Forbidden Flames

Chapter One

Entering the castle, I was greeted by the sight of a bustling ballroom filled with people. My eyes glittered as I took in the extravagant decorations. Walking alongside my parents, we approached the king and queen, quickly bowing before them.

"Marie and Julian, what a beautiful party," my mother smiled, and Marie pulled her into a light hug.

"Anything for our baby's 21st birthday," she laughed.

"Lilith, the twins are near the drinks if you want to go see them," King Julian said to me.

I smiled and left the adults behind, venturing through the crowd in search of my friends. I marveled at how Roland knew so many people; there had to be at least 200 guests here tonight.

Near the bar, I found Colette and Cassian bickering. "They are not supposed to be this color, Cassian!" Colette shouted.

"Colette, nobody can tell if you're wearing cream or white."

"Good evening, you two," I interrupted, laughing as Colette looked extremely stressed.

Cassian grinned widely and pushed his sister aside to embrace me in a hug. "Lili!" he shouted, earning a few stares.

"Stop shouting... you're embarrassing us," Colette whispered.

I laughed as Cassian placed me back on the floor. "This is an amazing party," I said, looking around.

"Well, given it's Roland, you know it has to be over the top," Colette joked.

We all laughed in agreement. The three of them always had amazing birthday parties, but this was the best one I'd attended. When we received the gold-embossed invite, my mother nearly fainted.

All of our friends from school and the kingdom were here to celebrate. The king and queen's firstborn son was now 21 and soon could take the throne.

I had grown up with Colette and Cassian, having attended the same academy since grade school. Our mothers became great friends since my father was a well-off duke.

"Lilith, let's go scope the scenery," Colette said, linking our arms.

"What about me?" Cassian asked.

"Go find some girl to play with for the night," she joked, dragging me away. I gave Cassian a sad wave as we got lost in the crowd.

Moving through the sea of people, we found ourselves at the dinner table where our parents rested. "Girls, perfect timing! Can you find Roland? We're about to cut the cake," Colette's mother asked, waving us over.

"Mommy, he's a grown man," Colette whined, but Marie's sharp look made her straighten up.

"We will go find him," I smiled, dragging her away.

"Do you always have to talk back?" I joked.

"No, but sometimes she asks for stupid things like Roland is a grown man," Colette stressed.

I laughed; my friend could be quite dramatic. Many people didn't get along with Colette because she could be... extreme, but she meant well. At the academy, she was known as the "ice princess" for her frequent bickering, which often left Cassian and me cleaning up her messes. She and Roland shared that hot-headed trait.

After searching the ballroom, Colette and I assumed Roland wasn't there. We ventured outside. "How about we split up?" Colette suggested.

I nodded. "I'll check the garden," I said, lifting my dress and heading in that direction.

"Okay, I'll check inside. Meet back here," she said as we parted ways.

The guards by the door greeted me lightly as I walked outside. The warm, breezy mid-May weather was perfect. Colette's garden was beautiful, with dozens of flowers surrounding it. I had always loved playing here when I was younger.

Walking towards the fountain, I heard voices and moved closer. Perhaps Roland was hiding out here with a girl; he used to sneak away when we were younger, claiming playing with children was beneath him.

As I approached the fountain, I saw two figures sitting together. Hiding behind a hedge, I tried to see who they were. Stepping out a bit further, I finally saw their faces—it was Roland, but not with a woman. He was with a man. My mind spun with questions about who it could be.

"You can stop hiding," a low voice spoke, startling me.

I froze, wondering what to do. Why was I hiding from Roland? But then again, why was he out here instead of inside?

"Colette, stop being nosy and come out from behind the bush," Roland said louder.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out and walked towards them. Roland looked surprised but then smiled.

"Lilith! What a surprise. I thought it was Colette hiding behind that old bush," he said, beckoning me closer.

The man beside him caught my attention, and I quickly averted my eyes. It had been a while since I last saw August; I was probably 14 when he last came for the twins' birthday. My young heart had always been smitten by him.

"Your mother is looking for you," I announced. Roland picked up a liquor bottle, chugging it down.

"It's my birthday, yet my parents turn it into a conference," he grumbled.

August laughed beside him and poured out the contents of the bottle. Roland looked confused.

"Why the hell are you wasting good liquor?" Roland shouted.

August remained unfazed. "You shouldn't drink and embarrass yourself in front of her," he said.

"I've known Lilith since she was a baby. She's seen everything, so I can do what I want," Roland grumbled. I couldn't help but laugh as he stumbled over his words.

"Lilith, it's great to see you again," August said, smiling kindly at me, making my heart race. I had always admired him; he always took care of Colette and me, unlike Roland, who barely spoke to us.

"Roland!" Colette shouted, emerging from behind the bush and finding us.

"Colette, could you yell any louder?" Roland groaned.

"Mommy has me running around looking for your drunk ass," she retorted, sticking her tongue out at Roland, who did the same.

"Time to be the perfect son again," he said, standing up and patting my shoulder, stumbling as he walked away. August followed, leaving Colette and me alone in the garden.

"I swear, I live with idiots and drunks," Colette mumbled.

My mind was still on August. It had been so long since I'd last seen him, I'd almost forgotten how attractive he was, with his deep blue eyes and curly brown hair. The man was blessed by God.

"I didn't know August would be here," I commented as we headed back inside.

"He came back earlier this morning. Roland was ecstatic to have his best friend home," she replied.

"Cassian and I were surprised. August hasn't visited since we were 14. Usually, it's just our aunt Belle," Colette added.

I nodded. Once inside the ballroom, Roland was already on stage with his family. Colette left to join them, and I found my parents. As we sang happy birthday, I noticed August was nowhere to be found.