He huffs. “It’s fine.”
“It isn’t. I’m trying to be better. But I meant what I said. You’re not just some guy. You have power, right? Like…maybe a trust fund baby, or?—”
He laughs. I shouldn’t be surprised he knows what that term means, considering how long he’s been living with humans, but it startles me anyway. “Something like that.”
“Is it a secret? I mean, I know you helped Cielo when he was in trouble.”
Quilliyn bows his head and takes a slow, deep breath. “Our society is complicated. It’s run by a monarchy and a council.”
“Like England. Monarchy and Parliament.”
“Yes, only there’s no elected officials. And the monarchy has an unfortunate amount of power.” He sounds bitter. It’s personal. “My eldest brother will take over when the king and queen pass on or abdicate.”
“Oh shit, so you’re like a prince?”
“Something like that.”
I have a feeling he means exactly like that, but I don’t call him on it. “You…don’t sound happy about any of it.”
He grimaces, almost choking on his words. “My brother is cruel. He’s entitled and spoiled and will make a terrible leader. But no one listens to me, and I think they will be sorry for it.”
“Is that why you’re here?”
He gives me a long, quiet look, then shrugs. “Why do you ask?”
Right. Because I have an actual point to all this. “Yeah, so…Cielo is in pain.”
Quilliyn’s shoulders go tense. “Pain? His injuries…”
“Psychological pain,” I clarify, “and emotional. He’s hurting. He misses home. He misses his family. He won’t really talk to me about it, but he, ah—” I hesitate. I probably shouldn’t tell a Vyastil prince that Cielo and I bonded so strongly that we can read each other’s thoughts now.
Even if he seems like he’s on our side.
“He painted a very vivid picture of what Erethar is like and how being away makes him feel, and I don’t know how to help him. I can’t fix it for him, no matter how hard I—” I almost say it.
I almost say I love him.
If those words are going to sneak past my lips, I want them to be for Cielo only. But I’m not sure either of us is ready for that.
Quilliyn’s ears droop. “I can’t help. I wish I could. You have no idea how much. But I got myself in a lot of trouble getting Cielo the banishment.”
I thought as much, but it was worth a shot. “No, I get it.”
Quilliyn lets out a heavy sigh. “Let me think on it, okay?”
“No, really. You’ve done enough. Thank you.” I stop the treadmill, and he follows suit.
His hand darts out and closes on my forearm, heavy and warm and comforting. I can hear a faint purr coming from his chest, like he’s trying to soothe me. “Let me try. I like him, and he deserves so much better than he’s been given. All the Outerlanders do.”
“Thanks,” I murmur softly.
He withdraws after a beat and smiles, his fangs poking into his lower lip slightly. Before I can say anything else, his gaze darts to the right, and I see Zane walk in.
Even from here, he looks like he’s hiding something. His gaze catches on Quilliyn’s, like he’s the only creature in the room. Then he stiffens and turns, storming almost angrily to the free weights.
“Zane seems upset.”
“He always does.” When I just make a face at him, he adds, “He’s kind of a dick. But…” Quilliyn trails off into silence. I don’t know if he means to say anything else, but I don’t pressure him. I watch him watch Zane for another few moments before deciding it’s time for me to go.
