Nothing, Lore.
Clearly. I guess I will have to ask him myself.
I clap his leg to keep his ass glued to the bench.He said he hopes you will stay whole.
And . . .
How do you know there’s anand?
There’s always anandwith you.
What is that supposed to mean?
That your interactions are often layered. Now, tell me, Little Bird, what else did that boy say?
I hold his golden stare but let go of his leg.He suggested I abstain from heading back to the Fae lands so I don’t put you in harm’s way.
Is that all?
It is.
He tilts his head to the side as though an incline will help him pluck Reid’s insinuation from my brain. It must because he stands.Excuse me.
Lore, please . . .
Do you prefer the Fae lands, Fallon?
Once upon a time, I did. So you see, he wasn’t entirely wrong.
Perhaps, but he was out of line. I will not have anyone speaking to my—
I’d prefer they speak honestly.
He interrupts Erwin’s monologue, which I’d meant to listen to, and nods to the entrance. “A word.”
You swear you’ll leave Reid alone?
Although he grinds his jaw, he does end up acquiescing.
“Thank you.”
Aoife, who arrived at the same time as my silent altercation with Lore began, gapes in absolute wonder between the king and me. “I hope it will not take as many centuries for me to find mate.”
As she and Phoebus discuss if there’s a way tospeed things up, I follow the movement of Lorcan’s lips, attempting to make out the quiet words he is having with one of the men who went missing in Nebba for a few hours. However hard I concentrate, though, my espionage is useless for he’s not speaking Lucin, and I’m still far from fluent in his tongue.
Which reminds me. . . “How do you saycrowin Crow, Aoife?”
“Chréach.”
“Kreyock?” My eyebrows bend. “I thought— So what doeskrawmean?”
“Khrá?” Aoife smiles. “Where you hear that word, Fallon?”
My shoulder blades tighten. “Why?”
Phoebus grins so wide I’m seized by the sudden urge to smack his pec because that smile is totally at my expense.
“I heard it nowhere. Forget I asked.” I drown the sudden spike of my pulse in my wine.
