Fifteen
Aeryn
The dim room on the lower level was empty outside of the bridal trial contestants standing in pockets, whispering guesses of why we were down here. I leaned against a stone column at the back, taking a moment to myself before today”s training activities began.
My wounds had healed from the attack, leaving behind pale scars that served as a reminder of how close I”d come to death. I ran a hand over the marks, feeling the ridged skin forever marred because of the dark magic.
Strong. I would remember I was strong. A survivor.
I closed my eyes, remembering the warmth of Nox”s hands and the gentleness in his voice as he cared for me. We”d talked through the evening, exchanging stories of our lives like old friends.
With each word, my heart had tangled itself more in the web he was weaving. I wanted him. All of him. Not just for a single night, either.
The thought left me breathless with fear. I couldn”t win these trials and I shouldn’t pretend otherwise. Giving in to the fantasy would only break me in the end.
Yet the idea of Nox marrying someone else, of another woman sharing his bed, filled me with a jealousy so potent I worried I would do something insanely stupid. Like shoving a blade through Zoriyah’s eye socket.
What was worse, I didn’t even feel bad for having the thought. To be fair, the fire fae was almost certainly going to come after me in one of the official trials. A dagger sinking into her face might just save my ass.
Inwardly, I rolled my eyes at myself and chose to go back to the Nox fantasy. Yes, much better.
“You look deep in thought, my lady.”
I opened my eyes to find Liam standing before me, hands in his pockets and a smile quirking his lips.
“That”s because I am.” I”d never been good at hiding my feelings, but I couldn”t very well tell him I”d been daydreaming of Nox, imagining him naked and wanting me as his one and only.
“Nervous?” He cocked his head, studying me.
“Should I be?” I arched a brow, a challenge in my tone.
Liam laughed, the sound rich and warm, far more friendly than I”d ever thought he would be with me. “Not at all. I believe today will be more aligned to your talents.”
I tilted my head. “What makes you think that?”
“Because the only weapons you”ll need today are your wits and intelligence. And courage. You”ll be fine.”
“You think I”m intelligent?”
“When you”re not fighting off monsters on your own? Yes. Now, please excuse me, Lady Aeryn. We”re about to begin and I”m in charge of getting things going.”
I shook my head and went to Sofiya, who was standing with Raina, Mirrelle, and Astrid. Though they”d all given me concerned looks at the breakfast table this morning, they hadn”t pried.
Sofiya knew what had happened and knew I didn”t like to be fussed over. When I awoke this morning, I found her sitting up beside me on the edge of the bed. Instead of tearing up as I thought she might, she flicked me in the forehead, told me to never do such a thing again, and left.
She”d never done anything like that to me before. I wasn”t the only one changing.
“Today you will practice restraint,” Liam pronounced, drawing my attention to the front of the room.
“You will face a series of provocations designed to break your composure and elicit a magical response. Your task is to do neither.”
A hand shot up eagerly.
“I see someone is trying to think before interrupting,” Mirrelle whispered loudly, eliciting several snickers.
“Yes, Lady Cadence?”
“Sir Liam, do you not want to test the strength of our magic? Or that we can use it when someone dares to insult us? I think that”s more important of a task. And I would think Nox would want a queen who would never tolerate such insolence. Oh! And I also think that it”s unfair since the farmer doesn”t have magic yet.”
One would think they could have put some effort into more creative names for me. Farmer wasn”t an insult. It was a profession.
“I believe Prince Lorne warned you about thinking,” Liam answered in a tone better suited for a toddler.
Cadence gave an indignant gasp and Mirrelle threw her head back in delight.
“Oh, I adore that male,” she said quietly. “Hot as hell with a delicious sense of humor? If I had him in my bed I”d be hard pressed to ever let him out from between my legs.”
Raina”s face shut down. Astrid elbowed Mirrelle.
The blood fae grunted. “Alright, alright. I meant no offense, Raina.”
“None taken. Your assessment is accurate and we are no longer bound.” Raina shrugged. “Plus I”m quite certain he loathes me.”
Before any of us could argue, Liam continued. “You”ll be called in one at a time. The rest of you will remain here, quiet, and contemplating.”
He knocked on the door behind him. Lorne opened it from the other side and called the first name. Astrid.
The contestants split, making way until she disappeared from sight. The light fae had looked especially fierce today. Fresh runes were visible on her arms and neck, a small triangular one on her cheekbone.
