“Perhaps.”
He takes a step toward me, eyes locked on mine. “Maybe you should give me a kiss for luck. I am your mate, after all, about to go off to battle. You might never get the chance again.”
I lift my chin, deepening my glare. “I’m counting on it.”
With a laugh, Aspen turns and leaves the room.
* * *
The next morning, I watch from my window as a retinue gathers on the palace grounds, preparing to leave. They look so small from this high up in the palace, but I’m certain I see Aspen riding at the head of the group on a black puca, his antlers clear even from this distance. Even if he had no antlers, I’d be able to recognize his haughty posture anywhere.
Cobalt must be down there too, and Foxglove. My heart sinks a little at the realization I’ll no longer have Foxglove’s company to entertain me for the next few days, just Lorelei.
The retinue files into a line, then departs the grounds. With a wide false smile, I pin Aspen’s figure in my sight and give him a gracious wave. Never mind the fact he isn’t looking. “Good riddance,” I say in a singsong voice.
Relief washes over me when I see the last figure disappear into the trees of the forest at the edge of the palace grounds. Freedom. For three days I’ll have no one to answer to but myself. I throw open the doors of my room, my joy fading as I see a pair of guards posted outside. Of course Aspen left guards. Or more likelyspies.
No matter. I won’t let it interfere with my plans. “Will one of you be a dear and have wine brought to me at once?” Then I close the door.
I dress quickly, not bothering to wait for Lorelei, then take a seat on the couch at the far end of the room, next to a round stump-like table.
When the knock comes, I sit upright. “Come in.”
A servant enters bearing a tray. His slender legs end in dainty hooves, but disappointment flutters through me when I see his face. He’s beautiful and youthful, like most of the fae living in the palace, but he’s not the one I was hoping for. Still, I wave him forward, and he sets the tray on the table next to me.
“Will that be all?” he asks.
I look from him to the open door. The guards remain on each side, but their backs are to me. Not that it matters; for all I know, fae have superior hearing. I lower my voice anyway. “There is something else. First, tell me your name.”
“My name is Ocher.”
“Ocher, I hope you don’t mind me asking…did you ever serve my sister?”
His brows knit together. “Yes,” he says, hesitantly.
“Did you ever serve her while she was meeting privately with the king?”
“A time or two.”
“Were you the one who served the wine the night she went missing?” I can’t bring myself to say the truth.The night she died.
“No. That was Vane, I believe.”
“Vane,” I echo. My voice is still just above a whisper. “Do you think you could do something for me? Could you send him here?”
“I suppose so,” he says, then blushes. “I mean, yes, of course.”
“Very good.” I smile, then raise my voice. “This is not the wine I wanted. I want the red wine that was served with breakfast yesterday morning. Why would I want this violet wine so early in the day?”
Ocher shifts from foot to foot. “Violet and red are merely different in flavor. Either can be consumed morning or—”
I turn my nose to the air, summoning the snobbery of Maddie Coleman, cringing at how uncomfortable it feels. “I can tell a difference. Now get on with it, or I’ll tell the king you didn’t listen to me.”
He looks perplexed.
“And for your insolence, be sure you send another servant in your stead. I can’t abide by this.” I give him an exaggerated wink.
“Ah.” He flashes me a knowing smile. “Understood. I’m so sorry. My mistake.” He bows low, then backs out of the room, tray in hand.
