10
MAX
“Let me pass.”
The guards have their spears crossed, forbidding me from leaving the castle grounds.
After giving Aoife the book, we were ushered away. All day I spent in my designated room—staring at walls covered in gold, with precious gems molded into the bed frame, along pictures and at the corners covered in cobwebs. It was sickening how much wealth hung in the room just to be seen by my eyes only.
Was the Woodland Kingdom so rich that it has gems to spare?
My gown swings in the air with my frustrations. I was forced to endure waxes and baths, perfumed until I smelled like a citrus drop in the middle of the forest. Then, put into this heavy dress—sickening yellow, with white lace and delicate fir leaves sown into the skirt, though there are no parties to attend.
I was told to wait. In my rooms, alone. Wait for what? I can’twait.
Outside the walls, I see the Hadeon sitting in the shadows. If he’s there, Kaden is nearby. He might have tried to kill me, or rather the cursed beast did, but I need to see him. Make sure he’s healed.
The bond in my heart tells me he’s not going to last. Without Aoife’s help, I don’t know if he’ll survive.
My father might think all we need is my blood and love, but I know I need the queen.
Unfortunately, there has been no word from her. Sitting in a room for a full day and a half has driven me mad with nervous energy. Is it taking that long to break the invisibility spell on the book?
And how is she able to touch it? Is she that powerful?
Glaring up into the guards’ faces, I try again. “Move.”
They don’t. They seem set on disobeying me. Granted, I did kill their friends—but they were keeping me from helping my mate. I make no apologies for it.
Instead, I let my magic rise, draining the color of my fingers, hoping it’s enough of a threat. “If you do not let me pass?—”
“I wouldn’t do that,” Aoife calls from behind me. She appears randomly, when I least expect her. Where was she when I was cursing her name in my suites, stuck under someone’s hands who tried to waterboard me?
Further back in the court, surrounded by lush plants and spikey flowers, she stands regally. Dressed in a thick green gown of lace and white tulle, she looks every bit the queen she’s supposed to be.
Apparently heavy gowns are a thing here.
I suddenly miss the silken fabric and light dresses of the Shadowlands.
Biting my tongue, I drop my head. “Queen Aoife. I’m only trying to walk along the walls.”And to get out of this place that feels like a prison.
“And to see Kaden.” She waves the guards away and steps into the sun-drenched field. Behind the walls, the grass is long and full of life. It reflects the sun, and insects buzz along merrily. “It’s dangerous to be near him right now. The curse is almost solidified. Your king is not Fae—at least, not entirely.”
She knows of the full moon.She know that Kaden is fading away, being stuck into the curse like his predecessors. If we don’t break it, he’ll become a full-on monster, stuck without hope.
Holding my skirt high into the air, I chase after her. “Did you have any luck breaking the invisibility spell?”
She cuts me a hard look and I stumble. “Fortunately, I was able to break the spell. It wasn’t easy, mind you. And I’ve been able to access the spells within.”
“And have you found anything?”Please Gods, say yes.
She silently walks toward the far back trees, closer to where my protector sits. Once we’re near, he pushes through the brush and comes to my leg, nose bumping me. His three heads don’t take their eyes off of Aoife and my hand finds the scruff of his neck, the coarse hair sawing into my skin. It’s a welcomed distraction.
“A Hadeon,” she murmurs. “A strong protector. Rare. Were you given him?”
“BySetihimself.”
She hums, eyes closing off. “They all have a task—whatever it might be, they will complete it.” She faces the sun, smiling slightly. “But whatever their task is, you will never deter them. Once complete, they will return toSeti. They will never stay.”
