Of all the things tonottell Ryc, I’m surprised she chose that.
“Nothing official,” I retort. “Nothingsigned. Simply a gentlefae’s agreement—she tells me what she knows, in return… I read this.” I flick a corner ofThe Joining.“I think she may have gotten the better end of the deal.”
Reaching, Ryc pulls the boring book close to the edge of the table and peers at the open page. “Seems you haven’t gotten far.”
“I’ve tried,” I say, exasperated. “I’ve tried to read the first chapter several times now. My mind is too distracted.”
And can’t be bothered to care about ridiculous fae custom or tradition.
Not now. Not with everything else happening.
“If it helps, the book outlines what the council and faekind will expect,” Ryc replies, turning his golden gaze from the book to lock with mine. “The process of hunting a mate, the purpose of gifting silver, and the promise of the Joining itself.”
He leans close, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.
“Soulbound, Eve called it,” I say quietly and he nods. “Does the idea of giving another a piece of your soul not scare you?”
Ryc flashes a ridiculously stunning smile, and it threatens to leave my head blank.
“Not at all,” he answers, straightening himself. “Not with you.”
Stunned silent, I stare at him, struggling to find words.
I’ve never had someone soearnestly trustme.
It’s both humbling and horrifying.
The power he holds over me is horrifying. As is the power I have over him. We could wake up tomorrow and utterlyruinone another—destroy all we’ve created together. Set hellfire to this quaint little life for no reason at all.
But I don’twantto.
I don’t believe he wants to either.
Andthatis humbling. It’s strange and new, this lack of harbored suspicion. The best I can do is enjoy it—enjoyhim—while it lasts. Maybe one day he’ll realize his mistake or how wrong Nektos was in pairing us, but until then, I’ll play the part of the fool and give him my heart.
“We could read it together right now if you’d like,” Ryc says, and my eyes swing to the book. “I can imagine the concept of soulbinding is… unnerving.”
To demons the thought ofexchanginga piece of one’s own soul… yes to say the least. It’s unnerving and contradicts the inherent selfishness of the species.
I shake my head at his offer. “No, I promised I’d read it. And I will. Once we conclude this business with Rowen and I can focus.”
Contract or not, I can’tnothonor the deal I’ve made.
Ryc nods. “Fair enough.” His countenance grows inquisitive. “Tell me, the night of the eclipse, did Rowen approach you regarding his contract?”
I meet his question with a confused stare. “No. I beckoned him. Asked for his help. Why? Did he say otherwise?”
Shaking his head, Ryc sighs. “No. But it could have been argued Rowen regretted his contract and sought you out as a means to correct his mistake. Build his defense on his character.”
“No,” I say with heavy regret. “Rowen was reluctant to meet. And even more reluctant to helpuntilI mentioned the possibility of freeing him.”
“Damn,” Ryc says in a sigh. “Even so, building upon his character is our best course in winning votes in his favor. Ganus and Eloric claim to have evidence of Rowen acting under Netharis’ influence. Rowen won’t say what it is, and if it’s what I think it is… well, I hope to be wrong.”
“And if they present it? Can this still be won?” I shift in my seat,unease settling into my bones.
Are we committing ourselves to a losing battle?
“If Rowen, Fenryn, and I garner the support, yes, this can still be won,” Ryc replies, his tone firm. “But to garner that kind of commitment means providing something of worth.”
