Once inside my chambers, I locked the door and sagged to the floor.
That’d been close.
Too close.
It was imperative I didn’t let Kole begin to suspect my uncle. I wouldnothurt Kole. I couldn’t. Just the thought...
I drew my knees up under my dress and wrapped my arms around them. Just as fast, I shot my magic out to contact Ree.
I knew we’d planned to meet today, but after the close call with Kole...
It was best I distanced myself from those I loved. At least, until I figured out a way to ensure I never hurt them.
Since I didn’t trustmyself around Kole or my best friend, I spent the afternoon lounging in my wing’s sitting chambers trying to think of a way to continue my research without hurting anyone.
I ended up sending a dillemsill to Master Fistideeous, asking him if he could also search the history books for a cure from vampire affliction. But beyond that, I didn’t know how to continue my research without putting my loved ones at risk.
When evening arrived, I went out into my courtyard to get some fresh air since it was growing tiresome to always be inside.
Callahan was there, but he kept himself on the opposite side, which gave me a moment’s reprieve since there was enough bird song and howling wind to drown out his heartbeat.
Feeling as if I was going to jump out of my skin, I lay on the outdoor stone bench and closed my eyes, then flung my magic out to connect with Ree again.
A part of me was scared to. The absolute last thing I wanted to do was lie to her, but I needed to speak to her. Needed someone to just be there. More than ever, I needed a distraction, and I had a feeling my best friend would be able to do just that if I asked her to.
As if on cue, Ree opened to me immediately.
Hello, Your Highness. How are you feeling? Do you still have a headache?
I winced. I lied about having a horrible headache earlier in the day in order to avoid our meeting.It’s finally gone, thankfully.
That’s good. Did you want to meet tomorrow instead?
I swallowed the dry feeling in my throat but couldn’t think of an excuse to get out of seeing her. I would just have to play it safe and feign unwellness again if she began to suspect anything.Yes, let’s do that.
We arranged to meet at the Whiteolf Academic Library at nine tomorrow, then Ree asked,Has there been any news from the Isle of Song or Nathaniel’s friend?
I welcomed the change of subject, anything to keep it off me and how I was feeling.Not yet. Nathaniel said he should have more information this week, but nothing yet from Master Fistideeous.
And what about the creatures? Have any more shown up?
A shrill laugh wanted to escape me. Because even if vamfeers had shown up, they wouldn’t have been anything to fear, not with my uncle controlling them and not with what I’d turned into. Since I was technically a version of one, I doubted their bites or scratches could infect me.
Automatically, I replied,No, the sightings have diminished. Nobody’s seen one in a week.
I wished I could tell her the vamfeers were gone for good, especially since my uncle had hinted at wanting Kole out of my life. Without an Imperial Warrior at my side, it would be very easy for him to get me alone whenever he wanted, which meant the vamfeers had to disappear entirely for the crown to believe the threat was over.
That realization caused ice to flood my veins, and I barely registered that Ree was talking again.
Sorry, what?I said.
She told me again about a milestone Siam had made that morning, and I soaked up the exciting news.What else has he been doing? Has he learned any more new words?
Laughing, she replied,Yes, one. His newest favorite is mox. He’s in love with our neighbor’s pet vox.
I laughed too and nearly melted. I could just picture my galaxy-nephew mispronouncing the common pet’s name.He’s so adorable.
Isn’t he?Ree gushed. She continued telling me anecdotes of what Siam had been up to lately, and I allowed myself to get lost in her stories and pretend that just for a moment, everything was okay.