Astrid had braided her red-gold mane in the style of the warriors of her sect. She had one large braid down the center and several smaller ones along the sides connecting every few inches.
I”d liked it so much I”d asked her to do something similar to mine after we”d had breakfast. My hair wasn”t quite as thick as hers, so she did a series of smaller braids lined parallel to one another, pinned into a tight knot at the base of my skull.
Everyone watched the door until it opened again, some fifteen minutes later. The next name was called.
“Where is Astrid?” Sofiya quietly voiced.
“I”m sure she”s fine. They must have another exit,” Raina replied. “If anyone loses composure or gets too amped up with magic they”re not going to parade them through this room and risk a confrontation.”
Made sense.
Time continued passing, names were called, and I grew bored. Then it was down to Sofiya and I. Liam had gone off somewhere and only one guard was left by the exit.
My friend and I hadn”t been able to talk much since so many eyes and ears were always around. Even if we had, I wasn”t sure how much of my private moments with Nox I would have shared.
“What do you think happens in there? And when you leave?” I asked.
“Are you getting antsy?”
“No. Yes. I don”t know.”
Sofiya laughed. “There”s no actual danger today, Aeryn. We”ll be fine.”
“Since when are you the one assuring me?”
“Since I figured out you might need my help more than I need yours. No, don”t give me that look. The king wants you and it”s freaking you out. Just because you think my nature is sweet and gentle–”
“Because it is.”
“Well, that may be, but I”m not na?ve. And I have experience with the opposite sex that you do not,” she rebutted pointedly.
Biting my tongue, I crossed my arms and let her continue her speech. Sofiya did have more experience with the male gender than I did; and I was dying to ask how experienced she was getting with a certain grouchy prince.
“I”m not an idiot,” she told me. “I see how Nox looks at you and how you look at him. I know you”re struggling with it. I don”t know what”s going to happen, but I do know you have never, not once since we”ve met, given any male the time of day. I believe there”s a good reason for that and maybe you shouldn”t be a coward about it.”
“I hardly think that–”
Sofiya”s hand covered my mouth. “Shh. Don”t argue. Just listen. Life has a funny way of not giving us what we want, but offering what we need. It”s up to us to reach out and take it.”
“Seriously. Who are you and what have you done with my friend?”
“I”m still me. I”m just tired of being treated like I”m made of glass. I know why you do it, and I love you for it. But Heath didn”t destroy me when he left.”
“You”re right,” I agreed, “but he left with a piece of you that”s been missing for years. Do you realize that”s the first time I”ve heard you say his name since he left Greenhollow?”
Her nose wrinkled. She couldn”t argue with the truth.
Lorne came into the room. “Lady Sofiya.”
“I have to go before Prince Growly over there starts yelling at me so I”ll be quick. If anything is going to be used against you in this little test, it will be your pride, your anger, or, more likely since I”m sure they”re using magic, your newfound emotional entanglement. So choose a path or one will be chosen for you.”
“Did you See something?” I asked quietly.
“I didn”t need to.” She patted my cheek like her mother used to do and marched to Lorne, who was tracking her closing the distance with concentrated interest.
They shared a quiet exchange as the door closed behind them and I was left with Sofiya”s words ringing in my ears. I wasn”t freaking out. Not yet, at least.
What was the path forward? Not just because of whatever was waiting on the other side of that door, but because of what was waiting on the other side of the bridal trials.
I”d already accepted that watching Nox take someone like Zoriyah as a wife, of having to see it, would hurt. But if he took someone worthy, like Astrid or Raina, and was happy to do it, it might break me.
Something, the wild thing, my soul, whatever it was, didn”t care about circumstance or consequences. It wanted Nox. No, wanted wasn”t a strong enough word. Yearned. Longed. Needed.
I didn”t understand why. Sure, he was the most attractive male I”d ever laid eyes on. And he”d made me feel cared for. And acted possessive of me.
He was also a complete asshole sometimes.
But when his hands were on me and his eyes bore into mine, something clicked into place. It was alarming how right it felt.
By the time Lorne called my name, my brain was tired. I stepped past him and into a narrow hall, torches spaced out every ten yards or so. At the end was an arched doorway.
“When I say go, walk to the end and enter the chamber.” Lorne closed the door. “Once inside, you”ll see a chalked circle. Step inside the circle and stay put.”
“That”s it?”
“Refrain from losing your composure or using magic. You don”t have your powers yet, so just focus on the other.”
