Chapter 41

VALKYRIE

I slam the double doors shut, a growl of frustration escaping my lips. Dimitri’s words still echo in my head, making my blood boil. Why was I the one being blamed?

I can’t even remember kissing Prince Cian. What was Irene going on about? I strip off my clothes, feeling suffocated and heavy.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoes from the doors. I spin around, irritation flaring.

“OPEN THE DAMN DOORS, VALKYRIE!” Dimitri’s voice booms from the other side.

“FUCK OFF, DIMITRI!” I yell back, my voice shaky as I fight back tears. He doesn’t deserve to see me cry.

I stand in the middle of the room, feeling the tears finally break free. A sob slips past my lips as I wipe my tears away with the back of my hand.

“OPEN THE DOOR, I SAID!” Dimitri’s voice rings out again.

I cover my ears, crouching down. I need to get away from him. From this place. My eyes land on the balcony. I sprint towards it, desperate for fresh air, and lean over the railing, letting my tears fall freely.

What the hell just happened? My lips tremble as I cover my face, cursing under my breath.

Suddenly, a loud roar echoes from somewhere else in the palace. That’s not Dimitri, it’s Damian. What’s going on down there?

I lean over the railing, trying to see what’s happening. Bad idea. The palace shakes as another dragon growls loudly, followed by a loud bang. Where are they fighting?

I try to see where the noise is coming from, but it’s impossible. The growling and banging continue, and I brace myself, ready for anything.

“Valkyrie? Please open the door,” Dimitri’s voice comes through the door, softer this time.

He’s still there? I thought he’d left. I decide it’s best if I leave, and start looking for an exit. The only way out is the balcony.

The rough boulders that make up the palace are my only option. I glance at the door and scoff.

I slip on my sandals and start climbing down the boulders. It’s risky, but I can’t stay here. I need to get away.

I make my way down carefully, scanning my surroundings. Spotting an open window, I step in and let go of the wall, landing on all fours with a curse. That was a risky move.

I look around, frowning. Whose room is this? As I walk further in, I hear a door open. I press myself against the wall, waiting to see who it is.

I just hope it’s not Irene’s room.

“I know you’re there, so come out,” a familiar voice says. I let out a sigh and give a shy smile.

“Sorry…,” I whisper, peeking into the room.

“No need to worry, Valkyrie,” Casen says, extending his hand towards me.

When did he get so close?

I stare at his hand, then look up to find him smiling warmly. He’s really handsome. I reach out and place my hand in his. His smile widens as he gently grips my hand and pulls me closer.

“If my guess is right, you’re escaping the king?” Casen asks, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

Embarrassed, I nod.

“It’s okay. You can stay here all you want,” Casen says, guiding me towards a wooden chair. “Take a seat.”

I do as he says, sitting down with a sigh. I feel exhausted.

“I want to apologize for what happened,” Casen says, handing me a glass of water.

“No need,” I say, shaking my head. “It wasn’t Irene’s fault. I just… I don’t even know what she was talking about.”

Casen grips his goblet, looking deep in thought. I study his face, noticing how handsome he is. But there’s something familiar about him that I can’t quite place.

I squint my eyes, continuing to stare at him.

“Am I that handsome for you to stare at me like that?” Casen asks, chuckling. Caught off guard, I quickly look away, embarrassed.

“Sorry,” I mumble.

Casen just smiles warmly. A comfortable silence falls between us.

“Uh, there’s something I want to ask you,” I say.

“Go ahead, ask,” Casen says, taking a sip of his wine.

“Who are you really?” I ask, looking at him. Casen’s lips tighten, and he looks away for a moment before looking back at his hands.

“If I tell you… Do you promise not to get scared?” Casen asks, making me frown in confusion.

I nod, waiting for his answer. But instead, he starts fidgeting in his chair. What’s wrong?

“Valkyrie… Have you heard from Michael and Cian that they are your family?” Casen asks. I tilt my head to the side and nod.

“And has Cian mentioned that you might be a princess?”

“Yes…,” I whisper. Where is he going with this?

“Did he ever mention that your father might still be alive?” Casen asks, making me tense up.

I take a shaky breath, placing my hand on my chest. My lip trembles as I start to connect the dots. I stand up abruptly, backing away.

“No way,” I mutter, my body shaking. “You’re my father?”

Casen looks scared. He quickly stands up, raising his hands.

“Calm down, Valkyrie, and listen, please,” Casen says softly, like he’s afraid I might break.

“Please explain,” I say, continuing to back away. “Just stay away from me.”

Looking hurt, Casen nods.

“Valkyrie... I’m your father,” Casen says nervously. He lifts his gaze to meet mine. “You’re a princess. You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for you.”

“How sure are you?” I snap, closing my eyes. I’m trying not to panic. “Tell me! How sure are you?”

“You’re the spitting image of your mother,” Casen says, his lips pressed into a thin line. “Those eyes, that hair. It’s like looking at her.”

“That can’t be!” I argue back. “How can I be your daughter when I was a slave?”

I’m gasping for breath now, feeling the urge to flee, but I can’t. I need to hear this out.

“I understand...,” Casen begins. “It’s a complicated story, Valkyrie. I just don’t want to overwhelm you.”

Casen tries to come closer, but I hold up a hand to stop him. I can feel a massive headache brewing. I close my eyes and rub my temples.

