She took a breath, steadying herself, then opened the door to find Arion waiting in the hallway.
He turned at the sound of the door, and whatever he'd been about to say died on his lips. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the dress and the way the morning light caught the gold and cream layers, how the embroidered flowers seemed to bloom across the fabric.
His gaze traveled from the modest neckline to the flowing skirt and back up to her face, where a faint blush had risen to her cheeks under his scrutiny.
"You..." He cleared his throat, looking away briefly before meeting her eyes again. "That suits you. Very much."
There was something in his voice, a warmth that hadn't been there before. She noticed his hands fidget at his sides, noticed how he seemed to catch himself staring and deliberately looked past her shoulder instead.
"Is it appropriate?" The question slipped out automatically.
"It's perfect," he said, then seemed to realize how that sounded. Color touched his cheeks, barely visible, but there. "I mean, it's what you chose. That makes it appropriate."
She didn't know what to do with that answer, or with the way he kept glancing at her when he thought she wasn't looking. She certainly didn't know what to do with someone who seemed genuinely affected by her choice.
"Shall we?" He gestured down the hall, his voice slightly rougher than before. "The library awaits."
"Why are you helping me?" she asked as they startedwalking.
He paused mid-step, and for a moment something flickered in his eyes. Recognition? Memory? Loss? When combined with the lingering flush on his cheeks, it made him look younger somehow, less certain.
"I don't know," he admitted quietly. "But something tells me I'm supposed to."
He continued walking, leaving her to trail behind him.
Two days to find answers.
If they were lucky, it might be enough.
If they weren't, she didn't want to think about what Eliam would do to anyone who stood between them when time inevitably ran out.
Chapter sixteen
Following Arion through the halls felt like walking through a mirror world. The architecture was similar to Eliam's court with its high ceilings, carved archways, and that sense of age that made human buildings seem temporary. But where Eliam's domain had pressed down with weight and watchfulness, Arion’s felt open and light.
As they turned a corner, a fae woman with pale green skin passed them, carrying an armful of linens. Delicate wings like pressed leaves trailed behind her, translucent and veined with gold that caught the sunlight. She nodded to Arion, smiled at Briar, and continued on. No cowering. No scurrying. Just someone doing their job without fear of random punishment.
"Morning, my lord," a man with antlers called out, not even slowing as he headed the opposite direction. The antlers curved back from his temples, polished and dark, with small bells tied to the tips that chimed softly as he walked. "Council meeting's been pushed to tomorrow."
"Thank you, Garrett." Arion nodded back, easy and comfortable.
Children darted across their path, small with pointed ears and human faces, chasing what looked like a ball of light. They laughed as they played, the sound bright and comforting. One crashed into Arion's legs, bounced off, giggled an apology, and kept running.
No one flinched or cowered. No one waited for retribution that didn't come.
Gardens sprawled beyond tall windows, but these grew wild and joyous. Flowers climbed where they wanted, trees stretched how they pleased. It was beautiful chaos instead of the rigid perfection Eliam demanded.
A young fae carrying too many books stumbled on the stairs ahead of them. Arion caught his elbow, steadied him, and helped gather the scattered volumes.
"Careful, Tam. That's quite a load."
"Sorry, my lord, I thought I could manage."
"No harm done. Though next time, perhaps two trips?"
The youth blushed, nodded, and hurried off with better grip on the books. No threats or punishment, just gentle correction and continued trust.
As the footsteps faded away, leaving them in comfortable silence, her stomach chose that moment to growl.
