My arm burned and the armour was covered in dents, but I didn't care. I couldn't stop. I had to persevere, had to keep pushing back the emotions clamouring for attention. I focused on swinging Ember over and over again, like my life depended on it, like my sanity depended on it. There was more truth in the latter.
In the back of my mind, I knew the illusion wouldn't last. I knew reality was destined to return eventually, but still I persisted. It was the only way to gain even a touch of relief.
My sword stuck in the armour on the next swing. I cursed and yanked at the blade, but she wouldn't budge.
"Come on," I urged.
I had to keep going. I had to.
I pulled on her with all my might. "Come on!"
Panic set in as I felt reality returning. Emotions poked at the back of my mind.
Stop.
"Get out! Get out!" I screamed at my sword, but that was it. It was too late. The walls I had built around me came crashing down, burying me in rubble. Tears streamed down my face and I sank to the ground in defeat, leaving my sword, Ember, where she hung.
I let my emotions go, knowing that was the only way to truly free myself. I cried for what once was and what might have been. I cried until there was nothing left, until my heart was but an empty husk, yearning for a hope it would not receive.
When my eyes finally dried, I dragged myself out of the bottomless pit of sorrow and began sifting through the rubble of my thoughts.
Twelve years ago...
I couldn't finish the thought, as if thinking the words would make it true.
Say it, Isan. Denying it won't change a thing.
I took a deep breath. "Twelve years ago today, my parents died," I whispered to the courtyard. My heart contracted and my eyes teared up again.
Every year, I expected the pain to fade and every year, it was like a fresh blow to the chest.
"Well, would you look at this," a voice crowed. "Our mighty Crown Prince, bawling like a baby."
I turned to see Asmund Arrath entering the courtyard. He hadn't changed a bit in appearance since I'd last seen him. He wore the same tailored military garb, and the same arrogance was etched into his deep brown face.
My eyes narrowed in his direction as I got to my feet.
What's he doing here?
Uncle said Lord Arrath's children weren't due for another week.
YOU ARE READING
Summer's Revenge
FantasyTwo kingdoms, two seasons, and a feud as old as the realm itself. When Prince Isanfier of the kingdom of Summer was two months old, his parents were killed in their sleep. The assassin escaped unscathed, and now, sixteen years later, Summe...