I took a breath, nodding. “Okay. Thank you, Prince Lorne. Anything else?”
“Don”t fuck up.”
“Right,” I laughed nervously. “Stand in the circle. Don”t fuck up. Got it. Oh, and I didn”t get a chance to say I”m glad you”re okay. From the ... you know.”
He watched me guardedly. I waited for a response–or instructions–somewhat used to being under his intense inspection. Lorne bent to put his face level with mine.
“Same,” he whispered. “Now go.”
I gave him a two-fingered salute in thanks and turned to face whatever was at the end of the hall. My footsteps were the only sound other than the occasional crackle of the torches.
As I got closer, my ears picked up quiet moans. I reminded myself it was a test of composure. Of restraint. There was no animated corpse to fight.
The moans increased in volume, though they were muffled. Was someone being harmed? Oh gods, were they going to make me watch it and do nothing?
I crossed the threshold.
Half of the chamber, where the sounds were coming from, was shrouded in darkness. The half I was on had a handful of candles, just enough to make out the circle drawn on the stone floor.
My muscles tightened. Something about the rhythm of the sounds had me on high alert.
I stepped into the circle. Immediately, the veil of shadowy magic covering the far side of the room dissolved. No longer muffled, the sounds sliced through the air and punctured my spirit.
My heart stopped. My stomach rolled. The wild thing howled in agony.
The female on the bed panted and gasped erotically, her face hidden behind a blanket of shadows. Behind her, with his hands gripping her hips, Nox pistoned forcefully in and out. Through gritted teeth he made his own lewd sounds.
He withdrew and rolled her to her back. I caught a quick glimpse of his cock, shiny and slick, before he entered her again. Slowly this time.
I wanted to look away but couldn”t tear my gaze away from the scene in front of me. It was raw and passionate. I was an intruder, an envious voyeur, confined inside my own skin and powerless.
I still couldn”t see her face but Nox”s was clear as day. This wasn”t just a random romp to get off. He was a male enthralled. Obsessed.
A crack formed right down the center of my being. I imagined tearing out my own heart and burning it to ash.
I forced myself to take deep breaths as I watched them move together like one entity; their hands entwined, their mouths close and sharing air.
His movements were demanding yet gentle. When she finally found that ultimate release, he followed shortly after with a primal roar that rang through my body and soul at the same time.
My torment combusted, its shrapnel shredding me into a million jagged pieces.
They both laid still on the bed for what seemed like an eternity, entwined and exchanging loving caresses. It was so much worse than watching him fuck her.
They basked in the quietness of the room, until Nox eventually broke it by whispering something softly into her ear. She laughed sensuously and he brushed his lips against hers.
The king unfolded his large frame as he rose from the bed and faced me, his expression unreadable. I remained frozen as he slowly approached.
To hell with composure. To hell with this cruel, twisted, task. If he touched me I would stab him with the dagger in my boot.
He was nearly to the edge of the circle when I caught movement at his back. The female, silent as a ghost, leapt from the bed with a knife in her hand.
Instinct took over. I grabbed his arm and used his forward momentum to spin us, putting my back between Nox and his attacker, and braced for the blade.
Nothing happened.
A voice just like Nox”s cursed from the corner and my head whipped around. Standing in front of a chair that was lying on its side, was the King of Falcondale.
“Release it, Marcellus,” he ordered. “And go let Lorne know we”re finished.”
A male fae in a dark green robe appeared. “Shall I tell him she passed, Sire?”
“With flying fucking colors.”
Passed?
The spell dropped, the one I”d believed had been erected to hide the bed from view. But everything disappeared. The bed. The female. Even the naked Nox who”d felt very real when I”d grabbed him.
The door closed and I was in a candlelit room with Nox. Alone. My body shook. Overwhelmed and irate, cracked but not broken, my eyes burned.
“Is this little test over?” I asked, voice shaky, eyes on his sternum.
“Yes.”
“Was it the same for each contestant?”
“Do you mean did they all see what you saw?”
I nodded sharply.
“No. I wasn”t in anyone else”s projection.”
Deep breath in. Deep breath out. “Did I pass because I didn”t interrupt your ... activities?”
If this was a test to see if I was capable of turning a blind eye to the ultimate betrayal it would change everything. I”d never let him touch me again.
I wanted to scrub my eyeballs with wire bristles and wash away the vision forever. I hated that the burning behind them only got worse and they began to fill.
