“We will find a way to make it work.” Her eyes watered like she knew there was a horror in what I wasn’t saying.
She gestured for me to sit at one of the tables in the tavern. The chair wobbled when I sat down in it.
I didn’t know if I deserved her kindness. “Is there a way to find out if Jayln has left yet? I really need to speak with him.”
“I’ll go see if Hana knows where he may be,” she said before she left me all alone.
I tugged at my hood, pulling the scarf from my hair. My blue waves fell free on my shoulders.
I loved him.
I loved him when it was too late to love him and didn’t even get to tell him one last time before we parted.
Kylana approached me slowly, clutching two bowls of something steaming.
“I like the hair,” she said as she placed the bowls on the table. “I split my breakfast in half.”
“Thank you.” She had no reason to be kind to me, but still she took pity on me. I was grateful for it.
A sweet smell rose from the bowl.
Damp strands of hair clung to my cheeks. I pulled them free and tucked them behind my ears.
“You’re human…” she said. “How are you here?”
“My sister lives in the Heart. You’ve probably heard of her before.” There was no good way to tell her.
She dropped her spoon, staring at me. “You’re the queen’s sister? Princess?—”
“I am.” I picked it up and handed it to her. “Please, you can’t tell anyone I’m here.”
The irony hadn’t been lost on me. I had to trust the only person I had ever been jealous of. She could do whatever she wanted with the information. When word spread of what I had done—what Fyn had done, she’d know.
I didn’t have another choice.
“Hana said she heard Jayln was back in town. He was traveling north of here. She’s sent for him.”
“Thank you.” I scooped the warm oats into my mouth.
“Is Fyn okay?” Her words rushed out.
“He was helping me get home. We were separated. I don’t know.” My tears were falling too quickly to wipe them all away.
She looked to my bowl and then again to me. Her gaze softened as her eyes found mine. “My mother always said things were best solved when our stomachs are full. Eat ifyou can. And then, I can get you something dry to wear, if you wish it.”
I didn’t want to move, but I forced myself to eat. It was the only thing that would keep me upright a moment longer. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Don’t say another word about it.” Her smile was strained as she ate beside me.
If Jayln didn’t come, I would have to find a way back to the Heart and hope that Lioran and Aelira would take pity on me.
I didn’t know if they would after I ruined everything.
I had risked Fyn.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
ASHLYN
