Page 53 of This Is Not True Love’s Kiss

“Exactly,” Meera said, sharp white teeth flashing. “Maybe this will only bring them together further.”

“Lor telling Aoife she can’t do something she wants?” Fargus’s feathers ruffled. “I don’t think that’s likely to bring either together.”

“You do what you want with this information.” Meera turned to walk down the dim hallway. “But if she leaves and is injured, His Majesty will never forgive you.”

Fargus made a strangled noise as Meera disappeared into the darkness.

“Oh, what do I do? What do I do?” The owl paced back and forth, its wings rising and falling, its panic seeping into Castle’s walls.

Castle rumbled, the floor trembling under the owl’s talons.

Fargus froze, head swiveling. “What’s going on now?” Castle opened a window, and Fargus stared at it. “You want me to leave?”

Castle rumbled again, mustering all its strength to send a single word. Go.

“Oh, thank the godwitches. I thought you were going to force me to see His Majesty, to tell him what his wife is planning.”

Castle blew a gentle wind toward Fargus, nudging the faerie toward the window.

“Okay, alright. I’m going.” Fargus spread out his wings and soared out of the castle and into the night sky.

With the advisors gone, Castle could finally awaken His Majesty. It only hoped it wasn’t too late.

CHAPTER 26

Aoife

Lor was going to kill me. We’d actually been getting along for the most part since we’d made our deal.

Now I was going to go and ruin it by doing this. But I had no choice. Lor had already made it clear he didn’t approve of going after Ronan.

That was unacceptable. I didn’t fight so hard for my people, curse myself and miss out on two thousand years, just to lay down and let Ronan lead the brotherhood right to us.

I inched down the dark brick corridor that led to the kitchen. The only light came from the candle I held. This late at night, no one would be awake, which was exactly why I’d chosen this time to act.

A satchel with most everything I needed was slung over my shoulder. I just had one last stop to make before I could depart.

I slipped through the swinging door of the kitchen, gaze landing on the pantry in the corner. I’d grab enough food to last me a week or so, and then I would portal out of Fairwitch and be on my way to finding the brotherhood.

They had no idea who I was or what I looked like, so even if they spotted me, there’d be no cause for concern—as long as my pointed ears were hidden.

I waved a hand, feeling the magic of the Fair Folk thrumming through me, feeling my ears tingle as the tips turned rounded. The pantry door was already open, and I walked in, shining the candle over the shelves as I reached up to feel my ear.

This magic was a necessary evil, a tool, but I hadn’t forgotten who’d given it to me and why.

I grabbed a hard chunk of cheese and stuffed it into my satchel, followed by crackers, dried meat, and a few apples that Elowyn must’ve picked from some of the trees in the garden.

I’d have to ration my food carefully to make sure it lasted. I hoped I wouldn’t be gone more than a week, but it was better to be cautious.

I exited the pantry, slinging the satchel around my shoulder once again. The candle still burned bright, and I pinched the wick with my fingers, no longer needing it. The moonlight would guide me through the night. Besides, I couldn’t exactly carry an open flame in the forest. The Fair Folk had always felt a kinship with nature, especially the elemental Fair Folk, those of us who were water or nature or fire faeries. I wouldn’t risk burning the very forest that currently protected our home.

I bumped into the island and stopped as I stared at the counter. It was just five days ago that Lor had come to bake bread with me. He’d stood next to me and kneaded dough without complaining.

I pressed my lips together and swallowed thickly, remembering those strong hands resting against my stomach the other night. I’d thought about what he’d said. “If you ever need someone to sleep next to, I’m here, Aoife. I’ll sleep by your side in this closet every night if that’s what you need.”

Those words had stuck in my mind, far more persistent than I would’ve preferred. They played in a loop, and I wondered if he’d actually meant them. But of course he had, and I was fooling myself if I believed it had anything to do with me. He would’ve offered that for anyone because that’s who Lor was. He was selfless, giving, and he always did the right thing.

My jaw set, and I continued past the island and toward the door that led outside to the gardens. I’d pick a few more fruits from the trees and bushes, and then I would be on my way.