"The Celestial Prism? That thing's just a fairy tale. It's not real," Juliette scoffed, crossing her arms.
Rowan tilted his head, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "How can you be so sure, princess? Do you have proof?"
Juliette rolled her eyes. *This man is going to drive me insane.* "Do *you* have proof it's real?" she shot back.
"That's the adventure, princess."
She let out a frustrated huff, glancing at Jude as if to hold herself back from slapping him. Jude met her gaze, amused.
"As much fun as this was, ladies," Rowan said, pushing off the tree, "we've got a job to do. So, if you don't mind, we'll be on our way."
"I'm going with you," Juliette declared, stepping toward Rowan.
Rowan's expression darkened. "Princess, I don't think you understand how dangerous this journey is. The answer is no."
"I wasn't asking for permission," she shot back, eyes blazing. "I'm telling you."
"Jules, I don't know about this..." Jude shifted nervously. "We don't know them, and we have no idea what they're really after. He said it's dangerous."
Cassian gave Jude a soft smile. "If you're worried about danger, you should know Rowan and I are well-trained. And as for not knowing each other, it's a risk for all of us. But sometimes a little risk is good for the soul."
Juliette shot Jude a pleading look, and Jude sighed, finally relenting. "Fine."
"How long is the journey?" Juliette asked.
Cassian glanced at the map. "About two months."
Rowan grinned mockingly. "Don't worry, princess. I'm sure we'll find a river along the way so you can wash your pretty clothes."
"You're an ass, you know that?" Juliette snapped, starting to walk.
"Other way, princess," Rowan called, heading in the opposite direction with Cassian and Jude in tow.
*Damn it.* Juliette cursed under her breath and jogged to catch up with the group, falling into step next to Jude.
They walked in silence for what felt like hours before Cassian finally broke the tension by striking up a conversation with Jude. "So, Jude, right?"
She nodded, offering a shy smile.
"What were you ladies doing in the woods? It's not every day you find beautiful women wandering through the trees."
Jude blushed, her smile widening. "It was a shortcut back to our cottage. We're... not exactly popular in the village, so Jules and I decided to move out here. Less trouble."
Cassian tilted his head, curious. "How long have you two been friends?"
Jude's smile softened, the thought of Juliette bringing a warmth to her expression. "Since we could talk, really. She's more like my sister than a friend. We've stuck together through everything. When our parents disowned us and kicked us out, we laughed in their faces and moved here. I don't know anyone else who would leave their family for me."
Cassian smiled gently. "Not many would. She's lucky to have you."
Jude shook her head, still smiling. "No, I'm lucky to have *her*."
While Jude and Cassian talked quietly at the back of the group, Juliette and Rowan walked side by side at the front.
"So, what's this Celestial Prism for?" Juliette asked, glancing at him.
"Power. What else would anyone want it for?" Rowan replied, his gaze cold and unyielding.
"And what do you plan to do with it?" Juliette pressed, refusing to break eye contact.
Rowan's smirk returned. "That would ruin the surprise, princess."
Juliette rolled her eyes.
---
**Later that night, they set up camp.**
With Jude and Cassian fast asleep, Juliette found herself unable to rest. She quietly got up and wandered over to where Rowan sat, his figure shadowed in the dim firelight. She looked up at him, her brown eyes locking with his stormy gray ones, then flicking to his lips.
"Careful, princess," Rowan said, his voice low. "I'm not a good man. You shouldn't tease someone like me."
Her heart raced. "Why do you think you're not a good man?"
Rowan tilted his head, his eyes darkening. "Because I only do things for myself. I don't care if I hurt people along the way. I'll use anyone to get what I want and leave them with nothing." His gaze dropped to her lips, and he reached out, tilting her chin up. "I'm not a good man, and I'll never be one. Nor do I want to be."
His thumb brushed her bottom lip, sending a shiver down her spine. "Go to sleep, princess. We wouldn't want you complaining about being tired tomorrow."
YOU ARE READING
Beauty and Betrayal
FantasyJude and Juliette have been best friends since they could talk, and nothing could ever come between them. One night at a festival, they stumble into the woods and discover a mysterious book, along with two captivating boys: Rowan and Cassian. The bo...
