"Reckless! Irresponsible!!"

  Nicholas' hands curled into fists as he had them placed neatly at the small of his back. He stood poised in his father's office, staring at his father, who was pacing on the other side of his desk. Nicholas tried his best to keep his facial expression neutral, despite the storm of emotions coursing through him at the moment. While he was physically in his father's office, his mind was elsewhere, thinking about Elianna.

  After their encounter with the cultist, they had been rushed to the palace by Gavarian guards and taken straight to the royal medical ward. There, countless mages tended to him and Elianna and were able to heal him promptly. Elianna, however, Nicholas was told her injuries were more severe, and his aunt ended up taking him out of the room as he was distracting the mages with his outbursts.

  Nicholas flinched, coming back to reality as William slammed his palm on the desk. He glared at Nicholas with a thousand years of rage, "What in the absolute fuck were you thinking?! The guards were there to protect you! Why did you flee from them?!!"

  Nicholas' eyes fell, as regret washed over him.

  "Look at me when I'm talking to you!!"

  Nicholas' eyes snapped back to his father.

  "That's enough, William," Freya snapped back, staring at her brother as she stood slightly behind Nicholas. "He gets it."

  William gazed at his sister, "Stay out of this!"

  Freya flinched, her brows raised, and Nicholas' neutral expression broke, looking surprised. He had heard his father yell at his aunt before, but never like that.

  William continued to stare at his sister for a moment before he closed his eyes and let out a long breath. He stood straight and pinched the bridge of his nose, not saying anything for a few moments.

  Nicholas adjusted on his feet as an awkward silence fell over the room, and he was anxious about Elianna. He needed to know how she was doing; if the mages had made progress with her healing, it was driving him insane.

  Finally, William lowered his hand, and the rage in his eyes had dimmed as he looked at Freya, "Sorry."

  Freya's gaze softened, and she nodded to William.

  William then looked at Nicholas for a moment before asking, "How are your injuries? Are you in pain?"

  Nicholas shook his head, "No, the mages healed me completely, Father." He rolled his shoulders, "If anything, I just feel a little sore."

  "That's to be expected," Freya chimed in. "Your wounds were severe."

  Nicholas' eyes fell, "Not as bad as Lia's."

  Freya eyed Nicholas sympathetically, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "She's in good hands; she will be fine."

  Nicholas nodded slightly, "I hope so."

  William sighed as he took his seat, looking at his son, "You're lucky Helena found you when she did, Nicholas."

  "I know," Nicholas whispered, before he closed his eyes. "If it weren't for me, Lia wouldn't be hurt."

  Confusion washed over Freya and William's expressions, and they looked at each other.

  "What do you mean?" Freya asked, glancing at Nicholas.

  Nicholas swallowed hard, as his eyes began to water, "The cultist was after me. If Lia weren't with me, she would be fine."

  William's eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, placing his elbows on the desk and clasping his hands together, "You're sure?"

  Nicholas nodded and looked at his father, "Yes. He even said as much."

  "What did he say exactly?" Freya asked.

  Nicholas shifted, remembering the encounter, "He said I was in the way of their plans."

  Freya shook her head, "'Their plans' meaning the Infernal Cult?"

  Nicholas shrugged, "I would assume so."

  Freya's jaw tightened, and she looked at William, who was looking intently at Nicholas. The room fell silent, and no one spoke for a long moment until there was a knock at the door.

  William's eyes snapped to the door, "Enter."

  The door opened, and Captain Dunfort entered the office. Closing the door behind him, he stepped further into the office and bowed, "Please forgive my intrusion, Your Majesty and Highnesses."

  "Do you have news?" William asked, leaning back into his seat.

  Dunfort stood straight and nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty. I just received word from Commander Gaelin. Arch Mage Helena was able to capture the cultist successfully, and she and Commander Gaelin are securing him in the prison as we speak."

  Nicholas' expression darkened, as part of him had hoped Helena would kill him.

  Freya's brows shot high, "He's alive? We've never captured a cultist successfully before."

  "Any casualties as a result of this capture?" William asked.

  Dunfort nodded grimly, "Yes, Your Highness. The cultist didn't go down without a fight, especially being a seventh circle. Several buildings were destroyed, and a few knights and mages were killed while protecting the civilians and containing the battle between Helena and the cultist."

  William closed his eyes and sighed deeply, "Damn it. What about civilian casualties?"

  "None, Your Majesty," Dunfort stated. "The knights and mages did their duty."

  "May they rest in peace," Freya sighed. She looked at William, "We're lucky the damage wasn't worse. A battle between a seventh and an eighth circle can be destructive."

  William nodded in agreement, before his gaze narrowed on Dunfort, "And Tristan? Any news?"

  Nicholas looked at his father, confused, "What about Tristan?"

