Lilith’s golden laughter fills the parlor. “No, Ves, not Ryc. They were sent tome.”
I lift my eyes to hers and she gives me a dazzling smile.
Who would send Lilith flowers?
And why?
Is it a ploy for power—access to Ryc—or her heart?
Lilith’s never made mention of interest in a partner—casual or otherwise. I’ve not seen her take the company of any man or fae. Of course, I don’t know her every waking moment. Even so, in her position, it would be one thing to take casual partners, another to chase romance.
With a gentle push, Lilith’s chair groans against the floor. She swings herself around to me, and grabs me by the arm. Before I can argue, before I can breathe or blink, she’s pulling me with her.
And subsequently, Eve.
Lilith pulls out the chair beside hers, ushering me into it. I glance at my usual seat at the head of the table, already mourning the loss of typical distance between Lilith and I. Eve slides past, claiming my forcefully abandoned seat for herself.
“There are a few matters I’d like to discuss,” Lilith says as she seats herself.
My brows furrow as I pour myself a glass of water. “Discuss?”
What could Lilith possibly want to discuss with me?
I’d much rather be left to eat breakfast.
Ideally, in silence.
My stomach twists, making a sharp growl as if to second the thought.
Eve, across the table, lifts her chin, drawing my attention as Lilith shifts in her seat to face me. She drags her eyes to the table and dips her chin. Following her silent beckoning, I find a letter upon the table.
It’s addressed to Lilith in a rather impressive script.
The flowers are agift. Accompanied by aletter.
“Who’s expressed sexual interest?” I ask, and Lilith’s brows shoot high as Eve stifles a laugh behind a fist.
Lilith stammers. With a deep inhale she swivels in her seat and reaches for her glass of water, her porcelain cheeks taking on a bright pink stain.
“I think you meancourtship, Ves,” she says.
“I fail to see the difference,” I rebuke. “I—”
I stop myself short as the doors behind us swing open and my head whirls. The tantalizing scent of the kitchens reaches me fasterthan what should be possible and my stomach twists again. Staff sweep into the room, carrying silver covered trays.
Breakfast, and thank the gods for it.
I’mravenous.
And Lilith’s sudden silence is welcome as trays are set before us and lids whisked away. A meal of fried eggs, topped with diced tomato, fresh spinach, and some sort of triangle-shaped, golden crustedthing—I cut into it with my fork.
Potato?
Whatever it is, it smells amazing.
All of it.
This is the one thing Castle Erus will always have over temple life. Goodfood. Even if it goes cold.
