But I still hate it.
It means no slipping off to The Lioness, to the North Docks, or the Brightmoss district today.
But…
Perhaps I can make use of today’s lesson.
I need to know more about the High Council.
I need to know who the Sovereign Kings are, what they’re capable of, and any points of interest that I could potentially exploit. Lilith was Sovereign Queen of Erus for a time, she has to knowsomethinguseful. Her head can’t be filled with fae customs and traditions and celebrations alone.
She doesn’t strike me asthatsingular.
But I’ve been wrong about mortals before.
Eve leans across the table, tapping my hand quickly before retreating. “Put your scowl away,” she says.
Before I can reply, Lilith breezes into the library with a shining smile on her face. With her crimson hair swept into a loose bun and the deep blue dress she wears, she looks exactly how I would imagine a Sovereign Queen Emeritus should.
“Ves,” she greets in her typical bright tones. “Good morn.”
She sets the small stack of books in her arms upon the table before taking the seat directly across from me.
There’s no point in waiting.
Lilith may prove a resource.
If I’m lucky, an invaluable one.
“I would like to learn more about the High Council and the kings,” I say and her brows fly high.
She hesitates, glancing at Eve before returning her eyes to me. With a nervous laugh, she straightens the books before her, aligning the corners perfectly.
“Any other day, I’d be happy to oblige you. But today I’ve been asked to cover this.” Pulling a title from the stack, she pushes a red leather-bound book across the table.The Joiningit reads in elaborate, trailing gold script.
I’ve seen this book before.
In the hells.
Granted, it was a Malbolge translation.
Ylara included it in a stack with others on similar topics. Titles involving fae and human traditions and customs. Even if I had the time to read it then, I wouldn’t have.
My feelings on the book remain the same.
There are better ways to utilize my time.
Today would be better spent learning about the High Council—not about whatever thisjoiningis.
Eve notes the cover and groans, sinking further into her seat.
“Ryc’s orders,” Lilith says, shooting her a bright smile.
“I’m not surprised,” Eve drawls, clearly unimpressed. “Thank you, King Killjoy,” she mutters to no one but herself.
“Another fae tradition?” I ask, fighting against my lip and its desperate want to curl.
Lilith unleashes her brilliant smile upon me. “It’s the ultimate agreement between fae—the promise to find one another in this life and the next.”
