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.Both strangers in our own land.A wall came into view, stretching in either direction.It was built of stones and stood so tall there was no way of telling what existed beyond.There was a large wooden gate embedded in the thick wall and as we neared, I felt smaller and smaller.The gate was wide enough for all of us to walk through side-by-side with plenty of room to spare, heights reaching up at least fifty feet.How the gate ever moved was beyond me.Out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement in the shadows of the forest.I felt it then—a presence, one that felt familiar to me somehow.Stronger and stronger it came until a young man emerged from the trees.His bronze hair shone in the sunlight, bordering a pair of striking blue eyes I would recognize in any crowd.They were my dad’s eyes.He was of average height and his fitted black attire showed off his muscular frame.He was an exact replica of my dad, albeit much younger.There was a rigid structure to his face, but it was no reflection of his spirit.That, I could feel, was pure and good and honest.Even if no one had told me, I would’ve known that the young man standing before me was my brother.And I couldn’t have hand-picked someone better.My legs began walking towards him.We stopped a few feet from each other.His blue eyes twinkled and he beamed at me.A few of his bottom teeth were turned in the wrong direction, but their imperfection was somehow more endearing.Then, without warning, he pulled me into a tight embrace.His love and joy wrapped around me then, even more powerful than his arms.When he stepped back, large, prominent dimples framed the smile that spread across his face.“Daria.” His rough voice sounded proud.I took a deep breath.“Stefan.”I didn’t think it was possible, but his semi-crooked smile widened.And his dimples deepened.“It’s about time you arrived.I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet you.”I liked the sound of his voice.It was strong and confident and…kind.“I wish I could say the same,” I said.“I’ve only known you existed since yesterday.”He looked past me at Dad with a smirk on his face.“Father.”Father.Strange hearing someone else calling my dad “father.”Stefan looked back at me with a spark of humor in his gaze.“He’s a bit overprotective.”“You think?” I grinned.“Don’t tell me he has thermal sensors around this place, too.”Stefan arched a brow.“You’re serious?”It was decided, then.Life really wasn’t fair.“He left that bit out.” Stefan glanced over at my dad—our dad.“I guess we know who the favorite is.” He smiled back at me.“Well, I can hardly wait to get to know you myself, especially after everything Alex has told me…”“Um, I’m not so sure I’d trust everything Alex has to say.He’s a little biased.”Stefan looked thoughtful.“He was right about one thing.You are beautiful.And that’s something I know for a fact he’s biased about.”He studied my now red face and his suspicion surged.Then he glanced back at Alex and a smirk appeared.Dad joined us, his face full of love and pride, and his joy was overflowing at having his children finally united.Dad and Stefan embraced, with firm smacks on the back.“Thank you, Stefan.I know it hasn’t been easy.”Stefan smiled and the dimples returned.“I only did it for her.”“Already uniting against me?” Dad asked.I grinned.“Dad, you can’t postpone the inevitable.”Both men beamed.It was like looking at two versions of my dad at the exact same time.Would I ever get used to this?Stefan continued, “Grandfather’s waiting for you in his chambers.He dismissed the Council for the rest of the afternoon after I told him you were on your way, but beware.They’re all lurking about, wondering what in the blazes caused the king to shorten yet another pointless meeting.”“Good, you haven’t mentioned Daria then.”Stefan shook his head just as the Del Contes joined us, Fleck trailing behind.Heartfelt greetings were exchanged all around, Stefan and Alex slapped each other hard on the back and Stefan’s smirk reappeared.Alex just shook his head.Stefan froze and his smile fell.“A Daloren child?”Fleck hid behind Alex’s legs.I took a step forward.“He was being held prisoner and he helped me escape.”There was fear in Stefan’s eyes.“But he needs to be taken to the Keep,” Stefan said.Fleck began shaking again.“But he doesn’t know anyone—he doesn’t even know his real name.I promised him I’d help him figure it out.” I grabbed Stefan’s sleeve.“Please.”Stefan held my gaze.His fear faded and he crouched low, speaking in a voice that was softer.“What is your name, lad?”Alex tried to comfort Fleck, but Fleck wouldn’t budge.He was resolute in his position behind Alex’s legs.“Whoever you are,” Stefan continued, “seeing as you saved my sister, I think you deserve a grand reward.I’m thinking—” Stefan rubbed his chin, staring at the sky “—a table filled with roasted meats, sweet breads, and all the callaberries you could fill your mouth with.”I could’ve kissed him.Fleck’s little flecked eyes peered around Alex’s legs.And then his nose appeared, followed by a mouth that was wide-open and grinning.“Really?” his little voice whispered.“All in celebration of your bravery.” Stefan smiled.“But I must have a name to give the cooks so I know where to deliver your food.”“Fleck.” He all but shoved Alex over and bounded toward Stefan.“Fleck.” Stefan smiled, extending a hand.“It is a pleasure.”I mouthed the words “thank you” to Stefan, who nodded and stood.“Let’s proceed, shall we?”We stood before the guardian to my fate—the gate—and as my curiosity surged, the gate slid sideways into the stone wall, just wide enough for us to pass through.A mountain of a man blocked our passage.Master Durus.Why was it, out of all the people in this crazy world, my family had trusted this man? Maybe it was punishment.“Thank you, Master Durus.” Stefan nodded.“Sire [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]