Chapter 27
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“Well, then. Moving on.” Peylin leans back in her chair and wipes a napkin across her lips. “So, how do these riddles work?”
“The first few lines tell us where to go, and the second half are what the trial is.” Mikael answers, twisting his arm around to look at the matching ink on his forearm.
“Well, read them out.” Peylin grabs the quill and paper resting on top of a pile of documents next to her. She must have been working while I was away, something we often do during meals together.
“Ready?” I ask, and she nods.
“Only for those who yearn to be unbound. Mirrors are more than what you see. Find the bed you wish to keep. Or never break free,” Mikael reads the words on his skin. The accompanying scratch of metal tip to paper follows each word as Peylin transcribes it.
I read out the words on my arm. “A melody hums within the sea. Within the white marbled veins, we stay. Flowing with waters pristine.”
Peylin’s eyes move back and forth over the words. She grabs another piece of paper and rewrites the lines, then hands it to me. She flipped the order in which we read, putting the ones about who or what we have to find first, as Mikael explained.
A melody hums within the sea
Within the white marbled veins we stay
Flowing with waters pristine
Only for those who yearn to be unbound
Mirrors are more than what you see
Find the bed you wish to keep
Or never break free.
Mikael gets up and takes the seat next to me, tipping the paper toward him with one hand while the other rests on my knee.
The prickling heat of being observed raises the hairs on my neck. I look up and am met with Peylin’s raised brows and incredulous expression.
“We have a lot to catch up on. Because that—” She waggles her finger between us, at the way he’s touching me—“is not something I expected to see again.”
“Bryn now knows the truth. I didn’t betray her willingly,” Mikael says, giving me a quick smile, then returns to Peylin. “Did you know dragon magic can supersede other types? I was freed from my compulsion, and was finally able to speak the truth.”
“Your what?” Peylin’s face screws up in confusion.
“Vampire magic. A way to control someone, basically,” I answer.
“Right. Well, I want details later.” She shakes her head and goes back to reading the riddle.
“I’ll write you a book all about it,” I joke, laughing under my breath, then continue. “Any idea what this means? We don’t have time to waste and should leave tomorrow at dawn if possible. To avoid Erik, and get this over with.”
“You need to look through the tax records and make sure everything is taken care of before you go.” Peylin’s tone makes it clear it’s not a request I have business I need to take care of, but I also have a curse to break. Or I’ll be dead, and she’ll have to do it anyway.
“I’ll take care of it in the morning.” I set the paper down on the table so we can all see the riddle. “Then we’ll head out, even if we can’t decipher this. I don’t care about what we have to do, but I’d like to figure out where we need to go.”
“‘A melody hums within the sea’….” Peylin taps the pen against the paper.
“That could be many things, but you’re looking for where this challenge is.
” She pauses again, a beat of silence stretching before she speaks again.
“You don’t think you have to go to the siren’s island?
That wouldn’t be good, considering the treaty they violated when they commandeered that ship a few years ago. ”
Mikael runs a hand along his jaw. “I’m not surprised. They’re ruthless, and it was bound to happen.”
“True, but they returned the sailors and kept the goods. The sirens claimed the sailors entered their waters; that they had the right to take it over, and that we should be thankful they returned the sailors unharmed.” I scoff.
It was a load of nonsense, but no one wanted to argue with them. They’re part of our kingdom, falling under the rule of the fae king, but they also operate as a sovereign island with their own rulers. The fae king had sent a warning about the ramifications of what would happen if it occurred again.
There haven’t been any issues since.
“Although, I don’t think that would make sense with the next few lines: ‘white marbled veins and flowing waters,’” Mikael adds.
“There are underwater temples where the sirens live,” Peylin offers.
“Oh god. I really hope we don’t have to go underwater. How would we even do that?” I run a hand through my hair and blow out a breath.
“Are we sure it’s sirens?” Mikael asks.
“It would make the most sense with the mention of a melody and the sea, I think. Don’t they have a temple on the island?” Peylin asks.
“They do.” I sigh. This is unreal, having to go to yet another place that no one visits.
Why couldn’t this curse send me to my favorite bakery to test the food for poison? That would be easier than everything we’ve had to do so far.
“Well, we can get you the supplies you need and have a boat ready for you to depart by tomorrow afternoon. After you finish your duties,” Peylin says, her words stern.
The familiar itch for a drink spreads as I think about all the work I have to do, along with figuring out this new trial.
