“I can agree with that,” Delano murmured. “They are not as…expected.”
Vonetta jerked forward, her braids swinging as she turned her head to Delano. “You met a Fate?”
“A little bit ago.” Delano’s gaze bounced between us. “I’ll have to tell you later.”
“I don’t understand,” Malik stated. “If Kolis wants to become the Primal of Life and Death, I assume that requires…” His gaze shot to Casteel as the dagger stilled in his hand. “Things to go sideways. At least for Penellaphe,” he added.
“Poppy,” I corrected.
“So, does Kolis think he can…do what? Convince you to go along with that?”
“I have no idea what Kolis thinks,” I replied. And, gods, that was the truth.
Malik stared at me and then looked at his brother. “I don’t like this.”
Casteel didn’t respond, likely because it was unnecessary. None of us liked this.
“Again, Kolis likes to put on a show that builds anxiety and fear,” Attes said. “This wouldn’t be the first time he’s done something like this while asking for something he knows will be refused.”
“He sounds…lovely to deal with,” Vonetta muttered.
“You said the Fate is there in case things go sideways,” Kieran broke in. “What exactly does that mean?”
“It normally means no one can be harmed or worse,” Attes answered.
“Normally?” Casteel repeated, his gaze fixed on the blade as it twirled over his knuckles.
Attes sighed. “Yes, normally. I don’t know how the rules apply in this situation.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, loosely clasping my fingers.
Attes’s gaze briefly met mine. “You are not a Primal of a Court, and I do not know if that changes things.”
Kieran’s gaze slid to mine as his mark brushed against my thoughts.I assume yourvadentiais silent?
Unfortunately, I sent back. If it did change the rules, then whatever shield the Fate provided would be irrelevant.
But then, why would he summon one? What would be the point?
Gods, I hoped it was Lirian.
“Poppy wasn’t the only one summoned,” Casteel stated. “Kieran’s presence and mine were also requested.”
Valyn stilled. “All three of you—the King, the Queen,andthe Advisor to the Crown?”
“Actually,” Attes began, “that is not what was said.”
The blade ceased spinning, and Casteel’s gaze shot to Attes. “I was there.”
“Then you know what was said. Penellaphe was requested.”
“Poppy,” I corrected, this time with a sigh.
“And?” Kieran stated.
“And your presence and his was tacked on,” Attes said. “The words were that he’d love it if you joined her. That is not a direct invitation.”
“Not to sound repetitive, but…” Casteel paused. “And?”
