Chapter 23

The training field stretched wide before and the late afternoon sun bathed the area in warm colors, casting long shadows from the wooden dummies and glinting off the swords left propped against the racks. Kaden walked aimlessly, his boots kicking up small clouds of dust. His eyes were distant, his thoughts elsewhere, and the usual commanding presence he carried seemed dulled, weighed down by something unseen.

Lily's refusal. He wondered why. He had let go of his ego. He was willing to let her be his bride. Maybe it was to ward off Seraphina but some how he needed her and she was avoiding him everywhere. He asked Varick to get her to clean his chambers but unusually she never came.

He didn't notice the tray of nails laid out carelessly near his path until a firm hand gripped his arm and yanked him back.

"Watch your step, my prince," Aros said, his voice dry with amusement.