“That’s what happens when you offer it to anyone.” Her comment was harsher than she meant, but her headache was still paining her.
Rhay looked at her, concerned. “The ceremony really did a number on you. You want some?” He gave her the flask and Amira took a sip that she almost immediately regretted. A wave of spicy alcohol hit her.
“I don’t know how you can drink that this early.”
“Well, I’m getting ready for the only interesting part of this day—the feast tonight.”
“How is that different from any other day for you?”
Rhay jokingly joined his hands in prayer. “Because it’s a party to celebrate a higher being. Someone superior to us all.”
Amira’s eyes darkened. “I always hated this idea of superiority and the crazy impulse it creates in fae. So many atrocities have been committed for so-called superior beings.”
They stayed silent for a bit. Rhay took another swig out of his flask and contemplated the peaceful cloud passing in the sky. Amira’s gaze was focused on the shiny reflection the sun created on her dress.
Suddenly, Rhay turned to her, an idea lighting up his eyes. “Do you want to learn a quick trick to block my powers?”
Amira was surprised he would offer to teach her such a thing. Most fae would do anything to keep their winning hand a secret. Yet she was curious about his offer even if Rhay’s powers were not the ones she feared. “Okay, let’s try it.”
“If I’m right, and I’m always right, you’re feeling extremely tense.”
“Really?” she said sarcastically. “Anyone could have seen that.”
“You’re doubting my abilities? How dare you.” The playfulness of his tone indicated that he wasn’t truly offended. Amira let out a small giggle, putting a smile on Rhay’s face. “You see, I’m so good that I’ve already changed your mood.” He looked so pleased with himself that Amira laughed again, soon joined by Rhay.
The sound of someone clearing their throat startled them. “Are you completely incapable of behaving like a future queen?” Karwyn’s angry voice was barely contained.
Rhay and Amira immediately stood up, facing their king. “I’m sorry, I was feeling unwell,” Amira said in a small voice.
“You look perfectly fine to me. Embarrassing me seems to always make you feel better.”
“I needed some air,” she replied.
Karwyn gave Rhay an unequivocal look. “And some company, apparently.”
“She had no idea I was here.” Rhay’s intervention only seemed to fuel Karwyn’s anger.
“By Caelo, do you not realise how important this ceremony is? Nouis informed me you seek to take part in politics, but he seems to have been mistaken.”
Amira’s hand twitched. Her headache was back and tears were gathering in the corner of her eyes. Rhay noticed and took a step forward, moving in front of her. “Come on Karwyn, she’s new to all of this.”
Karwyn’s face twisted, a flash of betrayal took over his features. “Watch yourself, Rhay. You barely know her, there is no need to take her side. She is clearly completely useless to the court besides the contest and appearances.” Karwyn’s insults dug deep into Amira’s heart. How could he be so mean to someone he barely knew?
The toll of a heavy bell stopped Rhay’s retort. Karwyn sighed impatiently before grabbing Amira’s arm. “People are waiting.”
Amira didn’t resist and she let Karwyn drag her back inside. She turned her head just before the glass door fell shut behind her. Rhay looked troubled as he downed his flask and moved to follow them.
Chapter23
Lora
Lora was barely awake enough to pay attention to Ilario’s stories as the three of them walked through the woods in broad daylight. His constant chatter calmed her nerves as her mind switched between obsessing over whether their mission to retrieve the herbs would go smoothly and Eyden’s last words in the dark. Had he actually spoken or had she already been dreaming, trying to fill the void?
Ilario stopped as they neared a new path that went uphill. “This is as far as I’ll go—I need to head back and help out—but it’s quite easy to find now. Just follow the path until you reach a clearing, then climb up the side to your left. The one with lavender growing on the ground.”
Eyden lifted his chin in acknowledgment. “I’ll see you later, then.”
Lora gave her thanks and then they split paths, Ilario walking back and Eyden and Lora moving forward.
