She had no idea what the king’s theory was and didn’t care. What shedidcare about was that this proposed alliance offered her something she needed.
The closest chance she might have at getting into the Sun Isle library.
Isla didn’t have to go along with his plan. He just needed to believe she would.
Still—
In case Oro’s strategy did end up having merit, it could make a good backup plan. So, she needed to assure Celeste’s safety as well. But if she asked outright, Oro would suspect their alliance ...
“It’s only a deal if I am able to decide a second realm that will remain safe.”
His frown managed to deepen even further. “Is there one you have in mind?” he demanded.
She shrugged noncommittally. “If I’m helping you break the curses, I should at least get to determine one other realm that deserves to besaved.” Her smile was feline. “And, since yourequireme, it seems there might be room for negotiation.”
Oro’s jaw tensed. It seemed he hadn’t expected any opposition. Chimes sounded, almost making Isla jump, marking the hour. Officially midnight. When they were over, Oro said, “Fine. So, it’s a deal?”
It felt good, deciding on her own. Forming a backup plan. Her entire life, she had listened to others. Her guardians. Celeste. Even though they only had her best interests in mind, it felt freeing, making this choice.
“It’s a deal,” she said firmly, wondering what in the realms she was getting herself into.
“Good.”
She walked toward her door, eager to have this meeting be over. “When do we start?”
The king did not follow her the way she planned. “Now.”
“Now?” Her voice was too panicked. But she needed time to figure out an excuse for her powerlessness ... to prepare ...
“Is that a problem?” he asked, gaze narrowing.
She glared at him. “Well, I did have plans tosleep.”Speaking of sleep ... this close, she could see the king had purple crescents below his eyes. Was the king sleeping at all? Oro didn’t budge, or react to her words, so she said, “Fine. Just let me get dressed.” She reached for one of her new dresses. “If you could step outside—”
Oro frowned at the gown she had chosen, as bright and revealing as the rest. “You can’t wear that.”
Back when she was still preparing for the Centennial, Isla had dreaded meeting the king. She had wondered if she might cower in his presence, or if he would sense her lack of powers and kill her as soon as he could. Now, looking up at Oro and his disapproving frown, Isla realized that her main problem would be controlling her urge to throttle him.
“Are you telling me how to dress now?” she demanded.
Oro blinked slowly, annoyed. “During our excursions together, no one can know you are ruler of Wildling.”
She stiffened. “Why?”
“Lightlark doesn’t like you.”
No kidding.Still, Isla scowled. “Excuse me?”
“Some ancient creatures on the island, the ones that still live in the deepest pockets of Lightlark, believe Wildlings abandoned them five hundred years ago. If they sense you, or hear rumors that you are near their lands, they will attack. Which would only end in spilled blood and too much attention to our efforts.”
She knew Wildlings weren’t liked but had never heard this reason.Abandoned?The bloodthirsty Wildlings had practically fled the island. Or, at least, that was what she had always been taught. “So ... you want me to dress differently?”
“Not just that.” He took a step toward her and lowered his voice. “I can’t sense your abilities, Wildling.”
Her stomach collapsed. She made to step back—
“I can tell that you’re cloaking them,” he continued, without missing a beat. “I just ask that you keep doing that when we’re on the isles.”
Isla blinked. Again. “So ... you don’t want me using my powers.” She felt like falling over. This was agoodthing. A great thing.
