Chapter Thirty-Six Riela #2
newest member of our court.” His eyes pinned me in place, and I could feel golden magic rising. “What’s your name, pet?”
His magic slithered around me, but Grim’s shield blocked the worst of it. I tipped my chin up and looked straight through
him. I just hoped he couldn’t see the tremble in my limbs.
“Has Stoneguard stolen your tongue?” he goaded softly. “Or does he merely have better uses for it?”
Moonlit magic rose behind us, and triumph briefly flashed across the man’s face before he stepped aside with an elaborate
bow. “My apologies, pet. Enjoy your evening.”
The mild words sounded like a threat, but there wasn’t anything I could do about it, so I was glad when Grim eased me forward.
We approached the doorway to the rest of the castle, and I desperately wished I had a room to hide in until Garrick was ready
to leave.
Assuming he ever would be ready to leave.
Without looking, I knew exactly where the courtyard dais was in relation to my current position. Magic tugged on my chest,
a lead that would take me straight back to the door, and the ache was growing. Eventually I would have to return to Edea and
let my magic replenish.
I just hoped I could make it through dinner without too much pain.
Until my presence was necessary, I would be perfectly happy hiding in a bedroom or the library—basically anywhere other people were not.
We stepped through the door and stepped out into the silver and blue bedroom next to Garrick’s. Bria’s breath caught, then
she slanted a glance at Grim. “I thought you said she shouldn’t travel through the ether.”
“It wasn’t me,” he said.
They both looked at me, and I shrank back. “I didn’t do anything. But the castle likes me, and I was wishing I was back in
my room.”
Bria glanced around, her eyebrows high. “This is your room?” I wasn’t sure if it was disbelief or jealousy in her voice, and suddenly I remembered that Garrick hadn’t
really answered the question about whether or not he was betrothed. Was this her room?
“I was attacked,” I said. “Garrick decided this was the safest place for me to temporarily reside. But that was in Edea. Of
course it isn’t my room here. The castle is just confused.”
If anything, her eyebrows rose higher. I turned for the door, but Grim’s grip prevented me from leaving. “This remains the
safest place for you.” He looked at Bria, then tipped his head toward the closet. “Find Lady Riela something appropriate to
wear. I will help her clean up.”
Heat climbed my cheeks. I hadn’t wanted Grim to see my naked legs when I’d thought he was just a wolf, and now he was going
to see a whole lot more.
Bria caught my expression. “Perhaps I should help her,” she murmured, something protective in her gaze.
I sighed. “I appreciate the offer, but Grim’s help will be sufficient.”
Her eyes narrowed and silver magic rose. “Are they mistreating you? I will protect you if they are.”
“What? No!” I waved my free hand. “They’ve both been very kind. It’s just that Grim has to keep touching me. For . . . reasons.”
I grimaced at myself and rushed to add, “Not bad reasons!”
Her head tipped to the side as she studied us. Finally, her magic settled and she nodded. “Because you are tied to the door, and Vastien is tied to Garrick,” she guessed with stunning accuracy.
“Uh, no, of course not, why would you think that?” I stammered, my eyes wide.
Grim laughed, and it sounded like genuine amusement. “We’re going to have to work on your ability to lie.”
I sighed. “Sorry.”
“Bria can be trusted,” he said, but there was a warning in his voice. I just didn’t know if he meant to warn her or me.
She huffed out a breath. “You’ve gotten so suspicious in your old age,” she grumbled. “I vowed to protect her, Vas. Blabbing
about what I know would certainly break that vow. But others will figure it out sooner than later.” She bustled off toward
the closet. “I’ll find a dress.” She looked back at me. “Do you want me to blindfold him? I know humans can be sensitive about
their modesty.”
“Etheri aren’t?”
“Some are.” She gestured at her dress and winked. “And some aren’t.”
I smiled even as my heart sank. She was perfect for Garrick. Not only was she stunning, but she was also smart, powerful,
and kind—and I had a feeling that kindness was a rarity for Etheri. I’d been prepared to hate her based on nothing but an initial
impression, but that had been my jealousy talking.
I glanced at Grim. “I trust him to keep his eyes closed if I ask.”
He bowed slightly. “Of course.”
Bria nodded and started to turn for the closet.
“Wait, before you go, who was the man with the silvery blue skin and sapphire tunic who approached us for a moment?”
Bria’s expression tightened as she looked at Grim. “Lord Mar is the diplomatic envoy from the Sapphire Court. You should be
careful around him.”
“Is he dangerous?”
She laughed lightly. “All Etheri are dangerous for you, but he is perhaps more so. He came to the Silver Court as a foster after Garrick was already trapped in Edea. He is undoubtedly a spy for the Sapphire Queen, and as her nephew, he has more than enough power to prove a lethal threat should you provoke him.”
“His magic is the same color as mine.”
“Many members of the Sapphire Court share a similar shade of magic, my lady,” Grim cautioned quietly. “Don’t read too much
into it.”
Bria nodded in sympathetic agreement, and I winced at being so transparent. Seeing magic similar to mine had gotten my hopes up. “So it wouldn’t be easier to learn about my magic from someone who shares the same affinity?”
Grim hesitated. “All magic is basically the same.”
That was not a no, so maybe Lord Mar would know something about my magic. And he had been interested in me, too, though his narrowed eyes hadn’t exactly indicated friendliness.
It would likely be wiser to avoid him, but I knew myself. At least I would have Grim or Garrick by my side—literally, since
we had to remain touching—when I attempted to speak to him.
With a final nod, Bria went to look for a dress. I didn’t know if the closet’s magic would work here, since this wasn’t really my room, but I didn’t stop her. Once she disappeared through the door, I turned to Grim. “I’m not a lady. You can just call
me Riela.” I frowned. “Would you prefer me to call you Lord Vastien?”
He shook his head. “As a guest of the king, you are a lady. And Grim or Vastien are both fine. You don’t need to be formal with me.”
“So all that time when you were a wolf . . . you were still you?”
“Yes. My instincts are a little stronger when I’m in my wolf form, but I’m still me.”
A blush heated my cheeks as I tried to remember how many embarrassing things I’d done in front of him. “Please forget everything
I said and did for the past few weeks.”
His grin was warm and wide. “Your secrets are safe with me.”