No Lilith.
No Oraphia.
“Where’s Oraphia?” I ask, growing suspicious.
“She left with Lady Lilith,” Raevi answers, and my suspicion grows.
“Are you on your way to the kitchens with that?” I ask, and the timid fae nods. “Please tell the kitchen staff I’d like to take dinner in my quarters tonight.”
“Of course, my lady,” Raevi says.
Eve sweeps backward toward the quarters’ door, and swings it open, allowing Raevi to leave without hindrance. As I cross the room and throw myself into the couch, Eve closes the door and joins me.
“Everyone is safer if I’m alone,” I say quietly.
I don’t have to temper myself and no one has to endure me.
Eve scoffs a laugh. “I’d argue had you been alone a few hours ago, all of Ollora might be in danger.”
I might have died is what she’s saying.
And Ryc would have reacted—poorly, judging by Eve’s words.
“You didn’t see him after the eclipse, Ves,” she says. “I knew the bond was strong. I didn’t think it capable of destroying someone before it had been accepted. He wouldn’t listen to me. I tried to tell him about Rowen, about what he said, but he locked himself away in his office.”
She cracks a small smile and dry laugh.
“Much like you and that bathing room.” She gestures toward the open door. “No one could approach him. I think Fenryn was too stupid to realize how he took his life into his own hands every time he tried to talk to him.”
I can’t help but chuckle.
I don’t know Fenryn very well, but it’s too easy to imagine him being an oaf.
I’ve not spoken about my return to the hells.
Nothing beyond Netharis’ death.
But I did the same.
I wallowed.
Our heads turn as the door opens. Oraphia enters, carrying a long, black silk dress. Tapping the door shut with a heel, she crosses the room, the fabric trailing beside her. She hoists the hanger higher, hanging it upon the bedpost before giving the dress an approving nod and turning to me.
“Alright, Lady Ves,” Oraphia says with a faint smile. “Chin up. It’s time to get dressed for dinner.”
My brows crease. “I told Raevi to pass word I’d like to take dinner in my quarters.”
“And Lady Lilith is requesting your presence instead,” Oraphia counters, turning to meet my stare. Her smile vanishes and concern etches itself into her aged features. “How are you feeling?”
I try to offer some semblance of a smile. “I’m fine,” I reply. “Thank you.”
“Lady Ves, I need to apolo—”
“There’s no need,” I shake my head, not letting her finish. “You’ve done nothing wrong. The fact of the matter is I am a damned creature from a damned lineage. Of course I would find some means to slip into the veil.”
“I didn’t know that could happen,” Eve says and both Oraphia and I turn our attention to her. “I didn’t know people could just bepulledinto the veil.”
“It’s called dying, Lady Eve,” Oraphia replies, her tone terse as she approaches the vanity near the other end of the room. “I’m glad it didn’t end as badly as it could have. You don’t deserve that. King Alaryc doesn’t deserve that.”
