33. Esther #2
Biscuit meows and then saunters in the opposite direction, nudging her head against Lovealots.
Imogine purses her lips, unimpressed. “The feelopes show past, present, and future,” she says, running a reassuring hand over the boy’s shoulder when he suddenly thinks he’s done something wrong.
“They are blessed with foresight, which makes them often sought after to be forced into contracts. Though they’re selective as to what they will share and often have a higher knowing of all things.
We live with them freely, and in return, they sometimes enlighten us with what we are unable to see ourselves.
Their safety is also part of the reason why we don’t let outsiders in. ”
“Yet, you took us in?”
She stops and turns to face me. “It’s not for you we did it. You really have no idea who Regent is, do you?”
My brows furrow, and I’m suddenly aware of those who delay their next task. Of the people and feelopes that watch on.
“If it were up to me, we wouldn’t have taken you in at all. It’s him you should be thanking with your life, and I just pray to Neina and the Fates that you coming here doesn’t jeopardize what we’ve built.”
I search the faces of those closest who listen in. A mother grabs her child’s shoulders, pulling them closer.
We are not welcome.
My mouth goes dry.
“My relationship with Regent is complicated.” I can sense Blaze’s eyes on me.
Even last night, I could not put into words what or who Regent is to me.
But all I know is right now, we’re somehow linked, whether that be from the influence of the Fates or not.
But past it, I can sense there is something more, something I’ve been denying from the very start, too frightened by the magnitude of its hold.
Because I know once I claim it, there’s no going back.
It’ll set something into motion that I’m still not prepared to face.
“Isn’t everyone’s? But here’s the thing, Regent doesn’t do relationships.” She steps toward me, leaning in to whisper, “You will be his demise if you do not walk away. Yet he needs you. I hope that you can give him what he wants and then be done.”
“If he does not have relationships with anyone, I doubt it’ll favor well for you speaking on his behalf. What is Regent to you?” Her eyes narrow, and a wry smile tilts the corner of her lips. “Where is he now?”
My magic slithers against the ground searching for his familiar presence. It finds him on the edges of the forest, but his magic is barely a wisp of its former glory. Ever since the auctions, I’ve noticed its decline, as if it’s strangely depleting.
“He’s with our warriors at the moment. When he joins our camps from time to time over the years, he at the very least looks over their training.”
“So, he’s not one of you?” Blaze asks. Imogine continues walking, with the woven basket on her hip, her jewelry jingling around her.
“Regent is not like anyone else, and you’d best remember that. He is… important to us.”
“Or important to you?” I’m surprised by the tension rolling through my veins, and her attention snaps to me again as she smiles, this time all the venom she holds for me coming to the surface.
I’m acutely aware that I’m not welcome, nor is my knowing Regent approved of. My throat burns as Grimace attempts to free himself, but I tighten, keeping him safe. I do not know or trust these people. Despite them saving my life, I’ve come to learn that nowhere is truly safe.
Least of all this woman who holds such contempt for me.
“My relationship with Regent is private.”
“And mine isn’t?”
“Not when his choosing to protect you jeopardizes all of us, you stupid girl.” Fire lights in my stomach as I step forward, matching her sneer.
My magic now a toiling sea inside me, wanting and needing somewhere to expel this constant mounting irritation.
“It eats at you, doesn’t it? Felia’s influence?
It’ll spiral you into madness and kill everyone you love. ”
“You know nothing about me,” I spit, the flood of guilt welling inside me when she hits on raw nerves.
“Give me a reason to take your life, girl,” Imogine says on a long breath as her magic shoves against mine.
“You two need to stop.” Blaze stands between both of us, forcefully pushing us apart.
“That is enough,” Regent’s voice booms. Imogine steps back, her cheeks immediately darkening a shade. I meet Regent’s coppery gaze. The twins from earlier hold his hand, standing on either side. Others around him bow in reverence.
“You really have no idea who Regent is, do you?” Imogine’s voice echoes.
“Nothing wrong with two women sharing a different view and opinion,” Sheila’s voice croons over the passage of people. The moment the matriarch steps out from behind Regent, onlookers become preoccupied and busy.
“See, we told you she was awake,” the twins say in unison as they point to me excitedly.
“Thank you, little ones,” Regent says, placing his hand on both of their heads. They giggle and run away. Imogine bows, still unable to face Regent.
Sheila’s walking stick whacks her shoulder, disapprovingly. Although I dislike this woman, a small part of me floods with guilt, knowing she does this to protect her people. The reality is, I am putting them in danger.
Regent’s gaze does not leave mine, and there’s an unspoken message in those coppery eyes, one that I don’t entirely understand.
He turns his back, and I immediately follow. Then he stops and glares over his shoulder at Blaze. With an edge to his tone, he says, “We speak alone.”
“Wherever she goes, I go.”
“No.” Regent steps closer.
“Yes,” Blaze grits, matching his step.
I place myself between the two, pushing them apart, surprised by the tension fueled between them and the irony that Blaze did this only moments ago with Imogine and me.
“Come here, son,” Sheila croons to Blaze. “There is much that we cannot be involved with when the Fates have a hand to play. Come help me with some labor. My back isn’t what it used to be.”
“I am not a child,” Blaze sneers, his icy blue gaze still boring into Regent.
“All those who are lost are children of mine, and is that how you show gratitude to those who saved your life?”
“Go,” I tell Blaze. “I’ll be fine.”
Even beneath the leather mask, I can still read every emotion trickle through Blaze’s eyes. Although it’s a skill he’s covered over the years, I know his subtleties, as he does mine.
He leans in and whispers, “I don’t like this.”
“I know.” I place my hand on his cheek, reassuringly. “But there’s no going back to how it was before.”
“We’re going,” Regent growls, snatching my hand and pulling me aside. I’m all but dragged away from Blaze.
“You’re in a shitty mood today,” I taunt.
“Who do you think put me there?”