Runaway Royal

Chapter Fourteen

The wedding is in three days. This is my last day in my family's castle, because tomorrow I'll be traveling to Lingstun, and the next I'm getting married.

My family is traveling with us to attend the wedding, of course, but they will be going back to Brynewood the day after. They promise to write and visit as often as they can and Nathaniel says that as soon as we settle in at his castle, we will visit them. But who knows how long "settling in" is to him.

The one good thing that is happening is that Troy was released this morning and escorted back to his home in the forest. I was not allowed to see him, but I did ask for the boots and cape of his I borrowed to be returned to him, and I was granted that wish.

And now I am packing my things to go to Lingstun tomorrow at dawn. It's a good day's journey, and with the snowfall being a daily event this time of year, I expect it to be longer.

I'm throwing dresses and shoes into trunks when my brothers come in, looking oddly somber for once.

"What's with you three?" I ask, tossing a few tiaras into a box.

Julian looks like he could burst into tears at any moment. "I don't know, sis. We feel like we just got you back and now we're losing you again."

I tell them the same thing I've been telling myself to suffocate my urge to bolt.

"I'm saving the kingdom from war." And, protecting Troy, but that's not relevant to my brothers.

They all look so heartbroken I hug them. "I know, but I'll write and visit, I promise."

Lucas ruffles my hair. "Good. I guess you get out of here like you always wanted, huh?"

Sighing, I pull away from them and continue packing, glancing briefly at the Lingstun guards Nathaniel has ordered to follow me around.

"Sort of."

Asher sighs too and flops down onto my bed with my stuff. "We're really going to miss you, Thea."

I finish clearing out my wardrobe and pat Asher's dark-haired head. "I know."

After teasing me for a few minutes about how ridiculous my clothes are, the three man-children leave.

I will miss them. Now that freedom isn't my reason for leaving, their absence in my daily life will hurt.

My brothers have set a trend with the rest of my family, because next Father enters.

His hulking frame makes my small bedroom feel even smaller.

"Thank you. For letting Troy go." I tell him again, laying out an outfit for tomorrow's journey.

"You're welcome, Thea."

The two of us have spent so many years fighting, now it seems like we have nothing to say.

He finally speaks. "You care for the peasant man, don't you?"

I bite my lip and nod.

"I'm sorry." Is all he can say in a voice that personifies sadness.

"It's not your fault." I try to make him feel better.

Father sits on the one chair in my room and the action makes him seem much older than he is.

"I know. And I know we haven't gotten along in a while, but I want to thank you for what you're doing."

My throat tightens and I blink away tears, turning away from him and pretending to fold a pair of stockings.

"I never could understand you, Thea. And I doubt I ever will, but you're my daughter and a good one."

"Thanks, Dad." I choke out. I haven't called him that for years.