I was humiliated though I had no true reason for it. Nox wasn”t actually mine and the entire event wasn”t real.
“Aeryn, look at me,” he coaxed.
I didn”t want to but I did. The sudden intensity of his gaze felt like a physical blow. His eyes burned with a deep, almost overpowering emotion that seemed to ricochet inside of me.
“Tell me about what you saw,” he said.
A tear escaped before I was able to answer. I sniffed. “I would prefer not to relive it.”
Nox made to touch my face and I took a step back. His brow lowered. “Are you upset because you thought I might actually be harmed?”
The most unladylike angry snort came out of me. Cathartic and emboldening, I let the indignation focus my words.
“No, asshole. I”m upset because I had to stand here and watch you fuck some faceless stranger. I know I kept quiet but if you thought I wouldn”t be affected by it then you don”t know a damn thing about me!”
His eyes widened. “What are you talking about?”
“That!” I pointed to where the bed had been. “Could you not see? Were you not watching yourself do those–those things?!”
“Oh, I definitely watched it, little menace. In fact I was so hard I nearly cleared the room to demand you actually do something about it.”
I saw red, vibrating with madness. I bared my teeth, snapping at him like some rabid wolf.
Nox growled, deep and low, grabbing me by my shoulders and backing me into the wall. I held still, spying the beast glowering back.
“That wasn”t some faceless stranger, Aeryn. So please explain to me what the fuck you”re talking about.”
My mind stuttered as my stomach dropped. “Who was it?” I rasped.
“You couldn”t tell?”
My tongue felt thick, like I was going to be sick.
Nox bent his head back and looked to the ceiling. “Gods grant me strength. I beg it.”
“Tell me who it was.”
He lowered his face to mine. The force of his feelings evident in the ferocity with which he stared at me. His intensity shook me to my core.
“You, you bedeviling female. It was you. How could it have possibly been anyone else?”
The floodgate opened and couldn”t hold in the sob. I covered my mouth, embarrassed. Trembling.
Then I was in his arms, wrapped tightly as he tried to calm my inner storm. Of its own accord, my imagination replayed the scene, only this time with me in Nox”s bed.
I thought of the way his lips had explored with such tenderness and passion, how his hands had moved over that body with knowing skill.
I relaxed against him, uncertain how this would end or what it meant for us. His fingers massaged my nape as he placed a gentle kiss on the top of my head.
Nox must have noticed the change in mood because he stepped back slightly, giving us enough space to look each other in the eye again. His face was gentle yet questioning.
“Her face was hidden by the shadows,” I told him in a quiet voice. “I assumed it wasn”t anyone in particular, just that it wasn”t me.”
His voice was deceptively unemotional when he asked what I feared he would. “Did you want it to be you, Aeryn?”
Choose a path or risk having it chosen for me? I chose. “Yes.”
Triumph, masculine and confident, reflected back at me. “Good.”
Too scared to read into his reaction, I went for reassurance. “You”re positive it was me? You could see my face?”
“I could see every exquisite square inch of you, little hellion.”
I blushed.
“But what I find most intriguing is that, though you believed it was someone else I”d bedded, you still protected me from the attack.”
Oh shit. I”d been so focused on the sex I”d forgotten how it ended. “It was intuitive. She was going to harm you and I reacted without thinking.”
“Sacrificing yourself for your king,” he exhaled, lifting my palm to his chest. “You are a miracle, Aeryn.”
“Don”t say that. Technically, it was me who attacked.”
“And you who saved me.”
“Yeah, from me.”
Oh no. No-no-no-no-no! I left his arms, pacing.
“Stop it,” he ordered. “You”re reading too much into it.”
“Nox. I attacked you. With a blade.”
“Yes. As you”ve done before.”
“But not to stab you in the back!”
“Aeryn–”
“What was the spell supposed to do? I know it was cast to provoke anger or some response, but specifically what was expected?”
“It was to show you what you desired most, to be so real you wouldn”t question if it was. Then take it away.”
“Why couldn”t I tell it was me then?”
His tongue touched his canine. When I thought he might answer, someone knocked on the door.
“Brother, it”s time,” Lorne called from the other side. “The others will notice if you keep her in here much longer.”
Nox gave me a meaningful look. “I won”t make you an even bigger target.”
He opened the door with his magic. Then he kissed me quickly, spun me around, and swatted my ass. All in front of his brother.
Lorne chuckled and shook his head. “Come on, Lady Aeryn, before he decides to do something rash.”
