When Teo told me that Liana wanted to work on our magic again, I was worried. There is much I need to discuss with her, but a part of me is… worried.
I haven’t had a chance to tell her about my visions, theBrujawitches, my burning light magic, the human-bound book, or Melisa.
It was confirmation to stop avoiding her.
It’s not until I leave the palace that I realize just how early it is, noting that the houses throughout the city are quiet. The song that comes from the clock tower is gentle—like a lullaby meant to encourage the restful slumber of every ear it touches.
The lights above me are dim, but I don’t need to go far.
I walk past the throne room, through the back hallways that pass several meeting rooms, and the Royal Library, and then I find myself in the mushroom garden. Their faint light illuminatesthe massive statues of Enduares long since passed. As I cross, awareness prickles at the back of my neck. I stop immediately.
Slowly, I turn toward one of the statues, almost instantly recognizing the likeness of my husband. As I look up, I see Teo’s sharp cheekbones, broad shoulders, and veined arms—only the expression and turn of his eyes are different.
I suck in a breath.
“They say that Endu is more stone than god. Like a man carved out of bedrock,” Liana’s voice says behind me.
I startle, squeaking as I turn around to look at the wise woman.
Today, her hair is wrapped tightly around her head in elaborate designs.
Pressing a hand to my head, I gasp for breath, “Gods on their stony throne.”
A smile streaks across her face. “It’s heartening to see how well you are adapting.”
Her hands are clasped behind her back, and she sweeps her eyes up to the towering statue before gazing across in the opposite direction to look at the others.
I swallow. “My curiosity for your gods is endless. I believe that, seeing how regal these men look. Is that Endu?”
She takes a pause.,
“That is Teo’Likh, Teo’s father. The rest are also old kings of the Enduares. Teo’s family line. I suppose it is as much your line now that you are our proper queen.”
I blink and nod my head once.
“Was he always as cruel as they say?” I ask conversationally, trying to ease into such a hushed topic and avoid the subject of my magic.
Teo fears and hates his father. I know he questions whether the old king planted seeds of darkness in his heart. He’s spokenof what it was like to be raised to kill for the throne, and my heart aches each time.
But now, I look at Teo’Lihk with burning curiosity, wanting to know what he once was.
Was he once like the kind man who sings me to sleep and strokes the nightmares away with sweet words?
“He was always hard. Cruel. Don’t you remember? We have spoken of this before,” she says, a little concerned.
My eyebrows draw together, alarmed. “Have we?”
She looks confused. “Yes.”
I search through my memories for the lost moments.
“I remember your telling me that his father sent him to kill the queen, but I remember little else.”
She nods. “You told me that the witches ravaged your memories. Has this faded?”
I scan the ground. “Most… most have come back. Teo helps me.”
She places a hand on my shoulder. “Teo was not present for this conversation. It makes sense that some things might be gone—I cannot show you the memories the same way, but I can tell you. Please let me know if this happens again so I can restore the records.”
