Chapter 1
Ackland
"Your brother is lazy, arrogant, incompetent, and thinks the world revolves around him," she declared as she marched into my room without knocking, as if she owned it.
"I'm truly sorry to tell you the world does revolve around him; since the prophecy," I said, making her a drink.
Princess River, daughter of Hayden, first-in-line for the throne of the Drys kingdom. The tree fae. Fiancée to my brother.
"Perhaps you should take the lead and get him to listen, since my words are like a dagger on ice to him." She said, making her way towards me, her purple-white gown flowing behind her.
"I already tried, Princess. Before you came, he used to drink his days away." I said, handling her the glass of jaggery wine.
She drank it in one gulp and then looked at the roses I planted on my balcony. She pushed her hair behind her pointed ears, revealing a tattoo. It looked like a girl standing on her tip toes. I was surprised I hadn't noticed it before. I look at her neck. Another necklace; every day, a new gold leaf necklace.
"I've lost all hope with him."
"My father believes you will man him up, so you shouldn't be heard saying those words, River."
"Your father isn't half the dangerous man he thinks he is." She said, making her way towards the door.
"I certainly think you're right."
She turned halfway back, gave me a look, and said, "Isn't that right, Ackland?"
"Yes, Hayden"
"For the last time, Hayden is not my last name."
"Then tell me what it is, and I'll stop asking."
"I'll think about it."
I watched her until she was out of sight, truly gone. She looks ethereal, especially with those gold-green ornaments in her hair. I'd be lying if I said she wasn't the most beautiful girl I knew. If somebody told me she was a goddess, I would believe them and serve her for all of eternity.
But I don't belong to her, nor does she to me. She's my brother's fiancée and even if it's an arrangement, I have to stay away.
