The Siege of Shadows: Book one

Destiny or Death (40)

ROWAN'S POINT OF VIEW

Later that evening, as the shadows of night crept across the palace, I sank into the soft cushions of the bed, Kael seated beside me, his gaze distant, lost in thought. The silence between us felt oppressive, like we were both waiting for something to break—some hidden truth to surface. I wasn't sure what to make of the king's cryptic behavior or the mirror in the throne room, but I could feel the tension tightening around us.

Suddenly, there was a quiet knock at the door. I tensed, glancing at Kael. He hadn't moved, his posture rigid, his expression unreadable. Another knock, a little louder this time. Reluctantly, Kael stood and crossed the room, opening the door just enough for a servant to slip inside.

She was young, her face pale and slightly fearful, and her eyes were a shade of green that reminded me of the forests I'd seen in my dreams. She wore the faded, humble attire of the servants, but there was something in her stance—something hesitant—that made me wonder if she knew more than she let on.

"Master Kael, Lady Rowan," the servant said, her voice low but urgent, as she dared to meet our gazes. "The king has summoned you both. But... specifically you, Lady Rowan."

I felt the blood drain from my face. Kael's expression darkened instantly, his jaw tightening as his eyes flicked to me. I could tell he was already weighing the consequences of this summons, his mind running through the possibilities.

"Why specifically Rowan?" Kael asked, his tone cold, controlled. He was trying to hide his concern, but it was there—beneath the surface, palpable.

The servant hesitated before speaking again, her eyes shifting nervously between us. "I... I don't know, my lord. I was only given the message. But the king insisted that Lady Rowan come immediately."

Kael's fists clenched at his sides. "We'll go," he said, his voice low and firm, though the unease in his eyes betrayed him. He turned back to me, his gaze softening just for a moment. "Stay close to me. Whatever he wants, don't trust him."

I nodded, though my stomach twisted into knots. The king was no fool. There was always something more behind his summons, something far darker than just a simple request. And the fact that he wanted me, specifically, made my skin crawl.

The servant left the room quickly, her footsteps fading down the hallway, and Kael moved toward the door. He paused and looked back at me, his eyes sharp and full of warning.

"Stay close, Rowan. This doesn't feel right."

I wasn't sure how to feel. Fear gnawed at me, but something else—a deeper, more unsettling sensation—lurked beneath it. I knew something was wrong, and I had a feeling that tonight, we were about to learn just how deep the king's plans went.

The weight of Kael's words pressed down on me like a stone. I tried to keep my expression neutral, but my pulse thundered in my ears. "Why me?" I asked, my voice steadier than I felt. "What could he possibly want with me?"

Kael didn't answer immediately. He paced to the window, staring out at the moonlit courtyard below. His armor clinked softly with the movement, but he was otherwise silent for so long I thought he might ignore the question entirely.

Then he spoke, his voice tight. "The king enjoys... games. And you're a new piece on the board."

My throat went dry. "Games," I echoed hollowly.

Kael turned back to me, his crimson eyes locking onto mine. "To the king, you're an opportunity to amuse himself. And he'll use you to remind me of my place."

The words struck like a blow. The memory of the dining hall, the mockery Kael endured, flashed in my mind. I clenched my fists, anger rising alongside my fear. "Then why are you letting him summon me? Why not refuse?"