Like their princess.

The thought plummeted her heart straight to the floor. A monstrous weight of despair settled on her chest as she processed Ayla’s statement. She’s going to Vesryn’s chambers.

“Getting an eyeful?” Ayla sneered, the question snapping Serenna’s attention back to her face. “I know this might be taxing for someone like you to imagine,” she said, venom dripping from her words, “but believe it or not, some of us receive invitations to royal functions.”

Their sire’s eyes—the color of the sea that Serenna now despised sharing—impaled her like a glacial shard of ice. Ayla pointedly sniffed, her ruby lip curling as her gaze roved over Serenna’s sleeved riding leathers.

“I see you’re adopting the same disgusting habits as the prince and spending time around those flying beasts.” Serenna flinched when Ayla reached out and swiped a finger across the shoulder of her uniform, like a disgruntled tavern owner inspecting the level of grime on the bar. “I thought I smelled that reptilian rank from five floors below. I have no intention of satisfying the prince’s every depraved desire if he prefers riding his females like he does those creatures.” Ayla crossed her arms, the motion nearly toppling the rest of her cleavage from her dress. “But I suppose someone of your standing is suited for tending to those perverted needs.”

A sting of heat flushed the tips of Serenna’s ears as Ayla so graphically described the activity she’d engaged in hardly minutes ago. Unsuccessfully masking her dismay, Serenna silently convinced herself that what was between her and the prince went beyond physical desires. He told me what’s between us is more than a bond.

Ayla traced the delicate gems nuzzled against her chest. “I suppose our sire gave you the same advice about getting close to the royal line.” She emitted a breathy laugh, adjusting the jewels. “I have no qualms about sharing, so long as you remember that your place isn’t in court.”

Serenna couldn’t say that the admission even felt like a threat. Ayla didn’t so much as bat those excessively darkened lashes upon seeing her departing the prince’s dwelling level.

Serenna was well-informed of her place, considering Vesryn had escorted her to the dungeons instead of to a ball. Her nails dug into her palms as she swallowed her disgust. I suppose his “obligations in the capital” include entertaining his betrothed.

Serenna finally found her voice, unfurling her fingers before she broke any bones. “I have no intention of partaking in any sharing of the prince.” She wished she didn’t splutter like she was in the wrong, but the impact of jealousy collided with her disbelief.

“That doesn’t surprise me.” Ayla flicked an ironed curl away from her eyes. “From what I’ve gathered, your human upbringing interferes with embracing our culture.” She picked at one of her lacquered nails. “A shame really, since all our sire drones on about is how you’re squandering your bloodline’s potential.”

Serenna blinked, wondering if her sister knew about her shaman heritage. But she didn’t have time to worry about it as Ayla relentlessly railed on.

“I’ll suppose we’ll be seeing more of each other up here.” Ayla’s slippered foot toed the purple runner, nose wrinkling as if the rug offended her. “Since you’re not involved in Kyansari’s inner circles, I’m sure you have yet to hear that the prince and I will be wed at the Winter Lunar Solstice. The king demands the stability of the Falkyn line by producing heirs for the realm—especially now with the prince star-bent on leading this silly war.”

A ringing started to mute Serenna’s ears as Ayla expectantly peered at her from under a curtain of lashes, unblinking like a viper poised to strike.

“It would be a shame, really, if the prince perished before we produced offspring. In fact”—Ayla tapped her painted lips—“after our dinner tonight, I plan to have him.” She released a girlish giggle, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Is he as thorough of a lover as everyone in the capital claims?”

Every sentence was a blow, every word a punch to Serenna’s gut. Ayla patiently waited for her answer. As if Serenna had any hope of recovering from that verbal assault. Vesryn warmed himself up with me so he could go all night with her. Is this his way of “handling” the engagement? Serenna flushed further, the rushed moments on the balcony now aggressively ambushing her with regret.

Breaking Serenna’s silence, Ayla’s laugh chimed through the hallway. “Well, no matter.” She dismissively waved. “I’ll find out for myself.” Ayla fussed with her gems again before glancing back at Serenna, her eyes widening with mock worry. “You know what?” She gasped. “While I’m thinking about it, we might not be able to produce heirs since I’m nearly a pure-blood.” Ayla closed the distance between them with a single step, crowding over Serenna with her height. She lifted Serenna’s limp braid, turning over the mahogany plait in her palm, as if inspecting the darker human coloring. “Perhaps you’d like the honor of stepping in as a surrogate.”

Serenna nearly released a bitter laugh, her inability to speak carrying the weight of a thousand unsaid words. Ayla acted as if the likelihood of Serenna conceiving was any greater than her own. She had to assume they both shared a similar cycle as the other elven-blooded—twice a year.

The reminder of Elashor’s degrading expectations doused Serenna with ice, freezing a lump of anger in her throat. Has my worth to the realm really been reduced to bearing spawn for Ayla? I refuse to live in her shadow.

“Anyway, I must be going,” Ayla said, glancing out through the arched windows. “I’ll inquire with our sire if he’d like to consider you as a candidate to carry the prince’s offspring if we’re unable to reproduce—I figure you have enough human blood in your veins.” Ayla slipped past her, escorted by her mantle of fragrances as she glided away. “Enjoy your night,” she said, flashing a vicious grin over her shoulder. “I know I will.”

Serenna stared after Ayla’s swaying hips, incapable of processing their interaction. Vesryn rushed me out of his chambers because she was on the way? Serenna forgot how to breathe as hot, anguished tears welled in her eyes.