  William met Nicholas' gaze, "It seems you and Tristan had the same idea to run from your guards. Tristan disappeared somewhere on the palace grounds. I ordered an extensive search for him after hearing what happened to you."

  "Prince Tristan has been located, Your Majesty," Captain Dunfort said. He shifted uncomfortably, "He was located in the stables with a courtesan."

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  Freya sighed, "His engagement party is in two days. Is he serious?"

  William looked at Dunfort intently, "That knowledge is to be gagged. Where is Tristan now?"

  "Yes, Your Majesty, and Prince Tristan is currently in his room under heavy guard."

  "Good," William stated as he stood from his chair. "I want double the guard for all royal family members, to include Lady Elianna. We may be targets for the Infernal Cult."

  Dunfort nodded, "It will be done, Your Majesty."

  "Lia," Nicholas began, looking at Dunfort. "Have you heard anything about her?"

  Dunfort nodded to Nicholas, "I have, Your Highness. I have sent guards to stand outside her room as the mages have completed her healing." Nicholas and Freya let out sighs of relief, with Nicholas' eyes starting to water. "I was informed that she has been washed by the maids and is now resting."

  Nicholas' head snapped to his father, "May—"

  "Go," William nodded to his son.

  Nicholas didn't spare another word before he turned and ran out the doors, shutting them behind him.

  William stared at the closed doors for a moment before looking at Dunfort, "Advise the guards that I will be leaving the palace."

  Freya's brows furrowed, "Where are you going?"

  William's expression turned dark, "To the prison. That cultist attacked my son, and I will have answers as to why."

  Freya nodded intently, "I'm coming with you."

  ***

  Fire burned everything around Elianna as she slowly crawled over the cobblestone road. Pain radiated through her body, her clothes soaked with blood, as she desperately tried to get to Nicholas. He was lying not three feet from her, unmoving in a crimson puddle of his own blood.

  "N-Nick?" Elianna said hoarsely, desperately trying to get to him. Each breath she took hurt and burned, as the air around her felt like a furnace. "Nick, please, answer me."

  A cruel laughter sounded from behind her, "There is no escape for you, you elven bitch."

  Fear washed over Elianna, and she slowly looked over her shoulder. She watched as the cultist stepped through a wall of fire, his dark gaze locked on her with a cruel grin.

  "Did you really think you two stood a chance against me?" The cultist laughed.

  Elianna coughed up blood, with her gaze shifting toward her sword, which was lying a few feet away.

  "It's no use," The cutlist laughed murderously, as he raised his wand. Elianna's eyes shifted back to them, feeling a sense of hopelessness. Several swirls of earth magic appeared above the cultist, then formed into spear-sized rock lances. The cultist grinned, "This ends here."

  The cultist waved his wand down, and the spears shot toward her. Elianna tensed as the spears closed in on her and—

  Elianna's eyes shot open, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she breathed heavily. Her gaze darted around, seeing the familiar ceiling of her room in the palace. Swallowing hard, she took a few deep breaths, knowing she was in a safe place. But then her eyes widened as her thoughts drifted to Nicholas.

  Elianna shot into a sitting position with the intention of jumping out of her bed to find Nicholas, but she stopped when she noticed he was sitting beside her, asleep. He was leaning forward in a chair, his torso resting on the bed, his arms folded under his head. A sense of relief washed over her, seeing that Nicholas was okay and uninjured.

  Almost like he could sense her gaze, Elianna watched as Nicholas began to stir, and his eyes slowly fluttered open. A low grumble escaped from him, before she watched his deep sea green eyes flick to the pillow where she was lying. Suddenly, his eyes flew wide before he shot up into a seated position, and his gaze flicked to hers.

  Nicholas stared at Elianna for a moment before his eyes began to water and he smiled widely, "Lia!"

  Elianna returned Nicholas' smile, "He—"

  Nicholas lunged forward before Elianna could finish her sentence, taking her into a tight embrace and falling atop her on the bed.

  Elianna's face instantly turned hot as she felt Nicholas' weight on top of her as he lay above her on the bed. She swallowed hard before she wrapped her arms around him, returning the hug. That's when she noticed he was shaking a little and sniffling.

  "I'm so glad you're okay," Nicholas whispered into her ear. "The mages said your injuries were healed, but I was still worried."

  Elianna's brows furrowed as she whispered, "The mages? Nick, what happened?"

  Nicholas' grip around Elianna loosened, and she let go of him as he pushed himself off her, "You don't remember?"

  Elianna sat up, watching Nicholas as he took his seat, "I remember—" She swallowed hard, as the memory of the cultist surfaced. "I remember being attacked by the cultist. But after he... slammed me on the ground, I don't remember much."

  Nicholas nodded, and his eyes fell, "The guards did say you lost consciousness shortly after they got to us." He took a breath before looking at her, "Apparently, Helena had been searching for us under my father's orders and located us shortly after I destroyed the cultist's spell stone. Other knights and mages in the area also arrived, and Helena instructed some of the guards to take you and me back to the palace while she fought the culist. She was able to capture the cultist in the end." He gestured to Elianna, "The mages were able to heal you once at the palace. Afterwards, the maids got you washed up and changed."

