“You weren’t supposed to know. Terron did everything in his power to continue with things as they were. Only a few knew the absolute truth, that he alone survived.”
There’s one question burning in my mind brighter than the others. “Who was the boy?”
I think at first he’s not going to tell me, but he surprises me. “My great grandfather.”
“So that’s why.”
“Why what?” he asks warily.
“That’s why you won’t help the other kingdoms get rid of the guivres—because they didn’t come to your aid.”
He scoffs. “Do I look like the kind of guy that carries a grudge?”
I huff out a laugh. “You look exactly like that kind of guy. If it’s not that, then what is it?”
“Are you always this nosy?”
“Hey, you’re the one that pulled me in here for this private meeting.”
He pushes off the table. “Not a private meeting.”
I make a show of looking around the room. “Pretty sure that’s exactly what this is.”
He starts towards the door. “Just leave my housekeeper alone and don’t tell her anything else to scare her.” He walks out of the room without another word, and I rush to follow him as he strides to the front door.
“Wait, we’re done? I was just getting started with all my questions. You can’t just leave.”
He opens the front door and turns to face me. “Pretty sure I can.”
“Fine. Then I’m coming with you.”
“No, you’re not.” He starts to close the door, but I’m faster. I shove my foot in place, holding the door. He looks down at my foot and then back at me. “Move.”
“No. I am not sitting around the house another day. I’m losing my mind.”
He stares down at me, and I can see the muscle jumpingalongside his jaw. It gives me a perverse pleasure to know I’m the one that’s causing it. I’m prepared to stand my ground, but he surprises me. “Okay.” I eye him and don’t move my feet, but he doesn’t try to close the door again. “Let’s go.”
I close the door and follow him and instantly regret it. It’s freezing, and I have nothing to keep me warm. I’m wearing a long-sleeved shirt, but the wind cuts right through it. I’m not about to complain, though, and have him leave me behind. I can’t spend another whole day doing nothing; I’ll lose my mind. Thankfully, I have no problem keeping up with his long-legged stride, even in the snow. It crunches beneath us as we walk. I try to keep my muscles tight, so it doesn’t show how much I’m shivering. I’m really regretting now asking to come with. I’m so cold, but I refuse to let him know. When we finally stop in front of a building, I fight the impulse to run inside ahead of him. He walks up the steps, stomps his boots to shake off the excess snow and then opens the door. As soon as we step inside, I’m hit with a blast of heat. I bite my teeth to keep them from chattering and try to thaw out. I move a little closer to the fireplace without making it too obvious. “Cold?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Nope. I like the cold.”Not a lie. I do like the cold, just not quitethiscold. “What are we doing here?”
He makes a humming sound. “You want something to do all day? Follow me.” We walk past the fireplace, and towards a closed door. Without a backward glance, he opens the door and steps through. I follow him, curious as to what we’re doing. “Hope you’re not wearing good clothes.” That’s the only warning I get before I step into the room and stop. I immediately gagand throw a hand over my mouth.
“Oh...my...what is that smell?”
Rauk claps a man on the back. “Henley, I brought you another helper. This is Harper.”
“You did?” The man turns towards me and waves. “Great. Thank you. Just grab a shovel, and I’ll tell you what to do.”
“All right. Well, have fun.” Rauk is gone before I can even think of a comeback.
“Thanks so much for volunteering to help, Heather.”
“It’s Harper,” I correct.
“Got it. Let’s go, Harver.”
“It’s...” I don’t even bother to correct him.
