Raf’s smile grew so large, I could see both of his dimples beneath dark stubble. “Of course. We need to bring you back to the spot where you arrived. Sooner rather than later. We need answers.Youneed answers.”
I couldn’t allow myself to think about everything that was at stake. Raf was right; I had totry.
“What of Galen?” I asked. He deserved an opportunity to prove himself—to come with us and help break the curse.
A shadow crossed over Rafael’s face. “Galen is too unpredictable to count on. He’s the Elder’s puppet. They’ve been training him for too long. He’s, more or less, one of them at this point.”
My body temperature dropped as ice flowed into my fingertips.Anger. Anger was what most effectively channeled my magic. They were going toleavetheir brother behind, because he was aliability? Without even giving him a chance?
“You would leave him here… to defend his people against the Elders—by himself? You’d betray your own blood?” I didn’t hold back my disdain.
If they wouldn’t tell Galen, thenI would. He deserved the opportunity to pick a side before things got too ugly. I wouldn’t let them abandon their brother—their future King—like my father had abandoned me.
The rage he’d provoked had me squeezing Hibiscus’s sides too tightly. Her trot transitioned into a gentle canter as she responded to my cues, surging ahead of Raf.
An onyx cloud momentarily blacked out the sun. Apparently, I’d hit a nerve. He caught up to me easily, as if my horse had willingly slowed at his command. “I’ve known him for one-hundred years. Don’t pretend to understand thecomplexitiesof my brother. He’s proven himself unworthy time and time again. He’s the Elder’s executioner… did you know that?”
I sneered while Raf continued his rant. “He turns human sympathizers toashes. He’s a royal hit man. Don’t be so quick to assume that he’d be on our side if he knew what the Elders were up to—maybe he already knows. Are you willing to put every human here at risk forhim?”
“So who takes the throne? You?” I eyed him with every ounce of loathing I could muster. He was going to let Galen fall on his sword for the Crown and then take it from him?
His gaze burned into me. “I don’t want it. You’re getting ahead of yourself. First, we need to break the curse, then we can worry about Galen.”
“Don’t you think it’s worth trying to get him on your side now, if that’s how you feel?”
“No. He’s a control freak. He’ll either turn against us and get us killed, or get in the way and get us killed.”
Raf’s stubbornness was what was going to get him killed. He was blinded by his rivalry with his brother. Galen had goodness in him. I’d seen it—I’d felt it. They’d be stronger together.
“Fine. For now, I won’t say anything to him. But this isn’t over,” I hissed. We rode in silence the rest of the way, the air between us, once again, thick with hostility.
fifteen
The Arrowroot Apothecary was tucked between a bakery and a book shop. The stone building was covered in lush layers of pink bougainvillea flowers that climbed all the way to the tiled roof. The shop door was painted a deep shade of plum and covered in tiny, silver, hand-painted stars. I recognized this door… I’d been here with Galen.
Bells on the handle jingled as Raf held the heavy wooden door open for me. Melisandre was busy behind the counter, grinding something into powder with a mortar and pestle. She looked up as we approached, greeting us with a warm smile.
A sparkling, purple aura floated above her like a halo. Her mauve robes were nearly the same shade, bringing out the warm undertones in her skin. She wore a jeweled headpiece that delicately dangled across her forehead and a stack of thin, gold bracelets on each wrist. Dark curls framed her round cheeks, bouncing as she trotted over to us. She leaned in for a hug, smelling of cardamom and vanilla.
I peered around the space. It was bohemian yet organized… bursting with collections of wondrous oddities. Most of the items for sale sat in glass bottles, jars, and clay pots. There were rows and rows of tinctures, elixirs, balms, and potions scattered throughout the store, sitting on various shelves and tables.
Dried herbs hung from the ceiling beams, creating a fresh, spicy aroma. I could pick out the stronger fragrances like peppermint, lavender, and ginger. Mushrooms, flower bulbs and spices sat in various baskets, along with animal parts and bones. Crystals and polished gems glittered behind display cases. It was the kind of space I could’vehappily spent an entire day in. I wanted to learn what every single item was and how it was used.
“I’m glad you finally found your way to me.” Meli’s large hazel eyes twinkled as she grinned at me. Something about her graceful, warm energy reminded me of Cara.
“I meant to come sooner. Is this a good time?” I asked.
She nodded in answer, then turned to Raf. “She’ll be safe with me, Prince. Come back for her once we’ve had time to have a cup of tea and a proper chat.”
I glared at him, hoping he’d leave us be. Begrudgingly, I accepted that we had to work together… despite how infuriating he was, but right now I was ready for him to go be a thorn in someone else’s side. Rafael mumbled something about an errand and then vanished into smoke.
I grinned at his departure and turned towards Meli, who was pouring tea. This was the first time I’d been left on my own since arriving—and I didn’t think Meli would stop me if I wanted to leave. I stilled as freedom whispered in my ear, beckoning me to make a run for it. Was it worth it? Louis and Raf needed my help… and I needed theirs.
I bit my lip, feeling anxious about the decision that had suddenly been thrust upon me. Was it foolish to not try and escape?
“Are you alright, Lady? You don’t have to drink the tea if you don’t like it. I won’t take it personally,” Meli said with knitted brows.
I took a generous sip, burning my tongue on the hot liquid. I had no idea how to get back to the garden. Even if I did find it… then what? Unless the Queen was lying, the portal was closed. It would be useless to run, I decided, with a sigh.
