for it, I encourage you to explore the castle, or even the town. Ask Cain to go with you if you want an escort. I’ve requested that he be available to you at all hours should you need him.

My invitation to dinner last night, that you rightly declined, stands open for every evening you’re here, should you change your mind.

I’ll see you soon, Isla.

Asher

I crumple the note within my palm and throw it across the room. More out of frustration for myself than the infuriating king.

I certainly don’t forgive him and his words shouldn’t affect me, yet my mind reels, wondering when he’s going to come see me again. Will he show up every morning or does he plan on checking on me multiple times throughout the day?

Well, if I’m not here, then I won’t have to see him. Maybe I should take his suggestion and go exploring. Though not in the castle. This place is where I’m most likely to run into him and I’m not ready for that. Not if he’s going to act all nice and apologetic. My body thinks too highly of that man and I need my mind to remain in charge. Distance will be key for that.

Quickly, I shower but don’t bother to wash my hair. The sooner I can get out of this room, the better.

Within fifteen minutes, I’m as ready as I’m going to get. I’ve brushed my hair and put a few curls in because, well, with all these fancy clothes and the fact that people keep calling me a princess, I should probably be a little more put-together than my normal self if I don’t want to draw more attention.

I’m dressed in black slacks that feel like air against my legs and opt for silver flats that match my sweater, hoping these clothes are something I’m supposed to wear. I didn’t actually ask before, assuming they were for me. Oh, well.

As I head to the door, my stomach swirls and I almost don’t reach for the doorknob. Maybe staying in is best. Maybe jumping out the window would be even better. Kidding. Mostly.

With an aggravated sigh, I open the door and am surprised to find an empty hallway. I expected someone to be waiting for me. Not sure who, but these people would be right not to trust me. I wouldn’t blame them for having me followed. Though I’m grateful to be getting out of this room, even if I’m nervous.

As I walk down the stairs, people pass me without the wide-eyed stares from before. Instead, I receive polite nods and smiles. Everyone’s dressed in slightly fancier business-style clothes than mine, but I don’t feel out of place.

By the time I get downstairs, I remember that I wanted to chat with Grayson again but decide that I can wait until dinner tonight. That is if I don’t join Asher…

Giving my head a solid shake, I head down the hallway that Cain brought me through my first night here. The castle feels brighter this morning. The intimidating aura lurking with the shadows is replaced by the glory of the stone walls, wall sconces, and aged portraits that seem more magnificent than I remembered.

I want to linger to appreciate the beauty of everything, but the farther I get from my room, the harder it is to breathe. I need fresh air urgently.

My stride lengthens and I find myself going out the double doors that once again open on their own. Freaking magic. I want to say I’m surprised any of this is real, but after learning about manifestation from Elodee and seeing how powerful thoughts really can be, I can’t deny that anything is possible. Though that’s more her expertise than mine.

Outside, Asher’s voice reaches my ears. He’s not talking to me, and I can’t even tell where he is, but I’m not ready to face him again. I dart around a corner, finding a secluded walkway that takes me around the side of the castle, farther from the front gates.

Eventually, I slow down as I reach a vast back yard. Though calling it a yard seems inadequate—it’s more like a sprawling field of perfectly manicured grass resembling a prestigious golf course. To my left, the open area stretches under clear, blue skies. To my right, another intriguing structure beckons me with its numerous windows. But it’s the forest in front of me, dense with towering trees under a sunlit canopy, that captures my full attention.

My shoulders instantly soften the moment I take in the tall, thick trees and I know where I’m going.

As I’m walking across the yard, it almost feels as if I’m moving over water. My steps are light and fluid and sure. Not that I’ve ever been clumsy, but this new surety within my body is foreign. Though not in a bad way, just new. Confidence isn’t something I’ve had in spades over the years.

I’ve always known I’m a good person and worthy of good things, but knowing and believing are two different things. Still, I’ve been trying. Especially with Elodee gone, I needed to be my own hero.

A snort of a laugh escapes me. “And look how that’s working out for me.”

Getting to the edge of the forest, there’s a breeze, blowing the taller grass here ever so slightly and carrying the sound of chirping through the air. The moment I step off the grass onto the dirt ground, a chill runs through me. I close my eyes, surrendering to the overwhelmingness of… I don’t know what, but whatever is here, it’s as if my soul is yearning for the freedom within the shadows of these trees.

Every footstep forward brings a boost of energy flowing into my body and the desire to lie down, soaking up whatever power is here, nearly consumes me. My skin tingles and itches and my bones, it’s like they’re craving to be stretched.

“What kind of magic is this?” I whisper to myself, pausing to lean against a tree. I press my palms against the rough bark but suddenly pull back as something pricks me. There’s no mark, yet the pain lingers.