It’s potatoes, chicken, and a roll, and it’s delicious. It makes me wonder if a chef made it, and Finn tells me he’s certain one did, since most Royals don’t know how to cook.
As Finn reads through the book, his frown becomes more and more prominent. The map I’m assessing has me frowning just as profoundly. It’s of the world, only it contains more islands and a sort of centerpiece of land that has a star on it. Beside the star are the words: Royal Flame Kingdom.
It makes me think of the maps I saw in Grey’s house, and I find it kind of odd. Does Grey know what’s happening to me? Did this map come from him?
I could be being paranoid, but maybe not. After everything, I think I’m going to remain suspicious of everyone. Well, except Finn and River.
I smooth my finger along the Royal Flame Island. “Have you ever heard of this place before?”
Finn leans over my shoulder to look at it. “I’ve heard rumors of it, but most people believe it’s an urban legend.” He sets the book aside and takes the map from me. “What I’ve heard about it is that many, many years ago, the king and queen ruled the world from this island.”
“You mean the Everfords?”
“No. I’ve never heard of any names. Just that people believe there’s a hidden island somewhere out in the middle of an ocean.”
“Do you think it’s real?” I ask as he hands me back the map.
“A few days ago, I would’ve said probably not, but now, who the hell knows?” He picks up the book and shows me the page he has it opened to.
On it is a drawing of a crown covered in black roses, similar to the necklace I have, the one that led us down this rabbit hole to my secret lineage, and behind it, decorated with the same flowers, is a throne. On top of the page are the words:rosa sanguinis malediction.
“Do you know what that means?” I point to the words.
Wisps of blond hair tumble into Finn’s eyes as he shakes his head. “I don’t. I’m not even sure what language it is.”
“Latin.” I tap the wordrosa. “And that means rose. I’m not sure what the other words mean, though.”
Finn stares at me with a combination of amusement and intrigue.
I angle my head to the side in puzzlement. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
He shrugs without taking his attention off me. “You’re just amazing. That’s all.”
I arch a brow. “Why? Because I know Latin? Did you think because I come from a poorer side of town that I’d be dumb?”
“No, not at all. I just think you’re amazingly smart and wanted to point it out.” He gently brushes his fingertips along the side of my head. “This right here is one of the most beautiful things ever.”
I blush, heat annoyingly blooming in my face at his compliment.
He totally notices and grins. “Is the infamous cool as hell Maddison blushing?”
“No,” I lied. “I just…” I groan in frustration. “Okay, I am. So what?”
His amusement dwindles. “Why?”
I scratch at the corner of my eye, feeling twitchy. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m used to people complimenting my looks and even my running abilities. Never mind, though. It’s… People don’t usually view northsiders as smart. Even my scholarship to The Royal Academy wasn’t given to me because I’m smart.” I drag my hand down my face. “Everything about my life seems to be a lie. I’m worried what other secrets will come out.”
He laces his fingers with mine. “Not everything is a lie. Me, River, Lily, and even Noah like you because you’re you, so maybe hold onto that, and even though I know you’ll struggle with this, maybe you can trust us to be there for you no matter what.”
My stomach suddenly feels all fluttery. “How do you know I have trust issues?”
“Anyone who pays attention to you can tell that.”
“And you’ve been paying attention?”
“I think considering some of the stuff I said to you over the last few days, that you know I have.”
Those butterflies go wild like a bunch of lunatics.