Dazed, I followed Lorne out.
At lunch, few spoke and even fewer ate. I wondered what others saw, but dared not ask. No one inquired about anyone else’s experience. The spell had wrecked us, temporarily holding the group together with dispirited strings.
The bond wilted and died when we began the second session, in the throne room of all places. Nox was front and center for this one but I couldn”t look at him up on the dais, sitting on the steps instead of his throne.
We were presented with a topic of debate and given time to argue our positions. Lorne chose our opponents. Despite the truce I thought we”d reached, he paired me with Zoriyah. Again.
We were last to go. Apparently he really liked torturing me.
The fire fae and I faced each other, the other contestants gathering around. Lorne and Liam stood at the foot of the steps leading up to the throne. They watched with sharp eyes, judging our every word.
“Ladies,” Nox said. “You may begin.”
Zoriyah”s smile widened. “Magic is a gift, My King, and should be celebrated. It is what makes us fae. To restrain it is to go against our very nature. I say wield it and show the world your strength.”
“An interesting perspective and one I know the Chancery family preaches.” I kept my tone light, though her words rankled.
“However, uncontrolled power leads only to chaos and destruction. Magic must be wielded responsibly, with respect for how it might impact others. Restraint is necessary for balance and harmony.”
“Spoken like one afraid of her own gifts,” Zoriyah scoffed. “Oh, wait, you don”t have any gifts yet. I fear when you finally have access to your well-store you”ll avoid using it. Though I suppose manual labor suits some better. A sad state, and yet you think of being queen?”
Heat flushed my cheeks at the insult, but I refused to rise to her bait. If I lashed out now, all would be lost.
“As I”ve explained before, I have never had my eye on the throne. But my personal aspirations and experiences don”t disqualify me from having an understanding. One need not fear power to understand its dangers. A good ruler recognizes both the benefits and risks of magic, and implements laws to ensure it is not abused.”
Zoriyah laughed, the sound full of contempt. “Laws? And who would enforce these laws, I wonder? Those without magic, who cannot begin to comprehend it?” She shook her head, rose-gold hair shimmering.
“Lady Aeryn, magic is not meant to be contained, but recognized for its strength. Your restraint would only lead to discontent and rebellion.”
“And your lack of restraint would lead to chaos.” I stepped forward, meeting her gaze evenly. “A balance must be found. Laws to prevent abuse, yet still allowing magic to thrive. It is the only way for a kingdom to prosper in harmony.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but Lorne held up a hand. “Time.”
Thank the gods. I chanced a glance up at Nox but he was speaking with Liam.
As we filed from the chamber, Zoriyah fell into step beside me. My spine stiffened.
“Well done today.” Her smile seemed genuine, but I didn”t trust it.
I couldn”t lie and say the same to her. So I said nothing.
Once we reached the first landing on the stairs leading to our rooms, she tugged on my sleeve. I stopped, annoyed, and waited for whatever insult she”d come up with.
“I think we should form an alliance, you and I.”
Not at all what I was expecting. “You can”t possibly be serious, Zoriyah.”
The soft curve of her lips came across as patronizing. “Think about it. We could help one another.”
“How?”
“Well, we could agree to help with one another”s safety. Watch each other”s backs, if you will. As long as you don”t try to win, of course.”
Of course.“You intend to watch my back? And you want me to watch yours? The only fae here without access to her well-store, as you so kindly pointed out?”
“You obviously have other ... attributes.”
I arched my brow. “Name one.”
“Obviously farming has made you physically strong.”
I shook my head. “No thank you.”
Her hand clamped onto my arm. Not painfully, but just enough to show her displeasure. “I would think you”d be more agreeable.”
“Why?”
“Because if we don”t align I”ll consider you fair game when the trials begin.”
I chuffed. “I”m quite certain you’ve considered me fair game since the day we arrived.”
“As well as your friend, Sofiya.” Her gaze hardened. “In fact, I may just simply consider her game.”
My fists wanted to pop her right on those painted lips, but I tamped down the thought and kept my expression neutral. “I don”t like word games, Zoriyah. I like threats even less.”
Zoriyah”s pleasant mask slipped, revealing a hint of malice. “Take the night to think it over. Regret is such a cruel emotion.”
She left me in the stairwell, where I remained long enough for her to reach her room. It was best if I didn”t see her face again for a while.
I retreated to my chambers, my mind spinning. Sofiya”s safety was the entire reason I was here.