Irritation creeps its way through my body as I refuse to give in to the desire. Sleeping it off sounds like the best choice, so I stand and excuse myself. “Thank you for your help. I’m going to bed.”
“Do I get to share?” Mikael asks.
I know he’s joking, but it’s always laced with a bit of truth. At this point, I need to guard myself from Mikael again. The encounter with Erik proved that.
There is no way this will work. So, I answer curtly, “No. There’s a guest room down the hall.”
Mikael rolls his eyes and takes another drink from his goblet.
Peylin laughs under her breath, pulling in her bottom lip, trying to hide her amusement.
“What?” My tone is more barbed than I intend.
She shrugs. “I’d just really like to know what’s going on.”
I cross my arms over my chest and jut out a hip. “Nothing is going on.”
Peylin raises her hands in surrender. “Okay.”
Her response makes my irritation flare, but it’s not directed at her—or Mikael.
Or even this stupid curse.
I’m irritated at myself for letting my dependency on drinking go too far. That I’m not better able to compartmentalize emotions without the aid of a drink. Instead of responding, I pivot and leave the dining room, heading up the stairs.
Mikael’s words float up the stairway, purposely louder than they need to be. “There is something.”
Part of Peylin’s response follows me before I disappear into my room. “Don’t get too comfortable. She’s not the same female you once knew.”
Mikael can tell her all about what happened, for all I care. Tell her everything, because eventually she’d pester me enough that I would anyways.
The rest of their conversation is cut off when I shut the door behind me.
I press my back against the worn wood and close my eyes. As all my thoughts ricochet around in my mind—leading Varithen, craving a drink, Erik, Mikael, the curse, death—my clothes become too restrictive, too hot.
Centering myself, I take a deep breath and hold it for a moment before releasing it.
Breathe. Release. Breathe. Release.
I’m still uncomfortable, but feel a little better, calmer. I remove my vest, tunic, and bandeau, throwing them onto the pile of dirty clothing that’s still here from the last time I was home. That should’ve been taken care of, but the staff know not to enter when the door is closed.
Peylin had once again looked out for me, knowing I wouldn’t want it left open for days at a time. I really need to express my gratitude for everything she’s done for me. I’ve been horrid at doing that.
Rummaging through my dresser, I find my long sleep tunic and slip it over my head. I can’t deny that the confrontation with Erik rattled me, subconsciously pushing me toward my old habits. I haven’t had time to think about drinking, except at the inn in Norhaven.
The forced clarity of the last few days has shown me I don’t need it. It was a crutch that I too easily leaned on.
Mikael and I are halfway through breaking this curse, and I don’t need any diversions that could prevent us from finishing the task.
Neither Erik nor a drink.
A knock sounds on the door, followed by Peylin’s voice. “I’m coming in.”
There is no time to answer before she opens it softly, poking her head in. Her bare feet hardly make a sound against the wooden floor as she walks to the bed and plops down on top of it. She rests the ankle of her right foot on top of her left knee, swaying her legs back and forth.
I join her on the bed, lying down and resting my head on her shoulder. This is the perfect opportunity to tell her I appreciate her—so why won’t the words leave my brain?
I massage my face, running through the different ways to say what I want. In the end, I keep it simple. “Thank you for everything.”
“It’s been an honor.”
“No,” I sigh, “Peylin, I mean everything. I—”
She rubs my arm. “I love you, Bryn. You’re family to me, and I know you would have done the same for me.”
“Without a doubt.” I lace my fingers within hers and squeeze. “Did Mikael tell you everything?”
Peylin looks at me, the corners of her eyes wrinkling as she smiles. “I didn’t even have to ask more than once. Maybe he wants to get on my good side too.” She drops her smile, and asks, “What are you going to do?”
I prop myself up on one elbow. “I don’t know.”
Peylin mirrors my position, facing me as she lies on her side, and twirls the ends of her hair around her finger. “What do you want?”
“At the moment, mostly to not die. I thought I didn’t care before, but I do.
” I purse my lips. “These different trials all seem linked to our bond. The curse attached itself not only to my soul, but to the bond we share. Breaking the curse is unraveling the magic in the cover-up tattoo, allowing our bond to slip through my walls.”
“Well, to be fair, when you bind yourself with someone, it’s a deep-rooted magic. Bonds are woven into the fabric of your essence, your body and soul,” Peylin says.