“Follow it...,” a voice whispers in my ear. I spin around, but there’s no one there. Fear grips me and I scan the room.

“Valkyrie?” Casen’s voice breaks through my panic as he tries to approach me again.

“NO!” I shout. “Just stay where you are, please,” I snap, clutching my throbbing head. “Just stay there...”

My words start to blur together as dizziness washes over me. I stumble, trying to keep myself upright.

“Valkyrie!” Casen’s voice rings out as he catches me in his arms.

I try to push him away, to sit up, but it’s no use. My vision starts to blur, and then everything goes black.

“Follow it...” the voice whispers again as I surrender to the darkness.

***

I wake up feeling nauseous, my body aching. I roll over and start to vomit, my stomach churning violently.

Gasping for breath, I clutch the edge of the bed.

“Shh, it’s okay. Just let it out,” a familiar voice soothes.

I slap the hand away and rest my head on the bed. I feel like garbage. It reminds me of the times I was beaten and left on the cold floor of my cell.

My body aches just like it did then. Groaning, I push myself up.

“Valkyrie, take it easy,” Michael advises, rubbing small circles on my back.

“Get off!” I snap, lying back down. I take a deep breath, but my stomach lurches again. “Where’s Casen?” I ask him. Michael glances towards the door.

“I didn’t let anyone in. Casen stayed outside after he brought you here; he was worried. Everyone else... they kept their distance,” Michael explains, his brow furrowed. “I knew you wouldn’t want to see anyone.”

I nod and ask him for some water. I really don’t want to see anyone right now. But I need to finish my conversation with Casen. After taking a sip of water, I ask Michael to call Casen in.

Casen peeks inside, a wry smile on his face. As the doors close behind him, I sit up.

“Don’t move, please,” Casen pleads, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Ignoring him, I shift my position. Michael offers me his hand. Carefully, he helps me up from the bed. I lift my head high and look at Casen with determination.

“I think we need to finish our conversation, and then I’ll give you any answers you need from me. But right now, I need you to explain why you’re here.

“Because if you think I’m going back with you, you’re mistaken. I’m not leaving with someone just because they claim to be my father. And not just because Cian says so, either.

“So tell me the real reason, and I’ll decide what to do,” I demand.

Casen nods and asks me to sit back down.

“I’m here because, like you said, I want you to come back with me. You’re not just my daughter, you’re a princess. The princess of the Fae Kingdom,” Casen explains.

“You are the rightful ruler, and you should be by Cian’s side. After all, Cian is the prince next in line for the throne, and you two would make a perfect team.”

“Together?” I echo, scoffing. “Why would you think that?”

“What do you mean?” Casen asks, looking puzzled.

“Can’t you see? Irene said it, Cian kissed me. When? How? I don’t remember, but if he did it while I was unconscious, well, damn him.

“Because any trust I had in him just got fucked over,” I say, crossing my arms. “So the last thing we have here is a perfect togetherness, as you put it.”

“Wait, that was a mistake!” Casen exclaims, standing up. “I’m sure it’s all a misunderstanding.”

“It’s not,” Michael murmurs, his head bowed. Casen whips his head around, his eyes wide, staring at Michael.

“What do you mean it’s not a misunderstanding?” Casen demands, his voice a low growl. “Explain, please!”

Michael lifts his head and looks at me.

“I’m sorry, Valkyrie,” he whispers, sighing.

Scoffing, I turn away. I grip my dress as anger bubbles up inside me.

“Michael!” Casen growls. “Out with it!”

“Cian… He accidentally kissed Valkyrie while she was asleep a few days ago in the library,” Michael explains, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It was an accident, Valkyrie.

“He said you threw your arm around him and pulled him down. He didn’t want to wake you, so he stayed with his face on your chest.”

“Chest?” I ask, confused. “Didn’t he kiss me?”

“No,” Michael says, shaking his head. “He kissed your chest, where the mark is. When your mark appeared, Cian freaked out. That’s why he fought with Dimitri. He thought it was his.”

“Wait, hold on!” Casen interrupts, grunting. “You’re saying it was all a misunderstanding?”

“Yes,” Michael confirms.

“So why is Irene upset?” I ask, eager to understand more.

“Irene was under the impression that you were his mate too. She didn’t realize that your mark is solely Dimitri’s. She’s mixed up,” Michael explains, a smile playing on his lips.

With a heavy sigh, Michael takes a seat.

“I’m sorry about all this. I tried to make Dimitri understand, but it was like talking to a brick wall,” he says, his gaze meeting mine.

I let out a scoff and rise to my feet. I make my way to the balcony, watching as birds dart across the sky.

“I can’t believe Cian would do something like that,” Casen mutters, getting up and starting to pace the room.

“No… I remember now. He came by and woke me up. I’d had a spat with Dimitri and I remember dozing off in the library. When I woke up, he was there,” I say, my eyebrows knitting together in thought. “It’s possible that I did that.”

“Are you certain?” Michael asks, letting out a breath.

“Yes,” I murmur, my mind racing with what to do about Cian.

“Then you better explain that to the king!” Casen exclaims, flopping down into a chair.

“Dimitri… He can grovel for all I care right now,” I mutter, causing Michael and Casen to stare at me in surprise.

If Dimitri thinks I’m going to let him off the hook easily this time, he’s got another thing coming. I won’t make it easy for him. He’s going to have to beg for this one.