We both knew it was more than that. “Dad,” I said in a warning tone.
He huffed. “She’s important. That’s all I will say.”
I glanced down at my friend. Moira had a pale, fragile beauty, but she was anything but weak. My heart hurt for her. “Important how? To you? To the world? Is she going to end up like me?”
Dad smiled sadly. “Her exposure to the magic all those months ago has changed her in unexpected ways. Moira has a part to play in certain events.”
“Shit,” I said with feeling. “Does she know?”
“Moira knows more than she lets on, but no, I do not believe she knows what fate has yet in store for her.”
“Can’t they find someone else?” I muttered miserably.
Dad laughed, but the sound was more sad than amused. “Certain magic is useful for certain trying periods. But I will keep a close eye on your friend.” He bent and scooped her into his arms.
I rose and stroked her dark hair away from her face. Moira looked vulnerable but peaceful. My heart hurt seeing her this way. “I want proof of life when she wakes up.”
“I have plenty of healers on staff. With the magic gone from her system, they’ll be able to help her more than you can right now.”
I frowned. “Rowan tattled?”
Dad winced. “He worries for you.”
“Yeah, well, Caelan is being a huge dick right now.”
He made an affirmative noise but said nothing else.
“He’s free of Lugh’s magic, isn’t he?”
His eyes softened. “Yes, Evie. I personally checked on him a few days after the incident in town.”
Theincident. Like I’d accidentally tucked my skirt into my underwear and walked out of the bathroom, and not straight up ruined my life by turning into a monster straight out of a feverish nightmare.
“Just a dick then,” I said with a sigh. “Pity.”
Dad adjusted Moira and touched my shoulder. “Sometimes, fate gives us blessings that look like curses. Perhaps this is one of them.”
“I know what you said to Rowan.”
Dad didn’t even have the grace to be embarrassed. “What of it?”
“Stop playing matchmaker, you interfering hen!”
He snorted. “Rowan would make a good king.”
“And?”
“And every good queen needs a good king by her side.”
“Same for kings?”
His eyes narrowed as he realized the trap I’d set for him. “Evie?—”
“Seems like you need a good queen, but I don’t see anyone applying for the job. Maybe I should put an online ad out, or better yet, sign you up for online dating. Do you know how many people would throw themselves at the chance to date the Fae King?”
“Former,” Dad growled. “Very funny, Evie. I do not need your help to find someone.”
“Check and mate,” I said. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but I do not need you to find me a king or a boyfriend. Caelan might not be working out, but that doesn’t mean I want another boyfriend or fiancé right away.”
