I stammer at his comment. “Who said anything about caring? She’s just a friend.”
Bannog rolls his eyes. “If you say so. Look, I get it, you’re young, so you have yet to recognise love when it’s sitting right in front of you, but nothing good ever came from denying your feelings.”
Now he’s just messing with me, and it’s time I cut this meeting short. I got what I came for, and I’ve had quite enough tea, thank you.
“It’s time I headed home,” I announce, getting to my feet. “Thank you for the tea.”
Bannog stifles a snort as I aim for the door, and I glare at him suspiciously. “What’s so funny?”
He shakes his head. “You just wait. Those feelings will come crashing out of nowhere one day, and you won’t even suspect a thing.”
Snapping my teeth, I adjust my hood over my shattered horn, the one I sacrificed so Ivy could live another day. I took a killing blow for her, but that doesn’t prove anything. I’m wicked. Nothing more, nothing less.
The sound of cheering pours in from the window, and I glance at Bannog. He shrugs. “Celebrations for the Winter Solstice. They’re a little rowdier than previous years.”
How could I forget? Not that I ever cared for the holiday season. Just another insignificant day of the year.
Bannog leans closer. “I heard they’re erecting a statue in honour of His Majesty’s birthday.”
That’s right. He was born on the winter solstice. Not that I give a shit.
Bannog gazes down at his tea, a solemn expression on his face. “They’re cheering extra loudly because they believe that he killed your friend, finishing off King Godwyn’s bloodline for good.”
I grit my teeth, slamming my claws down onto the table yet again. Luckily, Bannog rescues his teapot in time.
“If it’sbloodthey want, then I’ll give them plenty…”
The ogre shudders. “So violent, but there’s no need. So long as you keep her safe, then we have nothing to worry about.”
I have the sudden urge to return to the mountain, just so I can gaze into those wonderful starburst eyes again and confirm she’s safe. But I push those feelings aside, gazing at Bannog to continue.
“There are those amongst us who haven’t forgotten that she’s also part Seaworth. Lord Renfred Seaworth was kind to the Fae.”
I sigh. “Yeah, well, it’s too bad he’s dead.”
The ogre raises a brow. “Ishe?”
I narrow my eyes. “What areyou getting at?”
Bannog takes another sip of tea. “If the rumours are true, then Seaworth is very much alive. He could take care of her.”
My heart sinks at the idea of handing Ivy over to another, but I check my emotions, swallowing a lump.
“She is not safe here anymore. It would be for the best, Tegwyn.”
He's right, but I can’t bear the thought of letting her go. I suppose I could always return to my old plan. I may have a glamour in the works courtesy of Bannog now, yet would I still be willing to leave the kingdom? Find a place where I could spend the rest of my miserable life alone?
I’m not sure if I even still want that. When I think of my castle ruin now, all I see is Ivy. She has taken the place of my dreams…
“Well, I suppose I will be in touch,” I finally announce, heading for the door. It’s time to return home. The idea of seeing Ivy all bundled up before the hearth has me heating up with excitement.
He smiles. “It has been my pleasure, and please, do send that delightfulwispagain.”
Delightful? I think he meansinsufferable.
“I’ll bear it in mind.”
I’m already at the door when he decides to speak again, “The choice is yours, Tegwyn, but do heed my advice. She is not safe.”
