Amira raised her glass of water. “I’m taking great care of my health, as you can see. I’ll soon feel better than ever.” She forced a shining smile onto her face that felt more painful than anything else that had happened all day.
Doubt creeped into Tarnan’s expression. “I keep my most valuable books, the ones that are irreplaceable, hidden behind that door. Even your father has never seen them. It’s going to take more than a few days ofdrinking waterto get the key.” He gave her a warm smile. “But I’m glad you’ve taken an interest in bettering your health. Once I’ve witnessed some true improvement, I’d be happy to help you further your knowledge.”
Amira’s hand tightened around her fork again. Tarnan’s attempt at playing a father figure in her life made her heart squeeze tight…until fortae washed the silly motion away.
“I should let you know, I’ve received news of the next contest dinner,” Tarnan stated, and Amira wondered why he would tell her. Karwyn loved to leave her out. “It will be held in Quarnian in a few weeks. Your brother has requested your presence.”
Feeling like the air had been cut out from her lungs, Amira’s hands trembled as she gasped. For a moment, Amira had forgotten about Wryen, about her responsibilities, about her wedding.
Likely noticing her reaction, Tarnan quickly added, “I could send word that you are feeling unwell and we are therefore unable to attend.”
In a strangled voice, Amira managed to say, “You would stay behind?” As one of the contestants, it didn’t seem wise.
“I would,” Tarnan replied, reaching across the table to take her hand. “I’m sorry I failed you before, Amira. I know your father would want me to look out for you, and yet I’ve let your brother keep me out of your life.”
A flicker of warmth went through her until she reminded herself again that she didn’t deserve Tarnan’s kindness. “I’ll ask you again closer to the event,” Tarnan added, his voice questioning as if trying to read the darkness of her mind.
Able to breathe properly again, Amira removed her hand from his and thought back on what Tarnan had said about the library. If she was right, the solution to her curse might be in those secret books.
And if gaining access to them meant cleaning up her act, she would do it. It was a risk, but hopefully, she would only have to live with her powers for a short while until she had access to the books that held her true liberation.
Getting temporarily clean couldn’t be that hard. Amira had survived way worse in the past.
Chapter20
Lora
Varsha’s red lips turned up in a teasing smile. “Sorry to interrupt you two lovebirds, but I’m afraid you’ll need to cut this short.” Her dress was a river of silver satin, almost blending in with her white skin and hugging her slender figure. Who the hell was this fae?
Stepping to the side, Eyden relaxed his posture. Lora turned to him, clenching her teeth. How did he know her? Was she another ex-lover? Why did she care so damn much? She shouldn’t. Shedidn’t.
“Thank the goddess I’m here,” Varsha continued. “Someone has to keep an eye out while you two are”—she raised her light blonde brows—“occupied. There’s a guard here looking for Lora.”
A guard. Who else could it be than her very own shadow? Layken had been trailing her most of the time. He would disappear at random, and Lora would enjoy walking around the palace freely, surprised to find that Karwyn didn’t send someone else to watch her. Was he afraid they would find out too much about her? She wasn’t sure if Layken had time off or if he was busy abducting fae in Chrysa, but she sensed Karwyn trusted him more than other guards.
“Shit,” Lora said under her breath. She moved to leave the alcove, but Eyden took a hold of her arm to stop her. “I need to go. If he’s looking for me and finds me with you…”
Eyden turned to Varsha. “Can you keep him busy for five minutes?”
Varsha’s grin grew, revealing her white teeth. “Please, of course. I was born to be a distraction.”
Before she could leave, Lora asked, “Karwyn isn’t with him, is he?”
Varsha shook her blonde head. “No, thank Falea. I’d have a hard time distracting the king. He only has eyes for one.”
“Who?” Lora asked, surprised. She didn’t think Karwyn was capable of caring about anyone.
“Rhay, of course.” Varsha turned back to the curtain. Before slipping out, she said to Eyden, “Make it fast, lover boy. Even my distraction talent has its limit.”
Lora was momentarily stunned by Varsha’s assumption about Karwyn and Rhay. But there were more pressing matters.
When Varsha disappeared from their view, Lora turned to Eyden, pointing her finger at him. “Who is she and how does she play into all of this?” She started towards the curtain again. “I should go.” Layken couldn’t see them together. What if he recognised Eyden? What if Layken had been the one giving Saydren Eyden’s description?
Warmth went up her arm as Eyden’s hand brushed her skin. The contact made her shiver, reminding her of the last time they were this close. Why was it such torture to be this close to him and be forced to pull back again andagain?
“Don’t go yet,” Eyden said. His voice was pleading, slipping under her skin.
Lora shook off his arm with regret, but stayed still. “We don’t have long. I can’t have Layken spotting us together. Who is Varsha?”
