She grimaces. “He left the castle.”
“I would have, too.” I roll my head back, heading for the door. “It’s my fucking fault.”
I pull open the large door to find his bedroom empty except for Oak, who is sitting by the fire and flipping through a book.
“What did he say, Oak?” I ask, rushing into the bedroom.
Oak looks up, his glasses low on his nose, and closes the book. “Not much. Only that he was going to go think until you were ready to speak.”
I sigh.
“Do you know where he went?” Oak asks, placing his glasses in his chest pocket. “He was upset, more so than normal.”
“No.” I motion for them to follow me and head for the jeweled snake door. “But, I know who will.”
Chapter 9
“Don’t tell me we are going to see Fen,” Maines complains from behind me, as we walk down the quiet hallway.
Candlelight dances off of her sharp cheekbones, but even in the dim lighting, I can tell she’s annoyed.
“What is your problem with her?” I question.
She shrugs. “She hasn’t been inviting to me. That’s all.”
“She’s letting you stay in her house,” Oak chimes in. “I’d say that’s about as inviting as you can get.”
“Oh, of course. Stand up for her over me.” Maines pushes ahead of him, and he rushes to catch up.
“Whoa. I’m not standing up for anyone, Maines, and you know that.” He takes her hand. “Just give her some time. This whole situation might feel strange for her, too. I mean, the Queen of Daramveer is dating her brother, and now we’re in her kingdom trying to persuade an army—herarmy—to fight alongside us.”
Oak is right.
This probably seems strange to everyone around.
“Fine,” Maines snaps. “But I’m not going to be friendly until she is.”
Oak smiles, nudging her shoulder. “I expect nothing less, darling.”
We continue down the long hallway while I scan our surroundings. I memorized the doors as quickly as possible on our way to dinner earlier. Each door held a jewel that matched our outfits. If my memory serves me correctly, the person I want to speak with was wearing a dark shade of auburn.
“I think the room should be… here.” I urge everyone to stop in front of the ornate door.
Auburn eyes look back at me from the jeweled snake, and I take a deep breath before knocking, telling myself that the snake will not bite me if I extend my hand forward.
My fist thuds against the door as I drive my hand into the heavy wood.
Silence is the reply.
I knock again, harder this time, in case the person behind the door is asleep or avoiding the intrusion at this hour.
I hear feet shuffling behind the thick wood. I glance behind me at Oak and Maines, who both are staring at me with an intense curiosity.
The large door barely opens, revealing nothing but darkness. As it opens wider, Larkin appears, and a look of surprise flashes across his face.
“What?” Larkin mumbles.
Asshole.
