19. Wren
WREN
We decide to stay at my place above the bakery instead of going back to Talon’s house. We’re both exhausted from a very full day. I regret nothing and will happily do a repeat.
Talon steps out of the shower with a towel around his waist. His glorious hairy muscular chest is on full display and I want to run my fingers through the fur.
I keep my eyes above the belt, but I want to see those thighs so damn bad.
We both didn’t think about clothes until now. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be back.”
I nod, and he blinks out of my kitchen. I let out a breath.
Before I can think even one naughty thought, he’s already back and fully dressed in nightclothes.
The sleep pants hang low on his hips. The shirt pulls across his chest. It’s unfair the clothes are so close to him and I’m not.
He rubs the towel through his hair and I rip my eyes away from him.
“The bed isn’t very big unfortunately,” I start.
“I’m fine on the couch.” Talon tips his head to the couch.
I nod and swallow. “I don’t mind if we have to cuddle up super close. We’ll both be clothed.” Unless he wants to be naked. I wouldn’t mind. “After all the kissing in the kitchen, I sorta hoped we’d be comfortable enough to sleep in the same bed together, but I don’t want to push things either.”
“Oh.” His cheeks go pink. “Right. That makes sense.”
I take a quick shower, then find him half asleep on the couch. “Come on, the bed will be more comfortable.” At least I hope.
Talon follows me to the bedroom and slides in next to the wall. He holds his arms open for me and I cuddle close with my head on his chest. We just fit and I hope he doesn’t toss and turn. He’s warm and comfy. It doesn’t take long for him to fall asleep and I wish that were the case for me as well.
Despite Talon being right next to me, I fight sleep for as long as possible. There are shadows of the Winter Court in the back of my mind every time I close my eyes. I have a feeling my theory that sleeping close to someone blocks the visions is about to be put down.
“It’s time, if you’re ready,” mother says.
We’re alone in her chambers. The full moon shines brightly through the stained glass windows overhead. Six years, she’s kept me protected from the fate of a courtesan. Six years she’s known what the next stage is. I understand now what she’d done for me.
“I’m sorry I was a brat before.”
She cups my cheeks with her soft fingers. “My sweetling.” Her wings flutter and she lifts in the air to press her forehead to mine. “I can continue to protect you still, if you wish. We have time.”
I shake my head. “His Majesty is impatient. He’s threatened me again.”
Mother’s face burns red. “I wish I’d chosen the Summer Court, or Spring even.”
“He wants to use me in negotiations.” I lick my lips and swallow. “This time he said if I don’t glow soon he’ll send me to the Hole.”
Mother blinks a few times, and her wings flitter as she drops to her feet. “He wouldn’t dare.” She speaks through gritted teeth. Her words are barely above a whisper.
“Lorin told me what to expect. He said it’s not bad, just a lot of…” I swallow and look to the ceiling, not wanting to speak of such matters with my mother.
Mother squeezes my arm. “We can run. You, me, and Lark.”
“No. I can handle the training. I can handle anything.” I can’t tell her that I’d never dream of taking her away from the life she’s built.
While she doesn’t agree with Their Majesties on everything, I know she loves them both dearly.
To ask her to leave them would be selfish. She’s their lover, their beloved.
“My brave Wren. If you’re sure?” She rummages through the drawer in her table and pulls out a pair of golden scissors.
“I’m sure.” I settle into a chair I’ve spun around backward.
“This shouldn’t hurt as much as when we did it, but take slow breaths.”
I nod and lean forward a bit while clutching the back of the chair. “Ready when you are.”
The first snip through the moon thread gives me instant relief. I cry out before slapping my hands to my mouth. Magic floods through my wings again like they’d done that fateful day six years ago.
Mother sucks in a breath behind me. “They’re more beautiful than before.” She runs a finger softly against one of my wings. “They’ll set your initiation for three days from now. Get as much rest as you can. But first, go show His Majesty.”
When I turn, there are tears in mother’s eyes. They shine against her cheek when they fall. Have I done the right thing? Or should I have waited? I can’t tell mother His Majesty threatened to send Lark away if I didn’t comply. What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?
Three days later, my entire life turns upside down.