“I wish it wasn’t attached to our bond. It’s complicating everything.” I fall back onto the bed and stare at the ceiling.
“Do you still love him?” she asks.
It’s a simple, but heavy, question.
Layered with nuance and depth that I’ve been navigating since he showed back up and threw my life into chaos.
“You know the answer,” I say, eyes sliding to her before returning to the wooden beams above me.
“Say it.” She jabs me in the chest. “Out loud.”
I huff, loath to admit it. “Yes.”
“Again, what are you going to do?” Peylin moves my chin in her direction, making me look at her. The tenderness in her expression rocks me.
“He can’t stay, Peylin.” I’m shaking my head in denial. “And I can’t leave.” My heart cleaves in two with those words.
I’ve thought them, but haven’t told anyone; haven’t had anyone to tell until now.
It’ll only get worse with the remaining trials. When the bond is fully restored, I’m not sure how I’m going to handle being away from him. Or him from me. I might have to cover up our shared tattoo once again.
I realize she’s waiting for me to give her more details. “Erik knows Mikael is, or has been, with me recently. I don’t know if it was from before we left, or if someone told him when we got back. Erik insulted me.” I laugh. “He called me easy. Can you believe that?”
Soon we’re both giggling.
“Right, because he’s so righteous and proper.” Peylin barely gets out between her laughs.
“Uh huh, the jealousy was so clear. If Mikael is back, then he sees himself as outed.”
“Doesn’t help that Mikael put him in his place at Govlik’s.” Peylin snickers.
“Wait. What?” I sit up and twist around to face her, crossing my legs.
“Of course you were that drunk. You made out with Erik in front of Mikael.” She shakes her head and sits up, climbing out of the bed.
I grimace, because she’s not wrong. I drank way more than I should have that night, and can’t recall much of it.
Sounds like me, though.
What I do remember is the raging anger that set me on fire when he showed up in my city, seeking me out.
I sit up straighter, looking forward to her reenactment of what had happened. She does this when she’s excited, and I always enjoy the show.
“Mikael threw a dagger at Erik. Wham! It landed in his thigh.” Peylin flicks her wrist, throwing an imaginary dagger. “They exchanged insults, and then Erik’s shadows came out to play as Mikael flipped another dagger in his hand.”
She’s jumping back and forth, mouthing off to an imaginary person on each side.
“Then Erik broke off the legs of a wooden chair and tried to throw it using his shadows at Mikael. But Mikael wasn’t afraid of the shadows; he just walked right into them.
That was impressive, I admit. Then Mikael appeared in front of Erik and bit him. ”
My eyes go wide. “He didn’t…”
“Yes! But wait, it gets better. The table leg makes a reappearance and stabs Mikael in the back, missing his heart. It’s what gets him to let go of Erik.”
“Oh Fates.” I’m appalled, but at the same time my lips turn up in a smug smile because I also find two males fighting over me something to revel in. Well done, Bryn.
“Don’t even.” Peylin crosses her arms.
“What?” I laugh and toss a pillow at Peylin.
“Anyway, after that Mikael told Erik to leave and he just… did. Probably for the best because Govlik came over and would have put an end to it either way.” She cocks her head thoughtfully, then finishes. “He declared the next round of drinks for everyone in the tavern was on you.”
My eyes go wide. “Govlik did what? Please tell me you’re joking.”
“Nope.” Peylin picks up the pillow and motions for me to scoot over.
“Well, I was angry at Mikael for showing up. But I’m sad I don’t remember any of that. Now I better understand why Erik is pissed.”
“Exactly. So, once again, be careful, and please end things with Erik like I told you to years ago.”
“Well, I promised him a night together after I handled payment to the crown.”
Peylin rolls her eyes and groans. “You think he bought it?”
“I have to believe he prefers fucking me more than fucking me over.” I shrug.
“I hope so, but I wouldn’t trust it.”
“I know, but it’s not my main focus. Can you keep track of Erik’s movements while I’m gone?” I ask through a yawn.
“Yes, of course. Mind if I sleep in here tonight?” Peylin asks.
“I’d love the company.” Sleep drags my voice down, and I can’t help but yawn again.
Peylin gets up and blows out the oil lamp before returning to the bed. She rolls over and nestles herself under the blankets. “Oh, by the way—Korin hasn’t paid. And it’s been more than enough time since you warned him.”
I groan and cover my head with the pillow.