“Perhaps you could assume those things.” I want to pull my hair out at her vague answers. “But your friends got the prophecy wrong, my dear.”
This startles me. Several people told me similar versions. How could it be wrong?
She continues, “Wrena’s daughter will not ascend the throne. Her granddaughter will. And her granddaughter will see the beginning of the end. She will rebirth the kingdom, for better or for worse.”
I don’t move. Her words chill me as much as they confuse me. Her granddaughter? I still don’t see how she could still be alive over a thousand years after her grandmother ruled.
“How will we know when her granddaughter is on the throne?”
“It will all change.”
“What will?”
She smiles but doesn’t answer my question. Instead, she asks, “How is your search for your High King going?”
I tilt my head, confused at the sudden change in conversation. I still haven’t noticed any deception, so I’m assuming she’s been truthful with me so far. But why not answer that question?
“It’s going well,” I say intentionally vaguely. “Thank you for your help.” I turn to leave.
As I exit the greenhouse, she clears her throat and says, “Be careful, Your Highness. Wicked things are afoot. Evil is coming.”
My hackles raise with her warning. That’s the third warning I’ve been given about being careful. First Koa. Then August. Now, the librarian? I exit the greenhouse, trying to shake off the sense of unease that came with her warning. Too late, I realize I didn’t even ask for her name.
I did learn some important things. Most importantly, she confirmed that the tale of the First Deer Queen is true. I also learned the true prophecy—if she’s to be believed. I’m still puzzling over her morbid warning when a shout rings out across the lawn, sending my thoughts scattering.
“Heads up!” A ball is flying directly toward me. I could have used my wind to knock it out of my path, but I catch it and look around. August, Barrett, and Koa are standing in the open green space, staring at me. Koa is grimacing. I guess that he’s the one who threw the ball, then.
My gaze catches on August, his sandy blond hair falling in locks across his forehead. He winks at me as I walk closer, a grin spreading across his face.
“Hey, guys. I didn’t realize you were friends,” I say as I approach, handing Koa the ball.
He takes it and tosses it in the air, a charming smile on his face. “We all are. Kind of. It’s hard being the darling princes of the kingdom, so we’ve always banded together,” Koa says, green eyes sparkling. “Call it a support group.”
I note that the Serpent Princes aren’t here, but I don’t point it out. “I guess it’s also kind of boring being stuck here. I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s like a sleep-away camp. We’re having a blast,” Barrett says enthusiastically.
I laugh. “Whatever you say.”
August walks over and wraps me in a tight hug. I wrap my arms around him, my face burrowing in his chest. “Hi,” he says. I can hear the smile in his voice.
“Hi,” I say, returning the smile and looking up at him.
He reaches down and places a soft kiss on my lips. “I had so much fun last night, Mae.”
“Me too,” I say, meaning it. I look around and say, “But isn’t this weird, with them right behind us?”
“Yeah, but let it be known that I’m willing to do all manners of weird things for you,” he says with a wink as he lets me go.
“Hey, asshole, that’s my date for the night!” Koa yells at us.
I chuckle, reaching for August’s hand, loving the way it feels in mine. Our eyes meet, and a dimpled smile spreads across his golden face. I tear my gaze away before his disarming smile takes hold of me, and I pounce on him in front of the other princes.
I withdraw my hand and place it flat on his chest, trying not to focus on the way his chest feels. “I need to go run an errand, but I’ll see you soon, okay?”
The light in his eyes dims. “And here I thought we’d get some extra time with you,” he says with a pout.
“I thought you were having fun at your sleepaway camp,” I say, eyebrows raised.
