Crowned in Crimson Cinders

Chapter 48: Darian's True Intentions

Sometimes, I wish I could simply peer into her mind and understand the thoughts behind those kind, trusting eyes. No one has ever looked at me with such genuine approval—not my own father, not even the brother I fight so desperately for every single day.

There are moments I contemplate telling Aleah the real reason I'm here. Everyone believes my father orchestrated this marriage, but it was, in truth, a threat from within this very palace. I remember that day with searing clarity. The messenger arrived, breathless, to announce my brother, Flynn, had been kidnapped, stolen away by the royals of Atalar. Hatred had surged through me. I wanted to storm their castle, to take my bloody revenge. But my father, surprisingly, talked me down, insisting we could retrieve him in a more... peaceful way. It was unlike him to negotiate, especially where my brother was concerned. Maybe there was an ulterior motive which he didn't disclose with me. Though, perhaps, as the first in line for the Trithian throne, he now prioritizes my safety now that my brother is gone. But I love my brother, almost as much as I've come to love Aleah.

Every moment I've spent in this palace has been a delicate dance of deals and deceit, all to find Flynn. Unfortunately, before I could confront the culprit, she found me first. A woman, cloaked in black, struck a horrifying bargain. Marry her and my brother would be set free. Flynn means everything to me and he was one of the sole reasons I agreed to come to the Atalarian castle in the first place, so I agreed. Now, with these burgeoning feelings for Aleah, I'm consumed by regret.

What truly gnaws at me is the daily lie I live, the deception I inflict upon Aleah and even Brock, my unlikely new friend. All along, I knew Amora was behind the murders, but I can't speak without condemning my brother to death. I slowly pieced together how similar the hooded woman and Amora were. They both walked with a calculated precision that no low life criminal would know, indicating that she would be at least a higher ranking noble. Then, there were the threats. She wanted me to marry her in return for my brother's freedom. Amora is the only one in this castle who is vying for the throne enough to kill. If she can't get that, marrying me would be the next best alternative.

The pit in my stomach widened whenever I spoke to Aleah, knowing I was withholding the truth about her siblings' deaths, witnessing the pain it caused her. Yet, this was a secret I had to keep for Flynn, fearing that Amora would know it was me who figured out her secret and told everyone.

However, now that everyone knows Amora is involved in the murders, I don't know what to feel. I'm relieved Aleah and Brock have finally found solid evidence of her guiltiness, but now I can't help but constantly worry about my brother.

I fear Aleah will believe I've been manipulating her. My feelings for Aleah are real, genuine from the moment we met, and I don't believe they will ever change. I've found a love with her unlike any I've known before. But if forced to choose between the well-being of my brother and my kingdom, or Aleah... my sworn duty demands I always put my kingdom first.

I just don't think Aleah is ready to hear it yet—to learn the true extent of my actions, how I might have sold my life for my brother's. That alone is treason against my kingdom. As the heir, I am bound to ensure my safety and the safety of my people, and I may have just jeopardized it all. I've left my kingdom heirless and that alone can weaken any kingdom. When Flynn discovers what I've done, he might kill me himself, but finding him would cancel out any punishment.

There's only one more piece to this plan, and I'll have to execute it alone. Perhaps, just perhaps, I can free my brother and return to Trithia with Aleah as my bride. I'll renegotiate the terms of our deal, waiting until the dinner party, right after our marriage. That's when my father will die. She, the cloaked woman, will likely be there. In the ensuing chaos, I can find Flynn and get Aleah out before anyone can stop us.

Then, we could truly be free.

All I need is patience and poison. One way or another, my father will have to die for my plan to succeed.