“Are you sure? I’ve been told I have impeccable table manners.”
I leaned forward, grinning. “Youjuststole 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 certainlylookvery 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 bothleaning 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.”