  Elianna listened to Nicholas intently, and once he was done, she nodded, feeling some relief that the cultist had been captured. "I see."

  Nicholas' brows furrowed, concern in his gaze, "How are you feeling? Are you in pain?"

  Elianna smiled and shook her head, "No, I feel fine. What about you?"

  "Same."

  Elianna nodded, glad to hear that, but her smile faltered at seeing Nicholas' expression, "What's wrong?"

  Nicholas' eyes fell, "I'm sorry." Elianna looked confused. Nicholas shook his head, "The cultist was after me. If you hadn't been with me, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."

  Elianna's jaw clenched, "You have no reason to apologize, Nick. This wasn't your fault, so don't even think about blaming yourself. I don't. Okay?"

  Nicholas nodded, then looked at Elianna again and smiled slightly, "Sure." He tilted his head slightly, looking worried, "Are you sure you're okay?"

  Elianna's eyes fell, and she sighed, "I mean, I don't feel hurt." She grabbed her left arm with her right hand, "But, I am a little shaken."

  "Me too," Nicholas said softly. He stood up from his chair and sat beside Elianna. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close as he whispered again, "Me too."

  Elianna smiled at feeling Nicholas' warmth, and she leaned her head against him. They both fell silent, with a comforting feeling washing over Elianna at Nicholas' embrace. But, she couldn't help the images of the cultist that periodically flashed through her mind.

  "You said Helena captured the cultist?" Elianna asked, breaking the silence, as she adjusted her head to look at Nicholas.

  Nicholas' expression darkened, "Yeah. Captain Dunfort said he's been taken to the prison." He looked at Elianna, "I heard my father and aunt went there as well."

  Elianna's brows raised, "Why?"

  Nicholas shrugged, "To get answers, I guess. He left right after speaking with me." Nicholas scoffed, "Or, more like after I stood there while he yelled at me for my lack of common sense to stay with the guards."

  "He was mad, then?" Elianna asked.

  "More like he was furious," Nicholas said, meeting her gaze. "Aunt Freya was there and tried to calm him, but I have never seen him that mad before." He sighed, "But, it's not like I didn't deserve the scolding. My decision-making put you in danger."

  Elianna's eyes narrowed on Nicholas, "No, it didn't, so stop thinking like that. You had no idea we were going to be attacked."

  Nicholas shook his head, "Still, I should've been more careful. I should've stayed with the guards; then you would've been safe.

  Elianna's lips went partially agape, seeing the regret in his eyes before he looked down. She reached out, gently taking his hand, "Nick, I told you this isn't your fault. Stop blaming yourself. I wanted to leave the guards just as much as you. No one is to blame."

  Nicholas shook his head, "You keep saying that, but the truth is, I am to blame. The cultist was after me, not you. It's why I was hoping that he would let you go."

  Elianna's jaw clenched, "Seriously? And you thought I would just leave you?" Nicholas' watery gaze flicked to hers. Elianna tightened her grip around Nicholas' hand, "I never would've left you. Ever."

  Nicholas stared at her for a moment before his lips curled slightly, "Same, if the roles were reversed."

  Elianna returned his smile, "I know. Now, stop thinking like this before I thunk your skull in, and the mages have to heal you again."

  Nicholas' brows raised, and a genuine laugh escaped his lips, and Elianna laughed alongside him. Their laughter raised each other's spirits, and Elianna lay her head back down against Nicholas.

  They fell silent, sitting there and enjoying each other's company and warmth. The silence was soon interrupted, though, as a knock came from the door.

  Nicholas and Elianna both looked at the door, and Nicholas said, "Come in."

  The door opened, and a maid poked her head in, "Excuse the—" Her eyes widened, "Oh! Lady Elianna! I'm glad to see you're awake!" She looked back at Nicholas, "Your Highness, His Majesty, and Princess Freya are on their way back. His Majesty is having dinner prepared, and was wondering if you would be in attendance."

  Nicholas looked at Elianna, "You hungry?"

  Elianna nodded, "Yeah."

  Nicholas looked back at the maid, "We'll be there."

  The maid nodded, "Yes, Your Highness."

  The maid closed the door behind her, and Nicholas and Elianna got to their feet.

  "Before I forget," Nicholas began, and pulled Elianna's sword out of his spatial ring. He smiled and held it out to her, "Here, the guards picked it and my staff up."

  Elianna's eyes gleamed as she took her sword, "Oh, thank goodness. I thought I lost this." She smiled as she stored the sword in her ring and looked at Nicholas, "Thanks."

  Nicholas nodded, "You're welcome." He jerked his head toward the door, "Now come on, let's go eat."