“I imagine you don’t need someone like me there.” She pushed. “From what I hear, you have plenty of women to choose from.”
What was I supposed to say? Yes, Idoin fact need every female to attend. Was I to admit that if I did not find a mate with Divine magic, my father would give the throne to my sister and her idiot husband? That information was none of her or anyone else’s business.
“Who wouldn’t want to attend? It will be an evening full of food, entertainment and—” I paused, considering just how muchIdidn’t even want to go. “Well, I will be there.”
“I have no interest unless I am forced to be present.” Audryn crossed her arms over her chest.
“I do not need to force anyone to attend,” I barked back, knowing fully that this was exactly why I was there.
“She’ll attend,” the timid male at her side interjected. “I’ll get her there myself if necessary.”
“Benton!” Audryn snapped. “Don’t speak for me!”
“Each guest is allowed an escort.” I smiled at the man and then turned my attention back to Audryn. “The Crown is delighted to hear of your acceptance. Please provide your address on the return to any guard, as well as your escort’s information. I’ll see you there.”
4
AUDRYN
Iquickly changed into a simple linen dress and tied my hair back into a braid. I preferred pants while working in the garden, but the male patrons at the tavern tipped better when I wore a dress. Running a damp rag over my face, I cleared the dirt flecks from my skin. They could’ve easily passed for freckles from working in the sun.
"So," my father asked behind the closed door of my room, "will you be going? It might be an interesting opportunity.”
I pulled the door open and returned to the small mirror. “No, the entire idea is preposterous.” I picked up my mother’s necklace from the small cedar table and clasped it around my neck, just as I had done daily for the last six months.
I’d made the dangling glass pendant while working under Torin; it was the first piece I’d been proud enough of to send home. Creating it proved that I’d chosen the right path—a different one than the family business. While growing and selling produce wasn’t a dishonorable job, creating jewelry was something that ignited my soul.
The small, bright blue forget-me-not flowers were perfect for the design. I worked for months, perfecting the drying andpressing process, before I placed them between the two pieces of glass and soldered the pendant closed. Nearly five years had passed since I’d sent it home, and the petals had kept their vivid color. With my mother’s care, it was still in brilliant condition, despite that she’d worn it daily since the moment it arrived.
“Maybe you should consider it,” my father said as he stepped back from the doorway. “You really shouldn’t pass it up.”
I shot him a look like he’d gone mad and made my way to the kitchen. “Really? You’d want me in that castle? Withthatking?”
I grabbed a small drinking glass from the cabinet, the base dragging over the decorative paper lining the shelf. Water sputtered from the faucet—I’d need to get the pipe repaired, but I had not yet saved enough money. I moved to pour water into the flower box sitting on the kitchen windowsill, but hesitated. A plump bee moved over the salmon-colored petals of a blooming peony.
“Hey, Kamden,” I whispered to the furry little creature. My finger ghosted through the air above its transparent wings, yearning to touch the bumbling critter.
“I’m not saying you need to go, but—” My father ran a hand through his hair. “I wish your mother were here to tell you what you should do, I’m not good at this.”
“Yeah, well, she’s not. She left.” I swallowed hard. “She left both of us.” I gulped down the remaining water from the cup, letting the liquid line my scratchy throat.
My father limped to the sofa, his cane pressing into the creaking wood floor. His condition hadn’t gotten worse, but it hadn’t improved either. Even if I’d found a healer, which was rare in our area, we’d be punished if magic was used to right him. They inflicted the injury publicly, and we couldn’t risk making things worse for ourselves if others noticed his injury improving.
“I need to get to the tavern.” I watched as he settled in with abook. “Do you want me to bring some food home for you tonight?”
He shook his head, not looking up. Maybe I’d gone too far, my words striking an innocent bystander of my mother’s decision. But just because he forgave her, didn’t mean I needed to.
I leaned over the sofa and placed a gentle kiss on his head of thick, silver locks. “Don’t stay up too late. I love you.”
He grumbled under his breath, clearly immersed in whatever sea adventure he was reading. I’d need to visit the community library and gather some new books to keep him occupied.
It didn’t take long to get to the Hidden Tavern, an old rundown structure that stuck out like a sore thumb on the corner. Since returning home, I knew I'd be the only source of income, and we would need more money than produce sales could offer. I worked hard to stash away extra coins, but our savings took a hit every time it began to grow. Repairs and other necessities depleted the stash.
The bell chimed overhead as I walked through the door. The area was bustling with fae as the day drew to a close. Of the few options in our neighborhood, our tavern was the busiest.
I walked around the bar and tucked my bag away, smiling at the familiar male on the stool. Most of our patrons were locals, everyone tended to stay; my leaving was an exception to the rule.
“What are you drinking?” I asked Bran.
