“Furthermore, he’s too cocky in the arena,” Damocles adds. “Always showing off. He’s late to events—if he bothers to attend at all.”
“He’s not much better when he does show up,” Decimus’s voice cuts in, low and sardonic. “You remember the Winter Equinox three years past? How he got so drunk, he challenged Winter’s vizier to a duel? Nearly started a war over a petty insult.”
The memory stings. That old, blue-lipped fae was a jerk and had needed a good ass-kicking. I had been so sure I wasdefending our honor, but thinking back… How foolish had I looked?
Damocles sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. “I thought a union between Farron and Daytonales would ground him, make him see reason. But he’ll end up embarrassing Farron like he does the Summer Realm.”
Decimus places his hands flat on the table. “I believe he’s quite fond of the Autumn Prince now.”
Damocles shakes his head. “Those feelings will pass. He never stays with one partner for long. Besides, Daytonales is more than aware of what a union with Farron will mean.”
“What is that?”
“He would be expected to be a leader,” Damocles says, his tone dripping with frustration. “He’s not ready for that. He doesn’t understand what it means. Dayton is a fool?—”
Their words slice through me. I step back, unable to bear any more. My brothers’ voices fade as I turn and retreat down the corridor, my head spinning.
I make my way to the gardens, needing the open air. Taking a seat on a bench, the vibrant flowers seem like a mockery.
I thought I was doing well. I thought my time with Farron meant something. But to Damocles and Decimus, I’m still a reckless child, unfit for responsibility.
Isn’t that what I wanted? The freedom to explore Summer with no care in the world?
I bring my hand to my chest. The burning beside my heart flares up again. I lean forward, burying my face in my hands.
Dayton is a fool.
I look up at the moon, heart beating painfully.What do I do?
Then, I realize this choice has nothing to do with me.
It has everything to do with Farron and what’s best for him.
And it sure as fuck isn’t me.
24
Farron
Carefully, I tuck the last of my books into my trunk before slamming the lid closed. Mother has Eleanor trapped in the chair before the wicker vanity and is fussing with her hair. Nori sighs and continues staring into the jar of fish bones she’s collected over our time here.
I look around the room. Despite the oppressive heat and always shaking salt or sand out of my trousers, this place has felt like home. Every memory is a treasure, from long dinners over rich wine, to exploring caverns filled with shining sea glass, to…to him.
It all comes back to him.
Even the more uncomfortable memories can’t dampen the experience. Like the time Nori went up to Dayton’s mother, Princess Sabine, and placed her small hands upon the princess’s pregnant belly. “This child will be a princess of blood and sand,” Nori had said confidently. “She will raise armies and sink cities into the depths. She will be of air and water, and all will fear her.”
Well, that had sent Sabine into hysterics, and Mother had been mortified. Nori had been forced to sing an ancient Autumnhymn at dinner one night as penance, and we were all squirming in our seats with embarrassment.
But besides that, the long months in the Summer Realm have passed as a dream. And although I’m sad to go, something else flutters in my chest.
Excitement.
A new chapter begins. Now, I’ll get to show Dayton my home. And whatever this is between us—this magical, terrifying, beautifulthing—may flourish in the land where all things come to die.
I catch Mother staring at me, her eyes soft and smile sweet.
“What is it?” I ask.
