Chapter 7 #2
Her consciousness appeared to me readily, as it always did, since I was so practiced in contacting her. Not surprisingly, she was awake. I would have bet rulibs Siam could be thanked for that.
Good morning, Your Highness, she said with a yawn.
I snorted inwardly. Good morning, my subject.
She cackled, and I joined her, laughing too as a smile curved my lips.
I wondered when I was going to hear from you, she continued.
I stopped by the palace the other day, but the guard told me that you were at your uncle’s.
Speaking of which, did you know that I’ve been given preferential treatment at the palace?
Her words practically crooned with pride.
They said the king and queen have instructed them to always alert you should I arrive at the palace asking if you’re available.
A genuine smile curved my lips. Wonderful!
I’m glad they did. I asked them the other day if you and Siam could visit, and they said you’re always welcome.
I sat down on the sofa, intent on focusing on my friend and forgetting the fact that I now craved blood, but when my attention shifted to the window, just as the sun crested the horizon, my uncle’s command began to burn through me.
“You’re to visit House Torleaf around nine in the morning. Do as I instruct.”
I stilled, even though Ree was saying something. But all of my attention shifted to what I’d completely forgotten about. My uncle. In my wish to return to research, I’d totally bypassed the fact that he had orders for me today.
. . . I went to see Gemipeel yesterday, and she . . . Ree carried on, none the wiser that I wasn’t listening to her news about a mutual friend of ours.
I shook myself and tried to concentrate on what Ree was saying, but dread kept filling me.
I hmmed in what I hoped were appropriate spots, and when she finished, she asked, So what’s the plan for this week? Any news from the gargoyle or any further findings from Nathaniel?
No, nothing yet, but we can return to the library tomorrow. Today’s, um, today’s a bit busy for me.
I felt her shrug. Sure, that works. I’ll be there.
Somehow, I managed to force myself to sound normal for the rest of our conversation, but when I disconnected us, my focus turned to the clock.
Mid-morning would come in a few hours. I still had some time, but once the clock struck nine, I would have to go.
My body grew rigid, but I reminded myself I wasn’t helpless. Even though my uncle would inevitably have future demands as he wielded me for whatever his long-term plan was, I could still fight. Eventually, I would find a way to beat him.
At least I hoped so.
Kole returned promptly at eight in the morning. He flashed into my room in a swirl of mistphasing magic, and when he materialized, I was so relieved to see him that I immediately ran to him and wrapped my arms around him.
“How did you sleep?” His first question almost made me laugh in hysterics.
Instead, I plastered a smile on my face and pulled myself back.
I wore long sleeves again and had dressed myself before Betsee had arrived.
I’d also realized that was another new tactic I had to employ.
The less contact I had with others, the better.
And I’d already redone my glamour, knowing that was another new habit I would have to abide by every day at sunrise.
With false cheer, I replied, “Fine. How was your night?”
He cocked his head, just slightly. “Mine was also fine.” Lifting a hand, he cupped my cheek and frowned. “You’re still cold.”
My smile turned brittle. I was hanging on by a thread, forcing myself not to view my new existence as impossible while also not fucking, drinking from, or killing anyone, and his first comment had to be about my temperature, highlighting that I was different.
I pushed away from him. “Well, then don’t touch me if you don’t like it.”
A scowl tugged his eyebrows together. “That’s not what I meant, Prim.”
He tried to pull me back to him, but I brushed him off. In an hour, I had to go to House Torleaf, and I had no idea how busy the capital’s streets would be. There would be so many fae out. Too many. It was best to mistphase.
“I’d like to visit one of the Houses today.”
Kole shifted his stance, and his huge sword’s pommel caught the light. “Okay, which House?”
I worked my jaw. Once again, since I was awake, it was aching, and Kole’s blood flowed steadily through his veins from his strongly beating heart. And his scent . . . his aura. Everything about him called to me.
I wonder what he’d taste like. Decadent, no doubt. His blood is likely divine.
“Primelle?” His head cocked again, his brows tugging together even more.
With a start, I realized I’d gone completely still, entirely frozen, and I was staring at his throat.
I immediately plastered a smile on my face and looked upward. “Yes?”
But he remained silent, and for a moment, he watched me in that all-assessing way of his. “I asked if you would tell me which House you want to visit?” he said slowly.
“Oh, House Torleaf.”
His frown grew. “Why Torleaf, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“Actually,” I infused more false cheer into my tone, “I would prefer if you didn’t ask.” Because if you do, I may be forced to alter your thoughts so you don’t suspect anything.
His frown smoothed, his eyes shuttering. “Is everything all right?”
His quiet question pierced me like an arrow, and it took everything in me not to snap at him. Instead, I said in a syrupy-sweet tone, “Everything’s fine. It’s just something I need to do, and I would prefer if I didn’t have to explain all of my actions to you.”
Once again, his face gave away nothing, but I could have sworn that something passed behind his eyes. “When do you want to go?”