40. Krait
Chapter 40
Krait
A s soon as Ryn led Sybilla out into the rain, Elsedora stopped spinning around me like a water-logged fairy. Wet red locks of hair slapped me in the face, catching me right in the eye, as she came to an abrupt stop.
“El,” I groaned. A wild grin spread across her face. This was the one day a year I tried to allow myself to have a bit of fun. Or at least let others have fun. The news of Sybilla’s impending departure had already soured my mood.
“Should I remind her?” El asked. “She knew of the enchantment when Asterie visited her court. Surely she remembers that—”
“No,” I grunted at the ground. “Let her see. It’s best she remembers.”
Elsedora squeezed my hand as the band nearest to us picked up a new song, this one slower.
So what if Sybilla saw the reflection of her own desire in Ryn? So what if it was the young King Mattock?
“Kraiiit.” Elsedora attempted to soothe me in anticipation.
Under the moonlight, Ryn’s Source power would bring out truths I’d rather not face on a night meant for joyous debauchery. I stared at the ground, not breathing.
“Sources,” Elsedora exclaimed. When I dared to raise my gaze, a crowd had formed around Sybilla and Ryn as they swayed awkwardly through the dead, rain-soaked grass.
Seeing a version of myself there, gazing down at Sybilla with a smile, made me grow hot. It struck me—we looked right together. I’d spent all of my time with her trying to convince myself it would be wrong.
I couldn’t read her lips but could tell she was being contrary.
She didn’t believe the illusion.
I didn’t believe it either.
Then, Ryn brought her in closer, seemingly to guard her flushed cheeks and surprise from the crowd. When her gaze met mine, her posture went rigid, and she backed away from Ryn.
After dropping El’s hand, I took one step forward.
Sybilla searched the crowd for an opening and ran as soon as she found one. Ryn didn’t try to stop her. I pushed through to get to him as his features shifted to his own.
“What the fuck, Ryn?” I quietly growled, trying not to draw the crowd’s attention. “What stunt are you pulling?”
Ryn sighed and threw his hands up. “I love you, Krait, but this is getting ridiculous.”
My brow furrowed as my usually jovial officer tried to walk away from me. I grabbed his arm. “Ryn. Tell me, please...tell me you didn’t manipulate what I just saw.”
He turned to me. “No, you raging ass. You know I can’t manipulate that reaction. She desires you. And judging from how quickly I shifted...it isn’t some dalliance or crush, you lucky bastard. Now, instead of berating me, go after her before you botch your second chance at happiness.”
She wanted me.
I squeezed his shoulders and said, “Thank you.”
He rolled his eyes with a renewed smile and nodded toward where she’d fled. My boots hit the ground, and I sprinted toward the trail up to the city.
Glancing around, I found an older woman who pointed up the slope of the riverbank. “Your Queen went that way, my King.”
After I had ascended the riverbed, jogging over rocks and roots, more of the citizens in the streets of Sahlmsara joyously pointed me in the right direction until, minutes later, I was at the front entrance of Umber House.
Had she gone back to Luz?
A cart vendor called out, “Looking for your betrothed? She went inside.”
The heavy weight on my chest lifted. She had not used this opportunity to Egress away.
She’d run to my home.
I didn’t give my mind enough time to question whether finding her tonight was the right choice. The only choice that made sense led me straight to her. And I knew exactly where she’d be.