Arion nodded slowly, though something in his eyes suggested he wanted to say more. Instead, he gestured to her plate. "Eat. You need your strength. We have... much to discuss."
Briar continued eating, the food settling uneasily in her stomach despite its quality. The silence stretched between them until Arion finally spoke.
"How did you end up in the forest?" His tone was careful, gentle. "We assumed you'd escaped from Eliam somehow."
The words lodged in her throat like broken glass. She set down her cup, her hand trembling slightly. "He released me from our bargain."
Arion's eyes widened. "Released you? But why would he—"
"How did you know to look for me?" she interrupted, unable to bear that line of questioning. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
He studied her for a moment, clearly wanting to pursue the previous topic, but let it go. "I was drawn to a cave by traces of the warmth… like an echo of where you'd been. There were golden flowers growing from bare stone, already fading when I arrived. That's where we found Thaine, badly injured. He told us you were being hunted and that he had orders to protect you during the hunt, then bring you back to Eliam once it ended."
"Bring me back?" The words felt strange in her mouth.
"That's what he said. The warmth left a trail from there. It was faint, but enough to follow. When I got close enough to actually feel you, not just the echoes, that's when we found you with that Drak."
She set down her cup. "I need to speak with Thaine."
"No." The refusal was immediate. "Briar, there's no reason to put yourself through that. If Eliam released you from your bargain, then he has no claim on you. You can stay here, in the Star Court. You can be free."
Free. The word should have meant something. Instead, it just felt empty.
"I need to speak with him," she repeated.
"Why?" Arion leaned forward. "What could he possibly tell you that would be worth—"
"Please." Her voice cracked on the word. "I just... I need to know."
"Know what?"
She had no answer, none that would satisfy him anyway. How could she explain that she needed to know if Eliam regretted casting her out? If the orders to bring her back meant something or were just about reclaiming property? No, because that would mean telling Arion that she'd chosen to stay, that she had wanted to remain at Eliam's side despite everything, or perhaps because of it.
"This isn't a good idea," Arion said quietly. "He's dangerous, manipulative. Whatever he tells you will be designed to hurt you or worse."
"I know what he is." She met his eyes steadily. "But I still need to speak with him. Please, Arion."
He was quiet for a long moment, searching her face. Finally, he sighed.
"Fine. But I'm coming with you. And if he says or does anything that—"
"He won't." She didn't know why she was so certain, but she was. "When?"
"After you've finished eating. And after you've changed into something more substantial than a nightgown." He gestured to the wardrobe. "There are clothes that should fit. Take your time. Thaine isn't going anywhere."
The corridors of the Star Court were painted in soft morning light, but Briar barely noticed the beauty. Arion walked beside her, his disapproval radiating with each step.
"This is unnecessary," he said for the third time since they'd left her room. "Whatever Thaine tells you will only cause pain. He's had two days to craft whatever story will best manipulate you."
"I know what he is," Briar said, the words becoming a refrain. She'd changed into simple Star Court attire—soft gray trousers and a white tunic that felt strange after so long in torn finery. "But I need to hear what he has to say."
"You don't. You really don't." Arion stopped walking, catching her arm gently. "Briar, you're free. Why risk it?"
"Because I need to know." She pulled away, continuing down the corridor. After a moment, she heard him sigh and follow.
The room they'd given Thaine was in the guest wing, not a cell but clearly chosen for its limited exits. Two Star Court guards flanked the door, their expressions carefully neutral.
"Open it," Briar said.
