CHAPTER TWELVE #2
“Dairy requires me to go into Dewwick Village. Kaylin never much cared for having animals on the island. She did teach me how to fish though,” I said, taking my first mouthful of food.
“This is excellent, thank you,” I told Corvin as he sat down across from me at the table.
I was being truthful. He seasoned the fish differently than I was used to, but the taste was delightful.
And the vegetables underneath. Except for the mushrooms. I’d forgotten those were in the pantry.
Not wanting to be rude, I ate a few, pushing the rest around my plate.
Luckily, he included quite a few other vegetables in the dish as well that I happily ate instead.
“I was thinking,” Corvin said, “if I’m going to bring you a dress anyway, I should just accompany you to this dinner party.”
“I’m not so sure it’s a good idea,” I replied. It didn’t seem right to put his life at risk.
Corvin leaned forward, stabbing a mushroom off my plate with his fork. “What if he serves an entirely mushroom-based meal for dinner? Who will be there to eat them for you?” I blushed. So he’d noticed. “I guess I’ll have to take that risk,” I answered.
“Are you sure? I’ve been told I have impeccable table manners.”
I leaned forward, grinning. “You just stole a mushroom off my plate.”
Corvin grinned back at me. “You should have told me you don’t like them. Next time I cook for you, I’ll leave them out.”
Next time. Our faces were nearly touching. Our lips close enough to kiss…
“Don’t you have better things to do? Other debts you need to repay?” I murmured.
Corvin considered my question, leaning back in his chair.
“Yes, one more, but it’s not nearly as interesting as you.
My final task is to give back a loaned book, whose return is long overdue.
Archlady Eirwen of the Winter Court has waited hundreds of years for it though—she can wait another few weeks.
It won’t make any difference at this point. ”
His father borrowed a book from Archlady Eirwen?
The ruler of the Winter Court? One of the most powerful Fae in the realm?
Was Corvin giving me a hint to his identity?
He knew powerful people. At least, his father did.
Or perhaps his mother did when she was alive since he told me she used to belong to the Winter Court.
Another reminder to be cautious around him.
Wait a moment…
I blanched. “How old is your father?”
“Three hundred? Give or take.”
“And how old are you?” I asked with considerably more interest.
“Twenty-five. My father’s only child. He and my mom had me later in life. Why—did you think I was older? Was it my intelligence or my charm?”
“Actually, it was the wrinkles on your face,” I teased.
Corvin’s grin never faltered, unfazed by my playful insult. So, he’s aware of his good looks then…
“How will you be traveling to Kothia?” he asked.
“I checked a map last night before bed. It should be a day’s travel to reach Kincardine from here. I was planning on chartering a carriage in the City of Tardide to start. Have you been to Kothia before? Does that plan make sense to you?”
Corvin hesitated before speaking. “I haven’t been allowed to travel the realm openly until this year. I have been to Kothia in my raven form though.”
“Why not?” I inquired. “Who’s stopping you?”
He shrugged. “It’s safer to travel as a raven. I don’t draw any attention that way.”
“Hmm,” I replied. “I suppose that’s true.”
He looked down at his lap. “It’s actually been a bit isolating.” He raised his head again. “I often feel invisible with everyone coming and going as they please while I get left behind. Like they’ve forgotten I even exist.” What did he mean? Why would he be left out in such a manner?
I smiled at him sympathetically. “I also feel like I don’t exist sometimes, alone on this island.”
Corvin returned my smile, eyes softening. “Perhaps we can validate each other’s existence then.”
My smile turned mischievous. “You certainly look very real to me. Of course, we won’t know for sure that we exist unless we touch.
” The words slipped out of my mouth. We were both leaning forward again.
Corvin’s eyes didn’t leave mine. His voice was low and husky.
“And how do you propose we touch, Elvira?” Heat curled pleasantly through me, taking up residence low in my body.
Nix jumped up onto the table, landing between us and causing us both to jerk back in our seats.
“Looks like you’re both done eating. Shall I finish the fish?
” He didn’t bother waiting for my approval, licking my plate clean.
I rushed to get my emotions back under control, feeling oddly untethered.
Right. I shouldn’t be letting myself get so carried away.
Not with a man whose identity was still a mystery.
“Who are you, Corvin? I mean, where do you come from?” Immediately, I regretted asking.
His face fell and he stiffened. “I’m sorry. I can’t tell you—there’s too much at stake. Things will be different soon, but until then—”
“Alright,” I said with more understanding than I actually felt.
“But if you don’t tell me soon, I’m going to have to start guessing.
” If anything, his words only served to stoke my interest higher.
Who was he? And why was that information secretive?
I could think of a thousand different possibilities—none particularly good.
The corner of his mouth quirked up. “And right now your best guess would be?”
“A criminal on the run.”
His mouth moved a notch higher. “And my crime?”
I regarded him. “Stealing? I don’t know. Don’t ravens like shiny objects?”
Corvin laughed out loud, throwing his head back.
I stood up from the table. “Thanks again for making me breakfast.”
He reached out to gently touch my arm. “You’re very welcome.
” A pleasant tingle erupted on my skin from the contact.
Corvin looked down, as if taken by surprise to find himself touching me.
He withdrew his hand. “Let me come,” he said.
“To the dinner party. Please.” Please. The heat I felt earlier came roaring back.
“Alright, you can accompany me,” I conceded.
What was a dinner party without a date?