Symbol of Hope by Amber Paige

Author:Amber Paige [Paige, Amber]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-05-22T16:00:00+00:00

A sleepy moan rumbles against my lips, gently shaking me awake. My mouth is dry and sticky, my eyes are still heavy but at least my headache is gone.

How long was I out?

The sun sets beyond the glass paneled door. I could stay in bed; evening is only moments away, but my stomach grumbles angrily.

Okay, fine. A snack, and then back to bed.

I slip out into the hallway, choosing to forgo my slippers. My toes curl in on themselves as they touch the cold concrete floor, forcing violent shivers to race up my legs.

“Good evening, Marik.” Marik bows his head slightly at my appearance.

“Have a nice nap, Princess?” He’s toying with me. Thanks to Alden, I’m able to detect the sparkle of teasing a mile away.

“I did, thank you.” A group of ladies stroll down the hall, giving rise to a mischievous thought. “I’m sorry about your toes, Marik. Fungus is no joke.” I smirk. The ladies giggle as they pass us. Marik’s eyes squint playfully, and a lopsided grin takes over his lips.

“Very funny, Princess.”

“Have you seen Lady Briar?” I ask mid-laugh as my stomach growls again. I fold my arms over my core, hoping to mute the noise.

“I believe she’s in the armory.” Marik nods down the hall. “Shall I escort you?”

“Yes, please,” I say as my voice trails off in thought. Why is Briar in the armory? What could she possibly be doing down there?

The armory is in the belly of the castle. The ground above is always warm from the hungry, brilliant flames. Marik and I take the stairs down into the bellows. The air is smoldering thick. The chills I had before seep from my body, and my bare feet burn against the stone floor. I peer into the room; the blacksmith is the only one visible. Stepping inside, I admire the handmade creations resting on wooden tables. Shields and criss-crossed swords adorn the walls. The sound of metal hitting metal vibrates around the room.

“Hello,” I call out loudly so the blacksmith can hear me. The iron the blacksmith was hammering clatters to the ground. My hands cover my ears, fearing my eardrums just shattered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” I say with a wince. The blacksmith faces me, wiping sweat from his forehead. He’s younger than I imagined. Even with soot dusted across his face, he’s remarkably handsome. His eyes are strikingly silver, freckled with darker shades of blue. His blond hair is tied back so it doesn’t catch fire.

“I… um—hello, Princess.” He stumbles over his words before bowing. A gesture so firm and tense I have to refrain from giggling. “Can I be of any assistance?”

“I’m looking for someone.” As if she was summoned by the universe herself, Briar strolls out from the back room. Her eyes widen at the sight of me. “There you are.” I close the distance between the three of us. Stepping closer to the flames, I begin to sweat in places I didn’t think were possible.

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