Rhay shook his head. “How…?”
Thinking about the night Rhay had seen Lora sneaking around with her handsome friend, Rhay remembered that he had invited Rio and afriendto his party. Actually, he had invited Rio and his mysteriousfriendto a lot of his parties recently. But he had never seen thisfriend.
“I know Lora. Iusedto know her before she became a princess.” Rio held Rhay’s gaze. “She and her...friend mean no harm.”
Gripping Rio, Rhay didn’t know if his body was reacting to the alcohol or to the trader’s emerald eyes. “What are they up to?”They’ll get themselves killed.
Rio lifted his shoulders. He countered Rhay’s question with one of his own. “Have you noticed that Lora hasn’t left the palace since she got there?”
Rhay thought back on the past months. It was true, the princess hadn’t left except for their trip to Quarnian. Was that Karwyn’s doing? Was he forcing Lora to stay in the palace? Rhay must have been paying even less attention than he thought.
“Don’t mention any of this to the king,” Rio said, drawing Rhay’s gaze back to him. “I think we both know why.”
Rhay shrugged, taking Rio’s drink. “Don’t worry. I’ve been told I’m really good at looking the other way.”And I might be gone soon.
For too long, Rhay had relied on Karwyn, choosing to ignore his madness to retain his blissful ignorance. But the veil had been lifted. Yet when it came down to fight or flight, Rhay had a strong preference for the latter option.
Chapter42
Eyden
The cold night air didn’t bother Eyden as he and Farren walked through Chrysa. Eyden had filled him in on what he knew of Lora’s predicament. Farren had taken a look at the spells Eyden had copied into his notebook, and an idea had sparked in his mind. He needed specific crystals and herbs to pull it off that Eyden didn’t trade, but Ilario did.
Unfortunately, Ilario was currently off somewhere else, probably with Rhay. But Eyden didn’t want to wait another day. Ilario shared most of his findings with his cousin Halie, so they were headed her way now. It was late, but Eyden knew Halie would still be awake. He wasn’t sure she’d be happy to see him. He had compensated her for her help with the cure, even if it had been a failure, but Halie had been looking for something else. Something he couldn’t give her.
They reached Halie’s door, and Eyden glanced at Farren, who nodded his head under the hood of his cloak. Farren looked very much human. He didn’t have any more contact lenses. They were difficult to make, and his supply had run out.
Knocking on the wooden door, Eyden took a step back. A light turned on, then footsteps drew closer before the door opened, revealing Halie. She was wearing a long satin robe, her straight midnight black hair almost reaching her waist.
“Eyden? What are you doing here?” Halie asked, big emerald eyes taking him in. Her gaze swung to Farren, who looked to the ground. “And who is this?”
Eyden gave her a smile. “Can we come in?”
Halie stared at him for a second, her hand still gripping the door. “I don’t think so. I’m not interested in doing any more business with you, and I’m not looking for a three-way either. So whatever it is, no thank you.” She started shutting the door in their faces.
Eyden reached out, holding the door open. He peeked through the small opening. “Please.”
Her eyes softened. He didn’t think he had ever sounded so desperate.
“All right, but make it quick,” she said, letting the both of them cross into her apartment. She closed the door behind them.
“Spill it, then. What do you want?” she demanded. Farren removed his hood and looked up at her for the first time, his dark chocolate, non-fae eyes meeting her emerald ones. “You’re human?” She turned to Eyden, clearly seeking an explanation.
“No, I’m a witch,” Farren replied without hesitation. “Does that bother you?”
Eyden could tell that for once, she wasn’t sure what to think.
“Look, Halie, you know Ilario and I have been trying to find a way into the palace,” Eyden started, waiting for her response.
Halie still looked taken aback. “Yes, he did tell me that. Unlike you, he doesn’t just disappear from my life.”
Eyden flinched. Ever since Eyden had met Ilario three years ago, Eyden and Halie had crossed paths several times. Sometimes flirting, sometimes not. It wasn’t until about a year ago that they’d crossed that bridge. After that, they’d hooked up until it suddenly seemed like she wanted more than that. So Eyden had cooled it off. He had never cleared the air with Halie. Words weren’t his strongest suit.
“Okay, I deserve that,” Eyden admitted. “I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to disappear.” Halie gave him a stern look. “It wasn’t my intention to upset you,” Eyden corrected.
“Just tell me what you and the witch want.”
“We need a spell so I can get into the palace.” Eyden took a deep breath. “So I can drift there.”
