After Eli’s turn, Kassandra rolls, and I feel the pull on my wrist again.
“I’ll see you at the center, Bee,” I say.
“Whatever,” he says. My throat tightens, but before I can say more, Kassandra’s unseen hands lead me to the silver spot right before my superior.
“That was quick,” I say to Briar. “You were quick.”
“Of course I was.” And there’s a sparkle in her eye.
During Dominik’s turn, Benji moves forward onto a silver square.
“The child will switch places with Lila,” Dominik announces.
“Lila’s on a red,” Maxian shoots back, his voice tinged with tension. “She’s immune.”
“Fine—with the Healing faerie, then.”
Benji is dragged across the lawn. I bristle, balling my fists, grinding my teeth. There is no point in interfering. Benji is now second behind Lila, followed by Briar, then me, then the Unluckie, and the Healing faerie in last place.
When Kassandra comes to me between rounds, I tell her: “My lady, place your big bet on Benji. Dominik is using both pawns now for a greater chance at winning.”
She glances at the center of the board. “And why should I bet against myself?”
My blood burns with fury. “Then win with him.”
“Didn’t you listen to the rules?”
“Whichever High Fae can get their faerie of the same House.You and Benji are of the same House, technically.”
She twists the parasol. “Why him and not yourself?”
“Because look at him.”
Kassandra does. She stares at his limbs for a long time.
“I tried to revoke the complaint,” she finally says to my shock. “The one about destruction of property. But I’m only allowed to file complaints, not retract them. Dominik can retract them, and he will not. I pleaded anyway, but he never listens.”
Powerlessness chokes me. Something small and bright dims inside me, and only then do I realize it was ignorant hope. It’s time to lay my only card on the table. For Benji, and his spirit. He needs that golden coin.
“If you win with Benji, I will tell you a way around the oaths,” I say.
Kassandra whips to me. “There’s no way around the oaths.”
“Then how do the rumors always slip out?”
“Are you mad?” Her nails sink into the flesh of my forearm. “There is no way around the oaths.”
I swallow. She has never touched me with her own hands before. The daggers of her nails nearly break skin.
“You would have a double-sworn faerie, able to witness the secrets of two Houses—and relay it back to you.”
She shakes her head. “This is—No. I will win this fairly because I can, and I will use the hundred thousand to bargain more financial freedom. I do not need to resort to treacherous things.”
Your brother always acts in treachery.
“One more minute!” the executioner calls.
“You’re a fool, you know,” she seethes. “Most High Fae would have you killed for such talk.”
