All Chapters of Four Realms of Desire : Chapter 41 - Chapter 47

“What's happened?” Loren asked, hearing the desperation in her own voice. “Where is Mariselle?”The Duke glanced at the stable yard full of people drawn by the party’s return. When he looked back, his expression was guarded.“I need to report to the Prince first.”“I don’t care about protocol.” Loren’s grip on his arm tightened. “Tell me where my sister is.”For a moment, she thought he might refuse but then his expression softened.“She’s with the Mirefolk,” he said quietly. “She’s unharmed but the situation is... complicated.”His arm came around her shoulders and Loren found herself pressed against dusty Windrider colours that smelled of horse and leather. It wasn't quite an embrace, more the quiet shelter of someone who didn't know what else to offer. “I’m sorry,” he said, and she couldn’t tell if he was apologizing for the news or for something larger. He stepped back before the moment could be remarked upon. “I need to see the Prince,” the Duke said, his voice returning to cli

The Duke entered the anteroom, his gaze finding Loren before settling on Sybille. To her annoyance she felt herself blush. How much had he heard?"Forgive my interruption." The Duke bowed to Sybille, though Loren had the distinct impression he was making an effort not to look at her again. “The Prince extends his welcome to Lady Sybille and wishes to inform you that a banquet has been arranged this evening in honour of your sister’s arrival.”Sybille rose smoothly, though her eyes were still damp. “Duke Alix. The Prince is very kind. I’m honoured by his hospitality.”“Windrider is pleased to receive you.”He withdrew before either of them could respond, his gaze lingering on Loren for a fraction longer than courtesy required.The silence he left behind felt strangely charged.Sybille watched Loren for a long moment, her own grief momentarily forgotten.“What was that about?”Loren found herself studying the honey cakes as though they held the answer. The trouble with Sybille was that

The arrow passed close enough that Loren heard it whistle. A second arrow hit the ground near her mare’s hooves and the horse shied violently sideways.Alix’s hand closed around her arm. He hauled her from the saddle and they hit the ground together, the impact driving the air from her lungs. Then they were rolling down an embankment, grass and dirt and sky spun past. They landed at the bottom in a tangle of limbs. Alix was above her immediately, one hand clamped over her mouth before she could make a sound. His other arm was braced beside her head, his body covering hers, his chest heaving against her own.Alix’s hand stayed over her mouth, his attention fixed upward, listening. Silence settled over the clearing. Finally, the tension in his shoulders eased and his hand moved from her mouth. Whatever threat had hidden in wait above hadn’t lingered.They stared at each other in the sudden quiet, both breathing too hard to speak. Loren could feel his heartbeat racing as fast as her own

Sybille followed Loren back to her chamber, flanked by guards. Neither spoke until the door closed behind them. Inside the room, the morning light streamed through the window leaving everything golden and temporary.“I’m leaving for Frostborne tomorrow.” Sybille said quietly. Something cold settled in Loren's chest.“Tomorrow? But the wedding is in three days. You can’t leave before...”“I can and I must.” Sybille’s voice was final. “My own marriage has already been delayed. I can’t postpone it any longer.”“A few more days won’t matter.” Loren stood in front of her sister. “Please, I need you here. You’re the only person who understands...”She trailed off, unable to articulate what Sybille understood. Everything, perhaps. Or nothing that could be spoken aloud.“The King of Frostborne is expecting me,” Sybille said, though her voice was softer. “If I postpone again, it sends a message we cannot afford.”“Everything comes back to what suits Greenborne best.” Bitterness crept into Lore