49
Valen
“If you continue to pace,” Gensted says, “you’re going to wear a hole in the floor.” He leans back in his chair and watches me from the other side of the room.
It’s been three hours since I last heard from Tania. We agreed to touch base at least once an hour, so something has gone wrong. “We have no way of knowing what they’re doing.”
“She can take care of herself.”
Tania asked me to tell Gensted what Aphelian told her about his father. Their father. I haven’t. It’s something she should tell him herself. But if something happens to her…
No. I won’t let my mind venture into such dark places. “You’re not worried?” I ask Gensted.
“Of course I am. But…” He stands and straightens his tunic. “Worrying isn’t going to make it any easier.”
“You care a lot about her, don’t you?”
He lifts his head, and our eyes meet. I’m not sure how I ever misinterpreted his feelings for her. When we first met, he wanted me to believe he had a romantic interest in Tania, but I’m not sure that was ever true. They say that the Autumn Fae were so closely bound by their familial relationships that it sometimes created a sort of connection. I wonder if, deep down, he felt what she truly was to him.
Gensted’s expression darkens. “If you intend to mock me—”
I throw my hands up. “I don’t. I’m merely stating a fact.”
“I know that she loves you.”
“And we both know that you’re not in love with her,” I counter.
He chuckles. “Of course I’m not. Still, I would kill anyone who tried to harm her…” The words come out a bit awkwardly, though fierce and true. Gensted shakes his head like he doesn’t understand it. “I’ve never felt as strong a connection to anyone before.”
I should tell him. If for no other reason than to end his obvious frustration. But it’s not my place. Aphelian took so much from Tania. She should at least get something back. “I have a feeling there’s good reason.”
Gensted quirks a brow.
“When this is over, talk to Tania.”
He nods. Several moments of silence pass before he stretches out and yawns. “Have you given any thought as to what comes next?”
“Next?”
“Assuming we’re not all dead at the end of this mess…” He shifts in the chair. “You’re the leader of the Winter Court. If we somehow manage to win, the relationship between Fae and the druids will not get easier.”
“You’re asking about Tania.”
“I suppose I am.” He folds his arms. “I assume you kept your relationship a secret because of the way your people feel about the druids.”
“We both agreed that with all the damage Aphelian has done, and the fact that Tania knew her personally before her identity was revealed, it was for the best…” If Tania helps us defeat Aphelian, the people could see her as a hero. Though some—maybe many—will probably never see her that way. Prejudices run deep, and Fae have a long memory. “And it wasn’t that we were hiding anything. We weren’t together—aren’t together. We agreed that we couldn’t be.”
Gensted shakes his head. “I don’t pretend to understand how you feel. I’ve never…” He clears his throat. “But even I know that’s bullshit.”
“How is it bullshit?”
“Just because you aren’t together doesn’t mean you’re not together . The feelings are there, and that’s the problem. They’re not going to go away just because you two try to put distance between you.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to ask this, but… What would you suggest?”
“I’m the wrong one to ask. I care about my people and their well-being. Having someone like Keltania by my side would be my biggest pride—and my greatest strength.”
“And if what you wanted wasn’t best for your people?” Gensted and I have our issues, but I don’t believe he’d throw something like this in his people’s face if they felt like mine did. “What would you do then?”
He shrugs. “If it is what’s best for me, how could it possibly not be what’s best for my people?”
The window to my left shatters as a giant stone crashes through the glass, onto the floor. A second later, Tania swings herself over the window ledge, landing in the middle of the room between Gensted and me.
“Thank the Gods!” I say. “I’ve been so—”
She grabs me by the throat and slams me back against the wall. “Don’t.”
“Tania,” Gensted says. His voice is calm and soothing, and he approaches slowly from my right. “You don’t want to hurt him.”
Tania says nothing. She stares at me, her fingers loosening just enough for me to break free. Except I don’t. I reach for the link and find nothing but cold, dark silence. It’s different from when she was shutting me out. This…this is magic. Something—or someone—seems to have put up a wall. I look at her. Really look. Her jaw is tight, her stance rigid. Her left brow twitches, and there’s the tiniest vibration in her pinkie finger—like she’s purposefully moving it against my skin.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” she says quietly. She holds my gaze a moment longer, then turns to Gensted. “No one has to get hurt right now. Valen’s going to stay, and you’re coming with me.”
“Am I?” Gensted laughs. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me why I would do such a thing?”
She turns back to me and slowly removes her hand. There’s a flash of something in her eyes. Fear? Panic? Whatever it is, the message is clear. She’s here on Aphelian’s order. Somehow, the druid is watching us, preventing Tania from tipping us off in order to maintain our ruse.
Thick vines slink in from the window, winding tight around my legs and torso. They stop just short of covering my mouth. When she turns away, her hands are both fisted, fingers curled so tight that her knuckles are turning white.
“Gensted, just go with her,” I say.
Gensted’s eyes widen, but after a moment, he nods, and I wonder if he’s seen what I have. Does he know her well enough to see through the facade? Or maybe I’m imagining the whole thing. Maybe Aphelian and the magic have swayed her and she’s clouded again.
No.
I can’t—won’t—believe that. I know Tania. I know what I’m seeing. If she’s taking Gensted, then there has to be a reason. If she can’t communicate with me, then we’ll adapt.
I trust her.
I have to.