But at what cost? Of putting myself in the position to assist that viper in her climb to the throne? To Nox”s side?
My heart ached at the thought. I couldn”t–wouldn”t–help her win. Not the crown and definitely not the male who was wrecking me for any other.
Gods help me, but in the short time I”d known him, Nox had changed something inside me. Sure, he was mercurial and frustrating, sometimes mean. It didn”t change the way I felt in his arms.
The experience earlier had made it very clear how deep into the waters I”d ventured. He”d made me feel like he was swimming out there with me.
My heart thumped. Did I dare let my mind wander there?
Sofiya”s life could be on the line, more than it already was. My life could be on the line. I couldn”t risk us getting hurt because of my selfish desires. The goal had always been to survive, not to win.
I was getting a headache. We had time before dinner so I peeled back the blanket and slid into bed.
I meant to stay awake, to only rest, but sleep claimed me the moment I settled into the nest of blankets. And there he was, waiting for me in my dreams.
Nox stood before the hearth, bare to the waist, the firelight dancing across his tanned skin. Heat flooded my veins at the sight of him, my heart racing with a sudden, fierce hunger. I wanted to touch him, to run my hands over every inch of his body and explore its hard planes and angles.
He turned at the soft sound I made in the doorway, his lips curving into a slow, sensual smile. “There you are, little hellion. I”ve been waiting for you.”
I crossed the room in a few quick strides, winding my arms around his neck to pull his mouth down to mine. Our kiss was hot and deep, full of a passion that set my blood aflame.
Nox”s hands roamed my body, slipping beneath my shirt to caress the skin of my back. His clever fingers explored and sensitized, finally attending my heavy breasts. I arched into his touch with a moan, craving more.
He skimmed my ribs, then down lower. His palm cupped my most sensitive place, fingers stroking and teasing over my clothing until I thought I might go mad.
The scene changed and we were horizontal, naked. Nox”s hips were cradled between my thighs, driving into me, exactly as I”d seen this morning. Held down by his weight, I accepted what he gave.
A tension coiled deep within me, growing tighter and tighter with each thrust. I clutched at Nox as the tension broke at last in a rush of ecstasy, crying out his name. His teeth punctured my shoulder and the wild thing broke free—
My eyes flew open, panting with the aftershocks of pleasure. Embarrassment smarted though I was alone. The ache between my thighs remained, my body primed and wanting in a way I didn”t fully understand.
I yearned for Nox”s touch. To feel the thrill of his hands and mouth on my overheated skin. To feel him shove past my innocence and give me what my body craved.
And the bite? I found it incredibly erotic. But I supposed my mind was a safe place to experience such things.
The dream lingered, fueling a hunger I feared only Nox could satisfy. I didn”t know how I would face him come morning, knowing I had given such a private part of myself to him, even if only in my dreams.
I tossed and turned that night, unable to sleep. When the first light of dawn crept into my room, I gave up the pretense and rose to prepare for the day.
My hands shook slightly as I braided my hair, anticipation and nerves warring within me. I both dreaded and thirsted for the moment I would see him, unsure of how I might react in his presence.
Several contestants were already eating when I arrived in the common room. Lorne had wisely made everyone remain in their quarters for private dinners, so I”d been able to avoid conversation.
I kept my gaze averted as I joined Sofiya who sat alone at our usual table. Silently, I filled my plate, not yet daring to look at anyone.
She gave me an inquisitive look. “Did you not sleep well?”
I scowled, cheeks burning anew. Trust Sofiya to notice something was off.
“Well enough,” I said, keeping my tone brusque. I stabbed at the food on my plate, appetite deserting me.
Sofiya”s smile turned teasing. “I see you”ve made some choices then.”
“Sofe,” I groaned.
Sofiya laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Forgive me. I couldn”t resist.”
Her expression turned thoughtful. “Don”t get in your own way, Aeryn.”
I glared and she laughed again. “Wow,” she clucked. “You”re never this prickly.”
I sighed. “I know. I”m sorry. I”m tired and cranky and–”
“Worried about the near future. You don”t have to explain. I”m sorry I teased you. Usually, my jokes make you laugh. I”ll be more careful.”
“Thank you.”
“If you promise me one thing.”
“Let me guess. To stay out of my own way?”
Sofiya grinned slyly and went back to her meal.
Was I in my own way? Essentially, I”d saved Nox from myself yesterday. I worried it was a sign I was going to break my own heart before the king ever had the opportunity.