Rehan scoots closer, leaning in. His eyes widen, fearful when he whispers, “It’s a terrifying tale, one that may lead to dire consequences should others discover you know this truth. Are you up to hear it?”

I give another eager nod. Rehan observes the space, checking for others listening. Then he holds his hand up to my ear and whispers, “I’m joking.”

“Hey!” I shove him without thinking of who I’m meant to be acting as. He laughs it off. Henley shakes her head. She either already knows the tale or knows him well enough to suspect his lies. Either way, I was duped for a few seconds.

“There’s nothing special so you’ll be disappointed,” he says, leaning back to rest his palms against the grass. “I’m actually His Majesty’s cousin from his mother’s side.”

Cousin? That...well, that definitely wasn’t mentioned in the book. This is becoming a recurring theme and I’m not okay with it.

The only family we learn about are Daithi’s parents, wife, and siblings. There was never mention of an extended family. Then again, there isn’t much information on his mother, Adora, either. Queen Estrada and King Luvon struggled to have kids. All elves do, probably because of their ridiculously long life spans. For example, King Luvon was 977 when he died. Luvon met Adora at a brothel during one of his travels. Obviously nothing was meant to come from their affair, but Adora got pregnant with Daithi quickly. She gave birth shortly after coming to the capital with Luvon.

Guess if they aren’t an “official” consort then it’s an affair? I don’t understand royals. That, along with his mother’s profession, were the main reasons Daithi wasn’t accepted among high society or seen as a true member of the family. He was an outsider from the moment he was born. The Cursed Prince many called him, cursed to be constantly reminded that he was lesser than everyone else by no fault of his own. With such a rough upbringing, I guess I can understand why he’s so distant—

Gonna stop that thought right there.

I will only admit that it wasn’t Daithi’s fault what happened nor do people have the right to judge Adora. It was her body and she could do with it as she pleased, but he ends up a piece of garbage by his own choices so whatever. We are not sympathizing with the villain!

“My late aunt was also from Vimico, although it wasn’t called that at the time seeing as Meredin wasn’t split yet,” Rehan continues to explain. “We never got preferential treatment like the extended families of the other consorts. But Daithi worked hard, proved himself, always gave us the opportunity to try and work our way up in the world too. Thanks to him, I joined the army. When King Luvon passed, I pledged myself to serve him as the true heir. And now here we are.”

“I wouldn’t say that isn’t special. Cousin to an emperor is a pretty amazing title to have,” I say.

“I abuse it regularly.”

“I bet you do.”

Rehan chuckles.

Looking at Henley, I ask, “What about you?”

She takes a moment to realize I’m speaking to her. Raising her head, she inquires, “What about me?”

“What’s your story?”

“None of your business.”

Rehan pretends to stab a spear through his chest. He dramatically falls backwards, groaning.

“Come on, Henley, give us some details.” I plead.

“Why should I tell a spy anything?” Her words are harsh, especially considering that the real Kaeda may actually want to use any information against her. I, however, only want to make friends.

“I can tell you a few things,” Rehan offers, smirking at Henley’s sudden stiffness. She swats at him like he’s a mere fly. He leans away. “I know she’s a wicked warrior, sword or bow she can do it, although she doesn’t come from any royal household. Not sure why you’re so loyal, so, I admit I’m also curious.”

“Don’t you know it’s rude to give away other’s personal information without their consent?” she hisses. Rehan nods, smiling like he did nothing wrong.

“I serve His Majesty because he is most deserving of the throne.” Henley grips the handle of her sword, hand trembling momentarily. With a sigh, she settles back into her usual stone facade. “I will serve him as long as he allows it. That is all you are getting from me. It’s late, Rehan. Would you mind taking your leave for the evening? We need our rest.”

“Fine, fine.” Rehan holds his hands up in surrender. He stands, dusting off his pants. “Sleep well. We’ll speak more tomorrow.”

“Looking forward to it.” I wave goodbye to the literal ray of sunshine that exits the tent. The brief opening reveals Daithi still perched at his desk, brow furrowed and glowering at the same sheet of paper.

The Cursed Prince. Now The Lonely Emperor, if you ask me. Based on Rehan and Henley’s belief in Daithi, as well as the book proving to be slightly off or at least a little misleading, could there be more to Daithi’s story? If there is, does it even matter?

The light suddenly vanishes. Henley has blown out the candle. She’s slipping under the covers, insisting I do the same. I follow soon afterwards since there’s no point staying awake, and I am actually tired.

Unfortunately, sleep doesn’t immediately take me.

For some reason, as I lie there, I think of home. Maybe it’s because the night is so quiet. Maybe it’s the soft candlelight filtering in from Daithi’s quarters. Maybe I finally realized this is real, but, all of a sudden, I can’t contain my tears. I bury my face in the pillow, twisting my body beneath the blankets, hoping to quiet my whimpers.

I miss Dad. His bright smile and warm hugs. I miss my brother. His constant pestering and loud laughter. I miss my friends. Our jokes over sloppy cafeteria food and long nights singing bad songs or playing games. I miss my warm, soft bed, and the fridge filled with goodies and a steaming bath and TV and my phone and, hell, even the sound of traffic and angry pedestrians.

I miss my life. I miss home, and I’m scared that I’ll never find home again.