Barracks (War of Hearts)

50- Of Hearts

As agreed, Aldaire trains me in archery every day, his focus unwavering. I do my best to avoid Stefani, but fate has other plans. Anastasia emerges from her room, her facade of grief finally crumbling. She's suffered greatly, but now, her emotions seem distant.

"Where are you going?" I ask, adjusting my dress.

"I heard today is your celebration, but I have to leave before I lose my mind," she replies, her eyes swollen.

"Are you okay?"

She stares at me for a moment before saying, "I'm sorry. I'll leave now. My carriage is waiting."

After she leaves, her maids gather her belongings. It seems like a long journey ahead, or perhaps she's not planning to return. Either way, guilt gnaws at me.

In the packed courtroom, I kneel before Superior Jonathan and Superior Maximillian. New faces fill the void left by the missing members, including Leo and Amber, Hart's daughter.

Superior Jonathan holds a long iron, the mark of Barracks ready to be seared onto my skin. The design—a circle with a sword melting into a tree—holds the weight of my oath. Despite what the books say, I know it won't be painless.

"I, Leizabeth Tyler, accept this mark as a symbol of my loyalty. I pledge to protect Barracks, accept the duties, and commit to follow all laws established by the throne."

The iron dips into the cauldron, releasing a horrifying plume of steam. It's not heat but cold iron that will brand me.

Kneeling on the cold concrete, I close my eyes as the iron meets my skin. The searing pain forces me to bite back a cry. Why do they keep it there so long?

When I open my eyes, Cecile grins between Jonathan and Maximillian. But nobody else seems to see her. Am I dreaming? She speaks, her words chilling. "Be prepared because this is just the beginning," she warns before vanishing.

The mark is permanent, a reminder of my allegiance. Only the Council holds the power to remove it.

I meet Aldaire's gaze, his presence lending me strength. The sizzling sensation fades, leaving a bright mark on my arm.

"It'll hurt for a few days, like any other human," Jonathan assures me.

We keep the celebration low-key. I don't want any more attention than I already have. Besides, the friends I need are either missing or absent from the kingdom.

"I am free," I announce to Himley and Aldaire when we are in the Aldaire's chambers.

"When are you leaving?" Himley asks, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I'll miss you. I've grown used to having you around."

"When my training ends. Did you manage to decipher that letter I gave you?"

The empty letter remains a mystery. Who could have sent it?

"No. We thought there might be a hidden message, but Hatti hasn't cracked it," Himley responds.

"It's been keeping me up at night. Did you find Ulises?" I ask.

"It should be a happy day, Leizabeth. Why are you beating yourself up so much? Just rest," Himley suggests.

"I can't rest. I've completed my first adventure. I can't stay still," I insist.

"Well, if you won't celebrate, I'll go on my own. Leo must be waiting for me to hunt together," Himley says, leaving me feeling defeated. So, Leo did win.

"Finally," Aldaire says as he sets his empty glass down. "We're alone now."

I smile at him, but inside, I know that Himley doesn't know about us trying to make things work. If she did, she'd hate me. Keeping it a secret is difficult.

Aldaire suddenly appears in front of me, pushing me closer to him. "You have a fever," he notes, kissing my lips softly.

"What are you doing to me? I was thinking... now that you got your mark, shouldn't we talk about making this public?" he suggests, surprising me with his sudden confession.

I push him away, feeling overwhelmed.

"I might not be what you want. But I can work on that."

"This isn't funny. You're the one who always kept us at arm's length. You're the one who never wanted anything serious," I remind him.

He seems confused by my reaction. "Why are you crying?" he asks softly, reaching out to touch my cheek.

"I'm not crying," I lie, hiding my face from him.

Before he can say anything else, Himley bursts in with Leo trailing behind. She glares at Aldaire and says, "You, sir, are in deep trouble." They exchange worried glances, leaving me wondering what's going on.

Leo seems to be as shocked as I am.

"I'll be right back," Aldaire says before following them out, leaving me alone and bewildered.

As the room empties, I sink onto the bed, still reeling from the whirlwind of emotions. My gaze drifts to his table, a territory I've never dared to explore. What secrets lie there, hidden from me? I've never truly known him, for he keeps himself shrouded in mystery. And yet, now he expects me to consider a relationship with him. After everything he's put me through?

Tracing my finger along the surface of his table, I sink into his chair, my eyes wandering to the bed we've shared countless times. The scent of an unused candle fills the air, triggering memories of her, the one he still longs for.

Does he desire me for who I am, or merely as a substitute for her? Is his reluctance to let me go fueled by fear of losing Cecile forever? No, he wouldn't use me in such a manner.

Driven by curiosity, I open the drawer, heart pounding in anticipation. Inside lies a small box, the same one he retrieved from that antique shop. Whatever lies within holds significant value, something he's kept hidden from me.

With trembling hands, I lift the lid. Is this what I think it is? Just then, the door swings open, and Aldaire stands before me, his expression troubled.

My heart skips a beat as I gaze down at the glistening wedding bands nestled inside the box. He couldn't have gotten married, could he?