“It’s no issue. In fact, Avery, I’d like you to meet Darby. Darby has been like a mother to me. We were separated during the war, but she’s done an excellent job keeping things in order for my return.”
Darby bowed low and Avery gave her an assessing look. “I’m honored to meet my future queen.”
Avery plastered on a smile. It wasn’t her genuine smile, more the polite one she gave to strangers and folk she was wary of. “I’m happy to meet you too. But, the title is a work in progress. For now, please call me Avery.”
Darby turned her attention back to Savine. “King Savine, there’s something of concern that I found while cleaning out the old king’s possessions. I think you and Avery would like to see it when you are free.”
Savine tried to keep his essence from stirring. There was something Jasper was hiding. He looked at Rue. “I’m sorry Rue, but I need you to go back to your post.”
Avery looked at him, her lips tight and her eyebrows lifted.
“Of course, My King,” Rue said without hesitation as she walked to the door.
Savine turned his attention to Darby. “Is it what I hope? Did you find the source of the dark magic?”
Now Avery’s eyes widened as she looked between Savine and Darby.
“I believe it’s about the portals to the human realm. It appears there is one near Orofine, and I have reason to believe it’s been in use.”
Savine nodded to Darby before he turned to Avery. “I know I promised you a tour. I never would have dreamed to start your tour in my dead father’s apartment, but I would like you to see this too.”
“Okay. Can I have a minute to change my clothes?” Avery asked motioning to the night dress she still wore.
Darby nodded. “Of course. I will meet you in Jasper’s former apartment.” Without missing a beat, she turned and left the room.
“What are you thinking?” Savine asked.
“It is a surprise. We knew humans were able to get through, but I didn’t expect there to be so many of them in Aeritis.”
Savine shook his head. “I have been trying to unravel my father’s mess for weeks now. I blame that on why I miscalculated on allowing Latians near your eagans. I haven’t been thinking straight, trying to keep track of so many problems.”
Avery rested her free hand on Savine’s shoulder. “It’s okay to make mistakes. This is a hard transition, and you can’t blame yourself for others' actions.”
“It’s just…” The guilt for her injury was still tearing him apart. He knew she forgave him, but how could he forgive himself for such a mistake.
Her lips twitched into a tiny smile. “I know that look. Please, Savine, forgive yourself.”
He let his face sink down to her head, letting the sweet scent of her flow over him.
Pulling back from his touch, she took a bite of the honeyed cake, chewing thoughtfully. “Did you know about the portal?” she asked. “Rylo made it sound like he’s seen humans come through Sapphire Falls frequently.”
Savine shook his head. Most likely his grandfather had known, and it seems his father did too. “You were the first human, other than Susan, that I’d met, and I never suspected Susan was anything but a Bayberry.”
Avery bit her lip, putting the honeyed cake on the table, not even bothering with a plate. “I should write to Morgan and tell her. Maybe this portal will be open to her.”
The last reports Savine had from the trees made him suspect that Morgan was becoming closer with the Nepheli King, using his personal library each day, and entering his private chambers. He knew Avery wasn’t ready to accept her sister’s alliance to Nephel, but she needed to be selective with the information she shared with Morgan.
“I know you don’t want to hear this, but use caution there. We don’t need other nations learning about Latiah’s secrets.”
Avery’s eyes flashed with hurt. “She’s my sister. She— “ Avery paused, pursing her lips. “No, you’re right. It’s just hard, not having her with me, and it stings that she chose Rylo over me.”
Savine stroked her cheek, rubbing his thumb across her lower lip. “No my Little Flower, she didn’t choose Rylo over you. She chose Rylo over me and my folk. And for that I’m sorry.” Avery put her hand in his. “You’re right. Morgan made her choice, despite how much it hurts me. I’ll get changed and let’s see what Jasper was hiding.”
Avery
“This map shows all the known portals in Latiah and the surrounding nations,” Savine speculated, tracing his finger over Quartz Mountain. They stood at a table in what must have been the former king’s personal dining room. “Quartz Mountain is written in my father’s hand, like it was added more recently.”
Avery pressed her finger to a list of dates. “Look at this. It’s a recording of humans entering Latiah.” She read the list, not fully understanding the dating system, “Older male. Severely injured. Died two days after arrival. Young female. Dead on arrival. Young male. Dead on arrival.” She felt her stomach sink as she read the list. Nearly every human died while crossing the portal.And the ones who did survive? Well, either they succumbed to their injuries, or they were possibly killed.
