He’s not wrong. There is a mystery I’ve been longing to solve, and I have an idea I’m dying to try. If I asked him, Alex would tell me I’m being dumb and that I should just talk to Raelyn, but I can’t help wondering if she would even tell me the truth . . . Or if she evenknowsthe truth? My idea will definitely make solving this mystery more fun.
“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it,” I retort. “Maybe Sera will tag along.”
Alex’s ears perk up. “Who?”
I roll my eyes. “Meet me in an hour.”
Alex blows out a breath. “Fine.”
As I walk back to my wing, my mind drifts to this dumb plan I’ve concocted, running over the signs I’ve picked up on.
What if Raelyn is the key to everything I’ve been searching for? A direct connection to the lost god. Does she have godsblood running through her veins like I suspect?
What if the tonic was used to suppress her godlike qualities? What would she think if I told her my suspicions? I’m inclined to believe that she’s unaware—that her father kept this information from her. But why did he feel the need to? I haven’t the faintest idea, but I’m determined to find out.
Can I tempt that part of her out somehow? Coax whatever godlike qualities she might carry to the surface to prove to her my suspicions?
Entering our wing, I’m happy I don’t have to hunt her down.
“Raelyn, love, would you like to come out to the sparring ring with me?”
She looks up from her seat by the fire, pausing her current needlework project. “Sparring?” She frowns. “Why in the realms would I want to join you for sparring?” Her nose crinkles adorably as she looks from her needlepoint to me standing casually by the fireplace.
“Well . . . we haven’t gotten out much together, and the sparring ring is indoors if you’re worried about the sun.”
“What about me screams ‘wants to spar’ currently?” she says, raising an eyebrow.
Is she still mad? I hate how awkward things have been, and what better way to make things right than by spending time together?
“Nothing, which is precisely why I think it would be a good time,” I tease, hoping for a smile. She might pretend not to be interested, but I remember how easily she had me on my back all those weeks ago. I’d bet my finest liquor she has experience sparring. Why she’s pretending not to has me curious.
She shakes her head and puts her attention back on her needlework. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Come on. It will be fun. I bet you’ve never handled a sword before.”Please, Rae. Take the bait.
The faintest flush tinges her cheeks pink. “Not that you know of.”
Success.
I plop down on the settee next to her, slinging my arm along the back. My fingers trail down her shoulder, and she shivers. “Come on, love. Exercise is good for you. You shouldn’t spend your days locked up in here.”
She shoots me a fiery glare. “What if Ilikebeing locked up in here?”
I sigh in exasperation. “Okay, fine. I won’t force you. But itwouldbe good for us to be seen together.”
A low blow, but I’m not beyond fighting dirty at this point.
She sets her needlework down on her lap somewhat forcefully. “You are relentless.”
I lean in closer, and her eyes widen. “You’re not wrong, love. I always get what I want.”
“Well that was the wrong thing to say,” she quips. “Now I absolutely won’t go with you.”
I let out a hearty laugh. “Okay, how about this. You come and watch Alex and me spar. Sera can come too if she wants.”
She squirms beneath my scrutiny, but I know I’ve won when her shoulders slacken. “Fine. But it’ll just be me. Sera is visiting her family.”
“Perfect. Be ready in an hour.”
