52. Chapter Fifty-Two #2
As much as it pains me, I have to change the subject eventually and ask about the rest of her letter and the solstice countdown, unsure how much time we'll get together.
"I'll tell you everything I know. Just hold your questions until the end so I can tell you what I found."
Certain we've put on a good enough show, and nobody is paying attention to us anymore, the two of us sit huddled on a bench while her prince steps away to give us a few moments of privacy.
"Before I left for the Grotto, I was trying to find a more permanent solution for your ring.
You may as well know that the energy boost you get from it comes from the nutritional supplement. "
What the fuck? How did she get away with using such a precious resource every year?
"When I got my hands on that book containing the original formula and notes, I found a discrepancy.
Gigi's has fifteen ingredients, the one Zel produces today has sixteen.
It seemed weird. I'd never heard about it being changed.
I'd already snooped around Hortica's office and got a look at her copy of the formula, even though it was behind wards.
There was something extra called caralumia listed on hers and not Gigi's.
I've never heard of it, and when I dropped it into casual conversation with Hortica once, she said she had no idea what it was.
But Aly, she went as white as a sheet. I think she lied to me.
And you know she's the only one who can finish off the batches of supplement.
What if she's adding something to it then? "
"Why? What does it do?" This is too confusing. I have to ask.
"I don’t know exactly. It wasn't in any of the books at home or in the Grotto. From the tests I managed to do, it seems to have some kind of dampening effect that makes the supplement less effective."
I startle. What the hell did she just say?
Less effective? "Who would do something like that?
And for what possible purpose? Surely not Hortica.
It's counterintuitive. Why would she add something that would diminish the gingsenga’s boosting properties?
" I don't know what I'll do if this really is true and she’s involved.
"I'm not sure, and I don't have to tell you what a big risk it is to mess around with that stuff.
That's why I was worried about the Renewal not happening next year.
I wanted to figure it out and hold someone accountable.
But I need to protect our baby. I can't take the risk of looking into it further now that I'm not a golden anymore. "
"No way? Your blood really turned red from mixing our line with Errik's?"
She nods. "I'm officially useless to Zel, at least as far as the Offering is concerned. I can't keep looking into things, but you can. Take my book and notes with you tonight. I'll have them left at the front door."
"What? Slow down. I'm not you. I can't investigate something like this." Gods, I need to tell her about Varistia's magic—just as soon as I figure out how to do that without spilling about the dragon herself.
"Then don't." She smiles. "Take them and decide later if you do anything or not. At the very least, you can be the hero and return her book."
"Ladies, I'm sorry. The show is wrapping up, so we should too," Errik says with a wince, pointing at the last of the fireworks. "Alyxia, I can get you a token so you can come back. I think we've provided more than enough of a cover story tonight for you to be visiting me tomorrow."
Bri and I both nod our reluctant acceptance and stand so she can sneak out before the party starts up again.
As she reaches over to hug me, her elbow catches the full glass of red wine sitting on a high wooden side table, and the entire contents flies in a crimson arc, splashing my arm, my bodice, and half of my skirt.
I let out a panicked gasp, not wanting it to ruin my dress.
But the sparkling constellations glow bright and form a silvery shield around me, repelling every drop of moisture away from the delicate fabric.
Seems like Zenn wanted to do a little more than just adorn me. I’m not sure what's warmer: my cheeks, or the feeling growing in my chest.
"How did you do that?" my sister shrieks, somehow managing to be shrill and still quiet enough not to draw much attention. Then, she wheels on me as a commotion comes from just outside the balcony entrance, where Zenn is arguing with the guards who won't let him through.
"Oh shit, Cayzenn Adiston is here. Are you fucking kidding me? You must have been followed."
I've never heard Bri so furious. Her eyes widen and fists clench, as if she's trying to stop herself from physically lashing out.
"I wasn't followed–"
"Come on. This is too much of a coincidence for him to just be here at the same time as you."
"No, I mean, he didn't follow me. He's helping me."
"You brought him here?" my sister hisses, going still. "After everything I did to keep your secrets? You've put all three of us at risk if he says anything."
"I'm so sorry. I didn’t mean to." I had no idea she would be so angry about him being with me.
"What if he tells the King? They can’t know I’m here, not yet.
What the hell are we going to do now?' That last part is directed at Errik, who puts an arm around her as she starts to tear up.
He murmurs soft, comforting words, leading her back to the narrow door she came out of just as the noise from the front entrance increases.
I look at my sister helplessly. Pulling her hood up, she whirls back to me, a deep scowl marring her beautiful face.
"You can't come back here, Aly. I'll have the books sent down, I'm done with all of it.
If you care about me, you won't tell anyone where I am.
You'll take that man and go home to Raviaz, immediately. "
"Bri–" My heart cracks as she slams the door, seconds before a fuming Commander storms onto the balcony and tugs Errik's jacket away from where it was still resting over my shoulders.
The rush of cool air replacing it makes me shiver, or maybe that's the anger blazing behind Zenn's mask. "Are you ok?" he demands, looking around. "I felt the shield activate."
"I'm fine. It was just a spilled drink. I think your shield was a little overprotective."
He doesn't miss the intended emphasis, and something about it makes him relax into a casual stance, leaning against one of the pillars, face half hidden in shadow.
"Does that mean you're done, or would you two like a little more alone time?
" His menacing growl sends my pulse skittering, definitely not out of fear.
Why does it feel like it's been a lifetime since I saw him? And more importantly, what the fuck is he doing out here, other than risking his own damn plan? I thought we agreed he would stay away. Not that it actually matters, since Redson is clearly telling his prince everything anyway.
I narrow my eyes pointedly, dipping my chin to confirm I'm ready to go.
From my peripheral, I notice Errik smirking knowingly at Zenn, slipping back into the affable, swaggering prince.
"Good to see you, Sir Devenal. How thoughtful of you to travel all this way to celebrate my birthday.
And with such a lovely gift." He looks me up and down, and I glare, knowing full well this is just an act.
Something close to disdain drips off Zenn's tongue as he takes a step closer to me.
"Apologies, Your Highness. I'm going to have to steal her away for a dance, since the night is almost over.
Oh, and the Queen's aide is heading this way with orders to find out the identity of the lovely young lady her son apparently seems taken with, so I'll be getting her out of here before your mother starts having her fitted for a wedding dress. "
Still raw from the way the conversation with Bri ended, I rip the jacket out of Zenn's hands and pass it back to its rightful owner, who's watching us with amusement.
"Thanks for the heads up. I'll be sure to let her know this one isn't available after all.
" He turns to me. "Thank you for the pleasure of your company this evening. "
His voice drops low. "I'm sorry we won't get to see you again tomorrow. Maybe sometime in the near future, it will be possible again. Do enjoy the book on plants I'm gifting you, since you seemed so interested."