I glance up. “Thank you” is all I can manage.
Thank you for your kindness when I do not deserve it.My anger and shame splinter under her compassion.
Eli approaches Death for his turn. He gets his remaining faerie on the board. Kassandra rolls, swearing.
A gentle tug on my stained dress, and I move backward, past Lila and another square until the fabric falls to my side once more, Kassandra letting go.
I am on a black square.
I trudge back to the starting line, passing Briar, who moves back one—onto the golden square. Her face breaks into a soft grin, and despite what this will mean for Benji and me, my chest feels lighter as she moves four steps forward, now standing where I was, in front of Lila.
I reach the starting line, where the Unluckie and Benji wait. He shifts, not looking at me.
“I haven’t seen you fight in a long, long time,” he says after a moment.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
The boy shrugs. “It’s okay.”
Then he yelps, flying forward onto the fourth square once more, the black one. My jaw clenches. Under the tent, Dominikgrins. Picking himself up, Benji retreats to the starting line once more.
“You okay?” I ask.
“Asshole.”
“Don’t say that, they might hear you,” I scold. “Where did you hear that word, anyway?”
“Around the Nest.”
“Be careful about—”
“Jae-jae is dead,” he says flatly. “You are gone, and I am an Unluckie.”
“I’m not gone,” I say. “I’m right here—”
“I don’t care.”
My heart splinters at his hopelessness.It was supposed to be different for him,I think, blinking back tears.Jae gave so that it would be different for him. So that he would have a chance.
Lila advances in the lead, and Carter lands on Briar’s square.
“Another match-up!” the executioner shouts. “My king, will this fight include magic?”
“Yes.” He waves his hand.
A bucket of water plops down between them. The sun presses against my neck, my hairline growing damp.
“You may begin!”
Carter holds up his hands while Briar flicks her fingers. “Don’t worry, I’m not gonna hit an older—hey, ow!”
He grabs his cheek, his palm coming away with a line of red. The sliver of ice drops to the grass as Briar lowers her hand.
She smiles. “For a boy, you’re pretty slow.”
“I’m not a—planes.” Carter steps away, shaking his head. “Respect.”
She laughs, giving him a pat as he walks away. Although Carter should seethe, should rage, he just continues to shake his head, joining the king. After all, he only has four rings total.
