So many believe the basis of friendship is being liked, but I believe it to be a frivolity,Marina says.I do not care if you like me. I care if you know that I will always fight for you. Against the world. Against yourself.
And indeed, her words are not kind or soft. They are sharply-edged and ruthless, and I feel them in my soul like she’s lit fire to it. Beneath my armor, beneath my self-doubt.
“Well,” I say with a shy smile, fidgeting with the waistline of my dress. “I’d appreciate if your next show of devotion was a little less violent.”
Marina grins, her sharp little teeth gleaming.No promises. A pixie can’t change their nature, after all.
Her form begins to flicker, and without thought, I grab her hand. “Stay, Marina. As you are. Sam and Tiernan and Adira are all here, and I know they miss you.” Shame washes over her features, and I clutch her hand tighter. “Why have you been using your magic for so long when you know what it costs you? Why haven’t you gone back to Chrys?”
She lifts her chin.Why did you send Niko away? Thetruereason?
I stare at her.
I suspect our reasons are the same.
With that, she disappears.
“Iknewyou snuck in without anyone noticing,” Tiernan exclaims in exasperation when he finds me a few minutes later. “The pixies have been nipping at my heels to find you.” He scrunches his face in annoyance. “Literally, Willa.Literallynipping at my heels, the little menaces.”
He shoves a new drink in my hand.
“I’d down that if I were you. They’ve got big plans of grandeur and they’ll tear out both our throats if we deny them of it.”
I do exactly as he suggests, and tip the entire glass of wine back with a few large gulps. To my disappointment, it does nothing to slake the nervous energy gathering in my stomach. “The thoughtof being announced like we’re at some pretentious ball makes me want to die.”
“Too bad for you, you can’t!”
I roll my eyes. Tiernan gives me a quick once over. “You don’t clean up half bad, Willie.”
“You don’t look terrible yourself.”
It isn’t a lie, as Tiernan looks particularly dashing tonight in a deep emerald tunic and matching trousers. The seams are stitched with golden thread in a silhouette mimicking the mountains of the island. His auburn hair has been combed into submission, and he’s even swapped the worn leather sheath at his side for an ornate black scabbard.
“Did you learn to use a hairbrush just for the occasion?”
“As a matter of fact, I did,” he laughs. “Torturous contraptions.” He tilts his head, his expression sobering. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I’m going to vomit,” I answer honestly.
Tiernan nods as if this is perfectly understandable, and offers his hand. Though a large part of me would rather kick him in the knees and run away, I link my arm through his.
He leans in conspiratorially. “Maybe wine wasn’t the best choice. If you’re going to puke, do it before your speech.”
I whip my head around, hissing in horror, “Speech?!”
Tiernan laughs. “Relax, I’m kidding. As much as the people want to see their queen, Dreaming’s Eve isn’t about you. It’s for all of us to enjoy the magic of the island.” He steers me away from Niko’s portrait, around a corner and out into a crowded street. “No speeches, I promise.” He wrinkles his brow thoughtfully. “Though I can’t guarantee no fawning. You’ve saved the kingdom twice and the people are enamored.”
I grip his arm tighter as we pass a group of pixies, their whispers elevating to delighted giggles the moment they noticeme. Tiernan shoots me a smug look, pulling me around another corner and away from prying eyes.
“I suppose that’s better than the alternative,” I admit hesitantly.
“Which is?”
My cheeks heat. “Burning me at the stake for killing their dreams.”
Tiernan rolls his eyes as if I’m ridiculous. “No burnings on Dreaming’s Eve either. The smell of burnt flesh would really kill the mood.”
His laughter settles my nerves, and I relax somewhat, allowing him to steer me through the Hollow City. Each level we pass rings with different music, one jubilant melody fading into another as we descend. A symphony of different cultures and styles, each one a gift from the many corners of the mainland represented in the population of Letum. The warmth of it all expands in my chest, and for an aching moment, I wish Celie could see it.
