AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A wall of potions and exotic plants flanked the side wall, wooden barrels with ancient lettering on the other.
Talon’s arm brushed against my shoulder as we stepped inside and sent a wave of goosebumps down my skin. “You’ve been quiet.” It was the first time he’d spoken since he arrived at my bedchamber this morning. After last night it seemed we were back to disliking each other and only speaking when it was convenient. Perfect. It wasn’t like I needed the distraction. And that’s all he was, a beautiful distraction.
“What’s going on inside that head of yours?”
I didn’t know why he cared. It was clear my humanness was an annoyance for him. Letting out a breath, I let it go. Our argument, the tension, everything that hindered my ability to focus on the trial ahead. Everything that wasn’t important.
“How I’m trying not to vomit.” My nose scrunched from the harsh scent. I couldn’t put my finger on it. It was harsh and synthetic. Unlike anything I’d ever smelled before.
It didn’t appear like there would be any duels or knife fights, nor any physical combat—all my training so far had yet to prepare me for whatever this was.
I fidgeted on my feet, trying not to panic.
“It’s a glamor to throw off your senses. My best guess? One or more of those chalices are mixed with poison,” he said.
I squinted, straining to see the dark liquid inside each cup. Must be nice to have perfect fae vision.
“The king is a notorious alchemist. Some would argue he’s the best in the realm. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s incorporated it into a trial.”
I nodded my understanding, struggling not to show any fear. “How—how am I supposed to know which one is lethal?”
“You won’t. You’ll have to use your best judgment.”
“So, I’m going to have to guess?”
His face was unreadable, however, his forehead creased.
“I’m going to have to guess,” I repeated. “And pray for the best, aren’t I?”
Talon nodded once. “Yes.”
Awesome. I thumbed the ring on my finger, keeping my attention ahead. “Well, here goes nothing. May Lady Luck be on my side.”
Talon squeezed my hand as I started down the stairs—his warm touch a welcome reprieve to my cold skin. I froze mid-step, but his hand was gone as quickly as I could blink. If it wasn’t for the lingering heat that remained, I wouldn’t have realized it happened at all.
“Your instinct will tell you what to do. Don’t second guess yourself.”
I clenched my hand into a fist by my side. I knew I was testing my fate with each step I took, almost tripping when I peeked at the board of names.
I didn’t know which was worse: another name crossed off the list or my name in bold at the top. One thing was sure, it did nothing to thwart the faerie court’s sneers and scowls pointed my way as I claimed the last empty table. Their expectation for me to perform—to win—had bile crawling up my throat.
What if I disappointed them?
I brushed a finger along the side of each chalice once I reached them, ignoring Aeron’s icy glare from across the circle.
But it was like the knife I lodged in his leg. Unmistakable.
“What’d you do to piss him off this time?” Breana chuckled.
“I may have stabbed him in the training room yesterday.”
“You did what?” She didn’t contain her amusement. “Spill. Right now. Who else knows?”
“Talon was there.” I made sure no one else was listening and continued, “He hit him in the head and knocked his ass out.”
She blinked her surprise before doubling over in laughter, and my gaze flicked to a bemused Talon on the deck above. The asshole was listening in.
I scratched my face with my middle finger, hoping he’d catch the hint.
