Caspian cursed under his breath.
“What?” I glanced at him.
My cousin patted my head like a child. “Nothing. Nothing at all. Let us get you home. I have other duties to handle today.”
* * *
I heavedinto my bedchamber’s toilet as the floor shook under my knees. There was no holding it in with this earthquake, not with the way my stomach was already aching. I groaned heavily once the shaking ceased and waved a hand above me, flushing the toilet.
I watched my sick disappear before stumbling to my feet to brush my teeth. My reflection showed a very pale elf staring back at me with white froth bubbling from her mouth as I brushed. It wasn’t a good look for me. Might as well throw me into the royal stables and call it a day. I spat in the sink and wiped off my mouth, unable to look away from my reflection.
Fucking Fae, I really did look like shit.
I cast a nasty look at the mirror and then dragged my feet to my bed, flopping down onto it to hold onto my lower stomach. Curling into a ball sounded like a fine plan, so I did, yanking the covers over me in the process.
Something was not right. That much was obvious now.
But a whisper of cool air floated across my forehead.
My eyes shot open in a hurry. I blinked a few times at the apparition before me before I muttered, “Where in the Fairy have you been?”
Grandmother Isabella sat next to me on my bed and ran her transparent hand over my forehead again. “I’ve been busy.”
I glared. “I’m beginning to not believe that excuse anymore.”
My grandmother merely shrugged. “I wish to discuss what you’ve been up to.” She had her scolding face out in full force. “What was it you said today? Two heads are better than one?”
Sitting up took some effort, but I managed it. “You’re spying on me?”
“Of course.” She waved off my offended look. “Pay attention, my Trixie. Two heads are better than one.”
My nostrils flared in clear aggravation. “I’m in no mood for riddles. Speak plainly for once in your life. Or…your dead life.”
Grandmother Isabella just stared.
I huffed. “Fine.Please.” My face started to crumble. “I’m really not feeling very well.”
Her spectral face leaned closer, with her nose almost touching mine. “There were two books that were created together, my reckless granddaughter.Two books.Mayhap, they should have been read together, too?”
What? What was she…
Two books? Wait…
Oh, no. That… Oh…no.
As her full meaning started to take shape in my mind, the darkest dread began to filter through my veins. I brutally shivered where I sat and watched my grandmother with growing horror. A heavy breath didn’t help my fear, either. Nothing would calm me down but for one answer.
I choked, “Tell me I didn’t screw up our kingdom’s salvation.”
Her right palm rested against my cheek, chilling my skin where her hand laid. “If you don’t fix this, not only will you have wrecked our future, you will also die soon.” Grandmother Isabella shook her head softly. “Fae gifts are very specific to how they should be used, and you are missing a key element.” Her thumb brushed back and forth over my cheekbone. “I don’t want you to die, my dearheart. You must fix your mistake.”
“Fucking Fae,” I shouted and jerked away from her. I shoved out of bed and headed straight for my closet. “I knew something wasn’t right!”
“And you would have done nothing out of stubbornness.” She pointed a finger straight at me. “Get your shit together, young lady.” Her scowl held steady on me. “And no cages!”
I snapped my mouth shut on my retort, seeing as she suddenly disappeared. But I still grumbled, “All right. All right. Mayhap, the cage idea was a bit much.”
A soft snort floated on the air.
