“Why does that sound like a goodbye?”
I force a smile. “I’ll see you again soon,” I say, but I taste the lie.
I just hope that when it all comes crumbling down, some pieces can remain. Like Ty and Kari. I feel honest hope that if I step far enough away from them, even if everything else falls apart, that they can remain standing at the end of the story.
“It was good to see you, Ty.” I tell him over my shoulder as I rush away. He skips forward, making to follow me, but I turn a corner, pull at my shadow magic, and disappear from view.
I wait quietly until he passes by, looking around in confusion.
He asked me what my next move would be. And this is it.
Step away, quickly and quietly, like the wraith that I am. I can only hope that keeping distance between us will help cushion some of the backlash they’ll get just by caring for me.
Rev
The meeting drags on, as all council meetings do. The kings and queens of the realm diverge from serious issues into court dramas and bragging competitions.
Until finally, the queen declares the meeting over. I eye the door eagerly but know that I can’t always be the first to leave the room. My reputation as High Heir is already at risk with the fae in this room. If I’m always cutting out as quickly as possible to find Caelynn, that will not go unnoticed.
But even so, my stomach twists uncomfortably. I only have so much time left with Caelynn at arm’s reach. Precious days before she’s off ruling her own kingdom.
This is exactly what I’d planned, it’s what we both want, but I am not eager for the moment I must let her go.
“You can go, you know?”
I jerk my attention to Rai. His yellow tunic and the blue metalwork lining his shoulders has him looking both ready for a political meeting and battle at the same time. His white locks are pulled back into braids and tied behind his head.
I take in a deep sigh. “I could, but I shouldn’t. Not yet.”
Rai smiles. “The queen will not strip you of your title for eagerness to see a friend. Even if it happens regularly.” He winks.
“No, but she won’t be happy about it. And it’s only moments. Besides—” I clear my throat and straighten my shoulders. “I did have something to discuss with you.”
“Did you?” His eyebrows rise, revealing more of his golden eyeshadow. The Crackling Court has always been one of the more ostentatious courts. Somehow, they pull it off without looking like complete fools, but it’s not exactly to my taste. “Then, that calls for a glass of scotch.” He laughs and calls over a horned fae to fetch us a set of drinks.
I release a breath and sit back in my chair. This is good. A productive excuse not to rush from the room.
