Wrath pulls back suddenly, the parchment slipping from his pocket. I crumple it in my palm to hide it, lowering it to my side. Wrath’s eyes go wide. I’ve never seen him this visibly shaken before. He clenches a fist at his side. A tick forms in his jaw, the air thickening with unspoken tension.
“Go to sleep, Raelys,” he commands in an abrasive tone, storming from the room and slamming the door behind him.
My lips press into a thin line as I take note of his flustered state, feeling slightly dejected. Why didn’t Wrath want to kiss me? Is it because I’m a human? It’s not like Iwantedto kiss him. Yes, I simply needed a distraction to take the note, I tell myself. So why do I feel the sting of rejection? Huffing an annoyed sigh, I roll onto my back and unfold the crumpled parchment to read.
King Wrath,
We sincerely appreciate the gift you sent to our Salasyr residence. My Lady Lydia Leonora has expressed gratitude for our union's faith. May Khalessor hold strong with Salasyr’s support.
- Duke Alec Wulfstan of Salasyr
I gasp.
“Lydia!” I whisper to myself in disbelief.
Lydia married the Duke of Salasyr? She’s here in the North? My mind races with every possible outcome, but I can’t figure out why an Elvarran duke would want to marry a human girl. It is possible that Lydia and I have something in common that we never realized? Would she accept me if I told her I was a halfling?
There must be more to this.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
My head throbsas I try to remember the details of last night. The sun’s blinding rays are my mortal enemy. I rub my face with my palm, trying to clear the fog from my mind, but it’s no use. How did I manage to get to bed last night?
I left the manor and then—“oh gods,” I say aloud, the breath stilling in my chest.Wrath.I don’t remember everything I said, but I do remember him carrying me. My gaze lands on the parchment I took from his jacket, and I let out a groan of anguish.
Lydia! Well, at least I made one important discovery.
Getting up is a chore, my head still pounding. I get ready for the day, only having patience to pull on a simple dress. Sliding my shoes onto my feet, I race out the door. I promised Zinnia I would stop by today, but I am unsure how long I’ve slept in. Hopefully, she will forgive me for being late.
“The birds are lovely today, Princess.”
My steps immediately halt.
Quickly turning, I see Aurelia standing behind me. She knots up her hands in front of her as she nervously smiles atme. Aurelia wears her usual kitchen uniform, her hair braided in a way that makes her tall ears poke out.
“Indeed, they are,” I reply confidently, scanning the halls around us for anyone of importance. “Come.”
Aurelia strolls beside me. “Uhm. I have heard whisperings that Duke Leander Vaugn and Duke Roderick Bainbridge have arrived at court.”
Wrath’s father.
“Anyone else?” I ask quietly.
“A few other lords, perhaps?” Her voice is unsure as we walk to the front of the castle.
“Do you know if any of them handle the harvest?” I inquire.
“Yes, Lord Cerian,” Aurelia whispers.
“Excellent, thank you.” I lighten my tone, eyes still scanning to make sure no one is within earshot. “As you were,” I dismiss her.
Aurelia bows, turning to return to the kitchens. I walk in the other direction, exiting the castle and heading into town. I pass through a few busy streets and stop at Zinnia’s quaint cabin, knocking on the door.
“Come in!” I hear her call from the other side.
I open it to see Zinnia stirring a batter in a bowl. “There you are!” she huffs. “I almost made my blueberry scones without you!”
“I’m so sorry,” I say apologetically, moving quickly inside and closing the door behind me. “I got in far too late last night.”
