“You only have a few minutes until you have to leave to go to the Court, and instead of talking to me, you’re staring into the hot spring like you’re waiting for it to change.”
I chuckle and nudge Seismet with my shoulder.
He’s got a point, though. I definitely zoned out staring at the water.
“Can’t you enjoy my silent company as much as my talkative one?”
“Of course I can, but I much prefer when you’re chatty and—”
“Don’t you dare say loud.”
He turns his head away from me, refusing to meet my glare, and I bite back my laugh.
“I’m either too loud or too quiet. It’s a lose-lose for me, huh?”
“Not true at all, and you know it. Also, we both know you came out here for something that you haven’t brought up for whatever reason.”
“Are you checking in on my emotions again? We both know how that usually turns out.”
His incredulous neigh echoes around us, and I tumble to the side, laughing when he shoves me over with his head.
“Rude. Are you going to tell me what you’re upset about this morning or not? Did one of the boys do something? Should I call for Verlet and make him have a talk with them?”
I roll my eyes as I sit back up and dust the grass and dirt off my armor. He’s right. I do have to be at the Court soon, so I came dressed and ready.
“The guys are perfect. They’re also probably losing their shit over the fact I asked for a minute alone. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re actually behind us in the forest hiding.”
“They’re at the tree line closer to your house. Waiting, I suppose.”
A smile takes over my face as I nod. “Sounds about right.”
“So seeing as I’m obviously your favorite—as I should be—tell me what’s on your mind. Really.”
Despite his sass, the care and concern he has for me are obvious. I release a deep sigh as I lean against his silky black fur.
“I don’t know, Seismet. What isn’t on my mind is a better question. Mere days ago, seemingly very powerful Elementrians came out of that.” I fling my hand out toward the hot spring as if he doesn’t know what I’m talking about. “Then V informed us things would be…fasterfrom that point on. I thought he was speaking in metaphors. Not giving us a literal warning.”
My huff fills and empties my chest in less than a heartbeat, and I groan at the multiple thoughts that race through my mind.
“I swear I blink and time flies. Amick’s trial is days away and I’m so concerned. His silence isn’t helping. He’s acting like it’s fine and told me he’s waiting to prepare all of us right before it’s time so everything is fresh, but I know he’s hiding something. That fucking scares me.”
“Amick has always had his ways about him. As soon as the pieces fit together, he’ll share. Or he possibly won’t because everything will be fine.”
My lips flap together before I tighten them.
“Or he possibly won’t because it’s really bad and he doesn’t want us to worry. There are levels to his silence, and this time feels strange. Usually, when he’s concentrated and deep in his thoughts, I still sense his confidence, which eases my worries. This time…”
“What?”
“It’s like he’s resigned from the situation. I don’t know. I’ve tried talking to him about it and it got me nowhere. He told me not to worry and then he dropped it.”
“Well, then my advice is to believe him until he says otherwise. He’d never do or say anything that would bring you harm, so that should bring you comfort.”
“It does.” I sigh.
“Good. What else is on your mind?”
I cut my eyes and purse my lips at his pushiness. He doesn’t care or back down.
