Book One: Throne of Cinder and Shadow

C H A P T E R S I X: Cambria

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows that stretched across the rolling hills like dark fingers reaching toward the horizon. Cambria Grey sat atop her horse, feeling the rhythm of its steps beneath her. Her gaze drifted over the landscape—the meadows studded with wildflowers, the occasional grove of trees standing in silent watch, and the road before them, a winding ribbon of dust that stretched toward Aralhedae. Behind her, Greyfall was already fading, its familiar peaks and valleys now a blur against the distant hills.

A warm breeze swept through, carrying the scent of wildflowers and pine, mingling with the earthy smell of the road. Yet even the breeze felt heavy today, as though the weight of her future rode upon it. Cambria felt tension settle in her shoulders, an invisible shroud clinging to her with every mile that brought her closer to her fate.

They had left at dawn, the sky painted in gentle pastels, but as the hours stretched on, the reality of her destination sank in. Soon, she would be in the capital, preparing to marry Prince Marek—a man she barely knew, a future she hadn't chosen. She had met him briefly in passing once, years ago; he had been polite, even handsome in a quiet way, yet the thought of binding herself to him felt as foreign as the distant lands she had read about but never seen. This marriage was not born from love or companionship but from political necessity—a transaction dressed in silks and ceremony, with her as the currency.

Beside her, Cadence rode with effortless grace, her golden hair catching the light like spun gold, her face a picture of easy cheer. She chatted with their father, Sadon Grey, who rode at a steady pace ahead of them, his posture as rigid and unyielding as ever. Cambria could barely recall a time when she hadn't seen her father's face marked by the weight of duty. Every decision Sadon made was for the future of Greyfall, and her marriage was simply another piece on his board.

"How are you faring, Cam?" Cadence's voice broke into her thoughts, her tone as light and playful as a summer breeze. "You've been quiet since we left. Already weary of the road, or just lost in thought?"

Cambria forced a smile, a polite mask that hid the storm of emotions beneath. "I'm fine," she replied, keeping her tone steady. "Just... thinking."

Cadence laughed, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement, though a hint of concern lingered in her gaze. "Thinking? About what? This is supposed to be an adventure, Cam! You'll be in the capital soon, with grand feasts, elegant balls, and a prince who will be your husband! Isn't it exciting?"

Exciting. That was certainly not the word Cambria would have chosen, but she knew better than to argue. Cadence wouldn't understand. Her sister saw life in simple, vivid colors, without the grays and shadows that seemed to follow Cambria. To Cadence, duty was a privilege, and marriage to a prince was the epitome of achievement. Cambria, however, saw the iron bars hidden beneath the gilded facade, the way a crown could feel more like a shackle than an honor.

"I suppose it is," Cambria murmured, her gaze drifting back to the endless road. "It's just... a lot to take in."

Cadence dismissed her hesitation with a wave of her hand. "You worry too much, Cam. From what I hear, Prince Marek is quite charming, not to mention rather handsome. Imagine how envious everyone will be!"

Their father's voice interrupted their conversation, his tone carrying the quiet authority that had defined him for as long as she could remember. "We'll stop at the next village for the night," he called over his shoulder, sparing them a brief glance. "There's an inn where we can rest and prepare for the next leg of the journey. We're making good time."

Cambria's eyes lingered on her father, a man as disciplined and immovable as the mountains of Greyfall. His face, weathered by age and battle, showed no sign of the fatigue she felt. To him, her marriage was simply the fulfillment of another duty, another step in the unending game of power and alliances. He saw the world through the lens of strategy, his every action calculated to ensure Greyfall's survival. Her role, in his eyes, was no different from the soldiers or servants—merely another cog in the machine of their house.