“He’s definitely a special one,” Lora added, in a tone that suggested that there was more to it.
As Amira was about to reply, Eyden reappeared in front of them, but not alone.
“Farren,” Elyssa shouted before falling into the man’s arms.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” Farren replied, a cheerful smile on his face. “Not that I ever doubted you.” He hugged her tightly, and Amira felt her heart constrict in her chest. She remembered Elyssa mentioning that they had dated. There was a true closeness between the two, something she didn’t have with Elyssa—yet.
Farren moved away from Elyssa’s hold and looked at Amira, a warm glint in his eyes. “And I see you’ve brought your friend.”
Before Amira could introduce herself, Farren pulled her into a slightly awkward hug. “It’s an honour to meet you, Amira.” He exchanged a knowing glance with Elyssa, who rolled her eyes. A smile made its way across Amira’s lips.
Eyden cleared his throat. “Let’s get back to the task at hand. We have a plan to finish, and Lora could be called back any moment.”
Farren raised a shy hand. “What did I miss?”
Elyssa quickly filled him in on their plan.
“I see we’ve made progress,” he said. “But now I’m wondering about one big flaw.”
Elyssa let out a mock laugh. “There’s no such thing. Our plan is flawless.”
Farren cut Elyssa an annoyed glance, but Amira could tell it was all in friendship. “Once we overthrow Karwyn, who will take his place in Turosian? Can we ensure it will be someone worthy, someone who will rule with care for once?”
The room was silent for a few seconds. Eyden was the first to speak, his eyes fixed on Amira. “I hate to suggest this, but since you’re his fiancée…”
Elyssa’s eyes turned furious. She grabbed Amira’s hand as if to pull her back. “She’snotmarrying Karwyn.”
“I don’t think I’m a viable option. The royals would never let a princess from Allamyst on the Turosian throne.” Amira hesitated for a second, assuming Eyden wouldn’t like her next words, but she only wanted to lay it all out on the table. “Especially when the Adelway line is still going.”
Lora crossed her arms over her chest, her face torn by obvious displeasure. “I don’t see myself as queen. I don’t even see myself as a fae princess. Besides, they would never accept me if they knew where I was from.”
And where was that?Amira wondered.
Eyden moved closer to Lora. “There’s not much freedom in being queen.”
Elyssa squinted at her brother. “Why did you suggest Amira take over then?” The tension between the two siblings was palpable. Their relationship was very different from the one she had with Wryen, but she knew unspoken words lingered between them.
“It was only a suggestion,” Eyden carefully replied. “Amira has been a princess her whole life. It would make more sense. That doesn’t mean I would wish that on her if she chooses to not go down that road.”
Farren looked uncomfortable, probably blaming himself for starting the discussion. “Let’s just say we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Elyssa gave her brother one final death stare. “Agreed.”
Turning to Farren, Amira hoped to switch the topic. “I have a lot of questions for you.”
His face lit up with genuine excitement. “Ask me anything. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll try my best to find it.”
“We’ve done too much damn research ourselves.” Elyssa took out a book from her pocket. Amira recognised it as the small book about witches she had found in Tarnan’s secret library. Meeting her questioning eyes, Elyssa grinned. “I’m just borrowing it. I’ll give it back to Tarnan once he’s in Turosian.”
Amira couldn’t help but smile back. She noticed that Lora and Eyden had retreated into the kitchen area, deep in conversation.
Elyssa sat on the midnight black couch as if it was her own. Joining her, Farren started looking through the book.
His brows pulled up in wonder. “I can’t believe you found this. This is even better than the few spells you sent me.”
Feeling left out, Amira sat on the other side of Elyssa. Instinctively, she moved closer, their thighs touching, the movement sending delirious thoughts through Amira’s mind. Elyssa’s grin grew devilish. She must be thinking the same thing.
“Can you translate this part for me, El?” Farren was completely oblivious to the delightful tension between Amira and Elyssa—or he knew but chose to ignore it.
