I frown and turn in my seat towards my magical friend, seeing that same sadness in his eyes that greeted us the night in Pyre when he told us the fourth term dealt with me…
“Father,” Keane says roughly.
I turn back to the table and notice everyone except Keane sitting quiet, patiently waiting for the information that would be new to us all. The King frowns and lets his eyes find mine with their own sadness, both his gaze and Golem’s stirring that anxiety in my gut.
“I will not share the knowledge now. It is a term that I wish to speak of with Lady Alexis privately, when this conversation is concluded.”
I immediately shake my head, giving my King a small smile, “whatever you tell me will make its way to these five. I will not hide anything from them.”
“You may want to,” Zander replies solemnly, “I only ask that you hear from me first, Alex, then make your decision to share accordingly.”
Keane and Desmond scowl in visible anger, their features clouded in shock as they look over their father. Golem takes a small step to theKing’s side in support, moving from behind my chair to stand next to his as I consider Zander’s request…
Do I want to speak with him separately? Learn whatever it is he needs to tell me on my own without the steady presence of Keane and the rest of the crew? I can already tell by Zander’s mannerisms that the term is a serious one, and realize only now that neither Princess Clair nor Prince McQuoid opted to bring it up in our conversations. What can be so important that they wished not to tell me, that Zander only wishes to speak to me about in private?
“Let’s table this for now,” I reply quietly, “I’m not sure I agree with your sentiment and would like to take some time to consider it.”
Zander nods in acceptance as both Keane and Desmond look at me in disbelief, their faces telling me they can’t possibly believe I would entertain the idea. I try to avoid their heated gazes and take another sip of whiskey, downing the rest of it as Holis reaches for my glass. He pours me a bit more and then tops it off with a little water, diluting the drink with a smile as I chuckle in response.
“Will you speak of the book, Alex?” the King asks quietly to my right.
My fingers tighten around the glass. My full body stiffens.
Zander’s reading gaze lands on me as I take another sip.
“I would also like to hear what was written on the last page.”
Stormfall gives a small caw and grips my shoulder, the sharp pain only adding to my anxiety. I watch as the men at the table all sit up straighter, their eyes landing on me in heavy silence as King Zander looks around. His brows furrows when he notices the men’s small reactions, his features etched in new curiosity. I take a deep breath and bring the whiskey to my lips again, letting my gaze land directly on Keane.
“Have the words not been shared?” the King asks in disbelief.
Keane holds my gaze from his stance behind the table, his brown eyes kind but his voice hard as he replies to his father.
“The Prince and Princess of Pyre inquired of Lady Alexis to share the words on our last night there, as did my brother and I in Fumagalli when we returned to Disce…”
He gives me a steady nod, his gaze telling me that I won’t be able to run from the words this time, but that he’ll be standing here with me to share in whatever burden may come.
“Lady Alexis has declined all attempts to share the text from the book until she met with you, father. Our requests remain denied.”
“Alex…” the King says my name in awe.
He reaches for my hand on the table, fingers gripping mine tightly and prompting me to turn away from Keane.
“You are a treasure.”
I don’t know how to respond, just let the King squeeze my hand as he looks on with an encouraging gaze. I take another heavy drink of whiskey and then place the glass down on the table with a deep sigh,knowing, as Keane’s gaze told me, that there is truly no running from the words this time. I’ll have to tell the group of the text that has haunted me in my sleep since reading the words in that frozen room, will have to tell them of the text that I know will send us all forward and into a new world,a new life, and a life I’m not sure I am ready for yet…
“Youareready for it, dear,” King Zander nods and releases our hands, “I knew it the moment you stepped foot in our court last night. You have grown considerably since your last travel Alex, and it shines through.”
Keane shifts on his feet from across the table. I continue to look at the King, still quiet and hesitant as he gives me another small smile before sitting back in his chair. I quickly glance over to Cal, needing his friendliness and assurance and his big smile before I continue on. He doesn’t disappoint. Cal gives me a sly grin in and shrugs his shoulders, as if to say,it’s no big deal, Alex, whatever it is we’ll tackle it together.
I slowly nod at his easy response, grateful for my friend as I let his easiness wash over me. I bring my hand up to Stormfall and he immediately takes a step onto my wrist, knowing exactly why I’m reaching out to him. He jumps down on the table with his yellow eyes directed on mine, his chest angled and proud in its stance.
“The words didn’t read like text from a book or a novel…” I begin quietly, turning towards the Discerni twins as I catch their blue-green gazes in question, “but instead they fashioned themselves as a prophecy of sorts.”
Holis and Mana nod earnestly, their Discerni features narrowed and watching both me and Stormfall.
“The words spoke of…”
