‘Exactly,’ Will thundered. ‘I would’ve let the entire world burn for you. And if that doesn’t prove to you how wrong this is, how I would only lead you down a path you could not come back from, thatwecould not come back from—’
She shook her head. She would not hear this. But it seemed Will would make her. He stepped forward, taking her hands in his. ‘I have had years to come to terms with the idea that I would never have you – that you would never care for me after what I’ve done.’
She did care, she wanted to scream. She cared more than she’d ever cared for anything. But that old instinct to lash out, to hurt him before he could hurt her further, reared its head and it was bitterness, not reason, that came out of her.
‘So you would use me as a bargaining tool just as Gianna would. MeandAidon would be no more than chess pieces to you.’
Will dropped her hands as she let out a bitter laugh.
The vulnerability on his face only fueled the rage swirling in her. ‘Darkness indeed.’
It was hypocritical. A low blow that hit him hard and deep. She knew it as soon as she saw the pain that filled those grayeyes. But he didn’t rise to her bait. In fact, he hardly reacted at all. He simply nodded his head once, as if satisfied.
‘They’ll be waiting for us.’ He turned on his heel and started away from her.
‘Will.’
He didn’t bother to turn around.
‘Thank the gods you’re okay.’ Josie’s arms were a vice grip around Aya’s neck as she hugged her. Will had disappeared inside the castle with a nod to the princess, and Josie had rushed to Aya.
Aya pushed Josie back slightly. She needed to look her friend in the eyes for what she had to say. ‘I’m sorry,’ Aya said solemnly. ‘For all of it. For not being there when you needed me. For running. That day in the study—’
‘They found her,’ Josie rasped, tears lining her eyes. She grabbed Aya’s hands and squeezed tight. ‘My uncle let me know last night. They found her.’
Aya froze. Dominic had found Vi? Had she and Will been wrong?
‘Is she—?’
‘She’s fine. Shaken, but fine. They found a rebel safe-house a few towns over. She’ll be back just after Genemai. They want her to see a healer first.’
‘That’s wonderful.’
Josie brought a hand to Aya’s cheek, concern in her gaze as she scanned her. ‘You look awful,’ she finally said. Aya scoffed, but Josie’s grin faded as she glanced to where Will had stalked off. ‘Do you want to talk about it?’
Aya shook her head. ‘Not now.’ She frowned as she searched the courtyard – there was no sign of Aidon.
‘He’s been helping Uncle with the search,’ Josie said knowingly. ‘He’ll be at Genemai tonight.’
‘I was hoping to talk to him. To apologize for …’
Using him, she almost said. But the words froze on her tongue. Because if she did what Will advised, she’d only be using him more.
Josie gave her arm a squeeze. ‘Good thing we have time to practice. That was horrible,’ she smirked. ‘Annnd …’ she drawled as she tugged Aya towards the palace, ‘good thing we have time to talk about whateverthatwas.’ She grinned, her chin motioning to where Will had disappeared.
Aya laughed, but the sound was tinged with heaviness.
Tired. She felt so incredibly tired. She expected it was why Josie’s voice softened as she said, ‘But first … how about a bath and a hot meal?’
Aya leaned into her friend, her arm tightening around Josie’s. ‘That sounds divine.’
71
The last place Will wanted to be was in this godsdamn ballroom.
The music had been going for a solid hour now, the royal court and Dominic’s guests twirling on the dance floor. Will leaned against one of the towering marble columns toward the back of the ballroom until it was an acceptable time to leave. Aidon had arrived, as had Dominic and Zuri. But Enzo, Josie and Aya were nowhere to be seen.
Will straightened the collar of his white shirt before smoothing the folds of his black jacket.
