“I asked you here on official business, priestess.” He responds. I lose a breath when my magic suddenly swirls to life in delight at his apparent disinterest in the seductress. I pull back quickly when his eyes jump to the door.
Shit, did he hear me?I wait, refusing to breathe again until I know I am undetected.
“Oh, how disappointing.” Halyca responds, and I can hear the faux pout of innocence in her voice without even looking at her.
When Cillian doesn’t respond immediately, I start to move back towards Nova’s study to avoid getting caught outside of his door.
“Nova’s death obviously upset the Goddess.” Cillian’s words flow down the hallway clearly and I pause my steps.
I move back to my previous spot but resist looking into the room.
“The Daughter of Gaia, being killed before becoming queen… does it surprise you that she would be upset?” She’s deflecting.
I saw her face when the final rite didn’t go as planned. Even she was shocked.
“I need to speak with her.” I hear him walking around the room now, his voice closer to the door.
Halcya releases an unflattering snort. “Nova is dead, returned to the elements. I’m not sure what you think I can do about that.”
“Not Nova, Gaia.” He states, his words filled with annoyance.
“You have to go through me to communicate with the Goddess, Prince.” Her words are sharp but still drip with sex.“I’m happy to ask her anything you want and report back. Maybe in your private quarters next time?”
My blood,or maybe it’s my magic, simmers at her implication. Hasn’t he made it clear that he isn’t interested in her? You would think a High Priestess would have a little more decorum. She is no better than the parasite princesses. And the overly sexy act is overplayed.
I hate to admit that I still know Cillian, understand him on some level. But at this moment, Iknowhe is done with her antics. His words come out firm, “We agree the Goddess was upset. Ask if the storms are connected. See if the humans were involved.”
“And why are you inquiring about this instead of your parents? Or better yet, the future king? You arethe spare.” It sounds like she finally got the message because her words come back sharp.Belittling.
He doesn’t take her bait, “They’re all busy with the coronation. I don’t want to burden them with anything more.”
“And you only wish to help?” Her voice is skeptical. “How generous.”
Why is he looking into this and not his father or brother?
I don’t know what the Vaylors have done in the past to stop the storms. But one thing is clear, the storms are still destroying the magic and the synthetic options the Vaylors have brought in are not working as they promised. Are they benefiting from the synthetic options in some way? Why else would it not be a higher priority-the only priority- to stop the storms? Restore the full fae powers.
“To be honest, Halcya, I don’t care what you believe as long as you get me answers. Soon, priestess,” he snaps. I hear her clear her throat but doesn’t respond to him.
The magic that I’ve been holding back builds stronger as I wait for her response. It reaches out, pushing me towards thedoor. I am about to acquiesce and try to get a glimpse into the room when the door swings open in one fluid movement.
In a blink of an eye, a hand lands on the wall next to my head, the other holding the open door open at my side, effectively boxing me in.
My eyes go wide and I press myself tight against the wall, as the scent of fresh spring water fills my lungs.
“Can I help you?” he asks through his teeth.
Still clinging to Nova’s journal at my chest, I drop my shoulder and lift my face to him in defiance, “Nope, I’m good. You are free to return to your mistress- sorry I meanpriestess.” I give him a cunning smile, even as I internally condemn myself for letting my envy show.
He cocks his head to the side, eyes roaming across my face and taking in my words.
“She’s gone.” is the only answer I get.
“Why are you looking into the storms instead of Caspien? I don’t buy that you don’t want to bother them,” I whisper, having a hard time catching my breath with him so close. My magic charged with us this close, making it hard to breathe.
His body goes rigid at my question, his eyes dropping to my painted lips. I swallow with his intense eyes on me, my blood rushing to my ears.
“Caspien doesn’t always do what he should, or take care of those under his protection.”
