“Only if you want to,” I answer, not wanting to pressure her.
“I can do that.” She beams.
Her attention is drawn to something behind me, her big blue eyes widening in surprise. A mischievous grin spreads across her face, exposing all those sharp teeth. “See ya. Wouldn’t wanna be ya!”
Then she is gone.
Shaking my head, I twist back around, and I’m surprised to see the queen, or rather, Lavina, staring back at me. Bloody Nix, she calls that a warning.
Drawing in a breath, I smile, though I’m nervous. “Lavina, so lovely to see you.”
“No, it’s not. You are a terrible liar.” Her violet eyes, usually filled with a sternness, are surprisingly clear and calm today. Reaching upward, she glides her hand over her already impeccable bun. I can’t help but feel like she is checking to make sure the crown is gone.
"Oh." That's the only response I can muster.
“I wanted to see if we could get to know one another. There is this restaurant in Skora that I love, would you join me for lunch?”
Chapter fifty-two
Everly
Kian and Tristan follow on horseback as Lavina and I ride in a carriage on the short trip through the castle gates and across the meadow that separates the castle from the city. Skora is so beautiful. Vibrant wildflowers paint the landscape, while the gentle breeze causes the long reeds of grass to sway and whisper.
“You know, it’s never looked this magnificent before,” Lavina remarks, surprising me.
We haven’t spoken a word to each other since she asked me for lunch. I don't think I even answered that question verbally; I just nodded like a weirdo.
“It’s truly beautiful,” I breathe.
“It’s all you, you know.”
“I’m not sure how.”
“Your presence here. The plants and wildlife can feel you; they are drawn to you. They feed you magic, and in return, you allowthem to thrive. With time, you’ll be able to communicate with them.”
My mouth drops open. “How . . . How could you possibly know that?”
Lavina’s eyes flicker with sadness, which baffles me completely. Turning around, she gazes out over the meadow, completely disregarding my question. Our conversation over, it seems.
Before long, I’m seated at a quaint and cozy restaurant. To my surprise, the place exudes a warm and inviting ambiance that is completely unexpected. Soft music fills the air, gently blending with the murmur of conversations. The walls are white stone with tall wood arched ceilings, and various climbers winding around the beams.
“Not what you were expecting?” Lavina's voice draws my attention from across the small table.
Twisting my ring on my finger I give a half smile. “I expected some high-class, fancy restaurant that would have made me uncomfortable.”
The former queen’s face beams in delight. “I’m glad I could surprise you. So, Maxon tells me you have no family in the human realm?”
My eyebrows raise at the unexpected question. “Uhh . . . no. But Mia and Scarlett are like sisters to me. We would do anything for each other.”
“I’m sorry you had to spend so long in that world. I wish things had been different.”
Once again, I find myself at a loss for words, completely taken aback.
Tucking my hair behind my ear, my fingers stalling on the points. “So do I,” I agree.
The ground rumbles beneath me, and my eyes are drawn to the glasses on the table as they vibrate with the tremors. With a frown, I raise my eyes to see a dark silhouette blotting out the gentle rays of light that were pouring into the room through the front window. Suddenly, a blinding flash and a deafening explosion shatter the tranquility, plunging the restaurant into pitch-blackness.
Black smoke billows in my face, the explosion ringing through my ears as I try to draw in a breath, only to cough as inky tendrils of black mist weave their way through my nostrils and down my throat.
