Page 57 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

“Linnea, you know Princess Raea from school, yes?” Queen Priana says.

“No, I’m sorry we never had the chance to meet.”

She is a striking contrast to the golden Okenen palette. Her skin is a rich bronze, drinking in the Malayan sun, and pregnancy has given her an ethereal glow. A collection of chokers draws the eye to the sharp, elegant lines of her collarbones—a detail I’ve never noticed on anyone before, yet on her it looks like armor. A single jewel pierces her left nostril, catching the sunlight. An aquamarine gemstone, wrapped in bronze, rests against her brow, dangling from a delicate diadem.

She is a sight to behold.

“Anders and Raea will be getting married in two weeks, after her Ceremony,” Queen Priana croons, taking a leisurely bite of her food.

Cole’s head snaps first to Ryker—then to me. His fork clatters against the China, the sharp sound echoing in the sudden quiet. “You’re not of age yet,” he says, his voice vibrating with resentment he doesn’t bother to hide.

Ryker doesn’t even look up from his fish. “Says the pot to the kettle,” he drawls, lethally indifferent. “We know the outcome, Cole. The Ceremony is a formality. The wedding is a necessity.”

This whole interaction is strange. Stiff silence settles over the table, and for a split second, a line from the Lost Prophecy echoes in my mind: “Yet in the wake of dawn, a shadowed crown will rise—not in harmony, but in hunger.” I look at Cole—his jaw set, his gaze burning with a resentment he isn’t bothering to hide. He used to worship Ryker, but now he looks at his brother as a barrier rather than a hero.

Could he be the one the scrolls warned about? Is his ambition for the throne turning into the kind of hunger that breaks kingdoms? The thought sends a chill through me.

Ryker squeezes my hand beneath the table, sending the quiet promise that we’ll talk later. He looks perfectly at ease, but I know better. Beneath the surface, anger and disappointment simmer, written in the tight pull of his jaw.

“Well, that’s wonderful,” Linnea finally says, forcing a subdued brightness into her voice. “Will the wedding take place here, or on your home planet?” She offers us both a small, careful smile.

“The wedding will actually take place here,” I say. I glance at Ryker, and he gives a subtle nod. We haven’t confirmed it with our parents yet, but it’s the right choice. “And afterward, I’ll be moving here.”

“So it’s decided?” Queen Priana jumps in with a happy gasp. “We are so excited to have you.”

Both brothers are silent and stiff as they eat. Clearly, there is something going on between them beyond the wedding plans and our sudden announcement. I haven’t talked to Cole since he left, but I don’t remember him being at odds with Ryker. In fact, as much as he teased his brother, he still worshipped him.

“Can I be in your wedding?” Clara asks beside me. Her blonde curls drape around her shoulders, and her grayish-blue eyes are so big and round, I could never say no to her. She’s absolutely adorable. Pink tinges her pale cheeks as she waits for me to answer.

“Clara—” Queen Priana scolds before I cut her off.

“I would love that. Could you hold the flowers?” I ask.

She nods and a full beaming grin spreads across her cute little face.

“I’m so excited to finally have a real sister!” Clara squeals.

The word real lingers. Linnea’s expression barely shifts—a flash of hurt, expertly concealed. She has carried a prince’s child for twenty-nine weeks, and still, she remains invisible. I make a silent vow to change that. I know Clara said it innocently, but I can see the lingering effects on Linnea’s face.

We finish lunch with light conversation, moving to more cheerful topics that don’t involve my Ceremony or wedding. After lunch, I excuse myself to my chambers. I want to lie down and read for a bit. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I’m not used to sibling dynamics and it’s clear that Ryker needs to speak with his brother.

Mera helps me out of my gown so that I can slip into something lighter. She chooses a mauve pink simple slit dress that hovers above my knees. It’s something I only wear in private. The doors and windows are open in the sitting space and because the room sits on a corner, I have two walls opening to the wrap-around terrace.

I can see why the palace was built here instead of Saedn. Malaya is quieter, tucked away from the world, and the weather feels almost impossibly perfect. The sun shines most days, warming the lush forests and fields, and the once-a-week rainstorms breathe life into everything that grows here.

I ask for tea to be delivered and Aza leaves. I open my romance book, excited to disappear for a while and allow my brain to rest. I’m only three chapters in when there’s a soft knock on my door. Mera opens it. I don’t even have to look up to know it’s not Ryker. Theovan stands on the other side of the door.

“Princess Raea,” Linnea appears.

I glance up, and she’s alone.

“May I?” She gestures to the chair across from the sofa I am lying on.

I nod and close my book, dropping it on the table in front of me as I sit up.

“I hope you’ll excuse lunch. Cole is struggling to adjust.” Her hands fidget in her lap as she keeps her gaze on them.

“I’m not sure I know what you mean,” I say, moving to sit on the edge of the sofa.