“Ah. Your abysmal manners have offended my parents and now you turn to me. Interesting…”
She leaned forward, lifted the pitcher from the table between the two of them, and poured herself a goblet of wine. Settling back in her chair, she took a sip and watched him quietly.
“By all means, help yourself,” he spoke sharply.
“You already think I’m uncouth. I might as well lean into it.”
“What did you say to my mother? She was quite upset, yet she refuses to speak about what happened.”
“I yelled at her. Called her a coward,” Ava said, heat flushing her cheeks.
“You did what?” He shook his head. “You really have no idea what you’re doing. You and my brother truly are perfect for each other. Unrefined. Uncivilized.”
Ava tensed at the ire in Jareth’s voice at the mention of Casimir. “What’s your issue with him? You didn’t grow up together. You don’t really know each other. Why do you hate him so much?”
He remained silent.
“You have no reason to despise him. You sit up here in your fancy castle, ignoring the evil in the world, while he’s down there fighting for his life. For all of us. You have it easy, Jareth.”
He leaned forward. “You know nothing of what I’ve put up with in myfancy castle,” he hissed, the venom in his voice hinting at deeper wounds.
He’d made subtle comments before about his father, his dislike of him apparent. She eyed him. “You’re jealous.”
“Jealous? Right. Whatever you say.”
“You don’t like your father. That’s obvious. Was he cruel to you? Are you jealous Casimir got to grow up away from being under his thumb? That he has people who love and care for him?”
His jaw ticked. She’d hit a nerve. This wasn’t her plan, but she was going to go with it. “Prove to yourself you aren’t like your father, Jareth. Find a way to help us. Convince him to join in the war. Or get some kind of information. Something. Anything.”
He still didn’t speak.
“I don’t think you’re as horrible as you pretend to be. A part of you is cruel. Exactly like your father. But there’s something else. You’re a bully. And bullies are usually hurting.” She crossed her legs.
He laughed, though anger and hurt shone in his eyes. “You’re naïve, Ava.” He took a sip and looked away.
“Help us…” she urged, not above begging now. “Please.”
“Why should I?”
Ava pinched the bridge of her nose, weary of having to explain why anyone should help. “You know what? Nevermind.”
She set her goblet down and stood, shaking her head as she walked to the door. Seconds later, fingers wrapped around her wrist and she was yanked against Jareth’s body, his front pressed against her back.
She readied her magic, preparing to defend herself.
He leaned in, whispering almost imperceptibly in her ear, “My father has many spies in this castle. But I know where he keeps vital information. Meet me in the hallway outside your suite at midnight. Alone.”
He released her and shoved her toward the door. “Now get the fuck out.”
“Is it midnight yet?”Ava asked Luna, sitting in their private garden.
You’re quite impatient. Not much longer.
Ava laid her head back on the chair, closing her eyes and allowing the breeze to cool her off and distract her from her thoughts. Though past secrets between her and Casimir had caused strife, this was necessary. He didn’t trust his brother and would insist on coming along. If Jareth had said come alone, he meant it. She doubted he would help or show her anything of use if she didn’t listen. Especially if she brought Casimir with her.
It's time.
Ava sat up. Smoothing her silk pants, she stood and took a deep breath. “Here goes nothing.”