The joy from the most wonderful day dissipated faster than a plume of smoke. She knew better than to assume that happiness was anything more than a breeze—temporary and fleeting.

Serenna didn’t remember descending the stairs of the Spire, the steps below her feet blurring. Her body gave an involuntary jerk when Vesryn’s presence faded in the back of her mind, leaving campus.

Traveling to Kyansari.

With Ayla.

Serenna slapped a hand over her mouth, releasing a sob before she could smother it. Her heart shattered and eroded to dust. How did I convince myself this engagement meant nothing? The prince had danced around her questions. She’d only wanted to discuss what would happen between them with the bond—if he ever intended to fully accept the connection. She needed some type of reassurance—to know something.

As her world turned upside down, Serenna’s thoughts sank like the descending sun as she entered the Spire’s courtyard. She furiously scrubbed away the dampness on her cheeks. I matter to him. Don’t I? Or does everything between us simply exist because of this bond?

The trees and buildings pressed in against her as she rushed across campus. Cutting through a lawn to avoid one of the patrols, Serenna fled to her residence hall, wishing that Velinya was around. Maybe I’m taking everything too seriously. It was obvious that she was still too attached to her human notions of relationships for the elven realm. Velinya would have advice. Her friend frequently entertained a handful of lovers with no broken hearts.

Serenna toyed with the idea of seeking Jassyn out. She could ask him to escort her to the capital’s healing grounds. And not because she was hoping to run into the prince. I only want to talk to my friend and see if she’s okay.

Entering her apartment, Serenna stopped in her tracks. The setting sun hooked on a prism on the table, scattering rainbows of light across the walls. With a scoff, she approached the Heart of Stars perched in a decorative box, a jewel on display.

That…that lout!

Serenna had completely forgotten that she’d mentioned to the prince weeks ago that she wanted to inspect the relic again—to see if she’d imagined the strange voice when she’d held it. Vesryn must’ve dropped off the Heart without her noticing when he retrieved her that morning. He’d distracted her enough by putting his mouth all over hers, so Serenna wasn’t surprised that she hadn’t noticed the container before they’d left.

Snatching the box, Serenna’s hands trembled as she glared at the Heart, recalling the time she first met the prince. Vesryn had remembered her request, but it was ridiculous if he thought that she’d be pacified by jewels.

Unable to stop herself, Serenna pointed her awareness toward the east—where Vesryn was in Kyansari. Hurt flashed through her chest like a lightning strike. I hope he chokes on his dinner. Serenna slammed the lid shut as her limbs chafed with fury.

Blinking against the fading sun, she focused all of her attention on deciphering the prince’s location. Frowning, she perceived a pull, like a fish dragging on a line. But from the west.

Did Vesryn portal somewhere else? The fainter silver cord weighed on her perception—it never had before, not to any notable degree since the prince’s presence was always glaringly bright when he was close. I thought that thread between us would glow too if we ever accepted the bond, but I’m not sure I want to now.

Serenna clenched her jaw, drawing the worst conclusions—recalling their visit to the Cerulean Basin where his seduction had led to her manifesting her force ability.

Did he take Ayla there?

A hot slice of jealousy shredded Serenna’s chest. She wasn’t resentful if Vesryn took Ayla to the waterfall—a place he’d shared with her. That wasn’t the twisted feeling in her gut. That wasn’t why a sharp breath of bitterness constricted her throat.

A weight of indecision ricocheted against Serenna’s ribs, like the wings of a bird battering a cage. I’ll ask him what’s going on. That was the sensible thing to do—lay everything out in the open and avoid this tangled communication.

I’ll ask him right now! Serenna squared her shoulders, deciding she’d dwell on it no longer. I’ll shake him until his teeth rattle out an answer!

Angling her perception toward the twin silver threads, Serenna couldn’t make sense of Vesryn’s location. He can’t be in two places at once.

Fingers clenching and unclenching around the box, Serenna paced the sitting room while her thoughts festered. I shouldn’t be spending this much time upset over a male who’s making me doubt what’s between us. She yanked the bond’s cords in irate frustration. I deserve better than that.

Fueled by a desperate need for answers, Serenna seized her power, intent on manifesting her portaling talent. I’ll use the bond to travel to Vesryn. Reaching through their connection, she strained toward the nexus hovering between them.

Serenna weighed her options, her decision volleying between the east and the west. She couldn’t open a portal if he was at the palace—the rift could slice a bystander in half. Blowing out a breath, she sent her entire awareness toward the cord in the direction of the setting sun.

Diving into her power, Serenna’s magic rushed to her like a raging tide. Essence whirled around the room. She ignored the nagging feeling that she might be doing something exceptionally foolish because a male was involved. But she refused to be strung along like some bonded pet.

Recalling a conversation about manifesting portaling with Velinya, Serenna sank into the emotions that she knew would be needed to drag her ability to the surface of her Well—trust and longing. She could snap herself into a talent if she tried. I don’t need the prince prying my magic out for me.

Serenna tunneled into her Well, searching for her talent. I’ll trust the stars. And I’ll trust myself too. Closing her eyes, she released a frustrated huff, pouring every ounce of emotion into her power. Fine, I’ll use longing for the prince but only because I “long” to know what’s going on.

Letting herself drift, magic burst from Serenna. Not a sputter, but a roar, fountaining across the sitting room. Hauling herself away from tumbling into a spiraling pit of emotion, she cleared her mind to rebalance herself.

A rift split the air, opening a dark portal. Serenna gaped, shocked that she’d effortlessly called the talent on her own. Of course the only time I’m motivated enough is when a male is involved.