“It is a memory I would have liked to stay lost in time, but I thank you for listening.” Moth sighs. “There is much I want to say, but you are right, we must rest. At the right time, I will tell you everything.”
Tell me everything? It seems like I’m not the only one keeping secrets. But why does that sound so …cryptic? Pushing my anxiety down, I snuggle up next to Moth.
Tomorrow is the start of the ball. After that, we’ll have plenty of time to talk about everything. He’s right—now is just not the right time.
19.
“What’s on the agenda today? If you’re feeling up to it, I was hoping we could see more of the castle together before the big night.”
“I have promised Holly that I would be her sparring partner.” A nervous breath shakes through him. Moth looks down at me with a fond glimmer in his eye. “After my recollections, I am not eager to holda weapon.”
“You don’t have to go.”
“It is just one more day,” he says, resting his chin on top of my head. I twitch my antennae, the sensation tickling more thanexpected.
“Really?”
“I want to be home with you.” He pulls away, reaching down to stroke the length of my jaw. This time, I believe him. Despite Holly’s ideas for the future, Moth has no desire to be king. After this, we’re going back to our cozy life in the woods—we’ll be as happy as ever.
“Well, in that case, you looked super gallant with a sword. Plus, you’ll do better than I did.” I pick myself up on my tiptoes, kissing the closest thing I can reach, which happens to be his jaw. He pulls me up by my waist to close the distance. The kiss is sweet but way too short.
“I am sure Holly would not mind you in attendance,” he says, pulling atmy waist.
Yeah, no. Two training sessions with that drill sergeant was enough. Even with the small moments where we’ve vibed, I still don’t think she’s my biggest fan. Honestly, if I tag along, I’m just going toruin it.
“I think your mom probably needs some help with all the final details. We did throw a few hundred extra people at her.” I ignore the way my muscles ache for rest. “Just be easy on yourself and watch out for that horde of tiny hooligans.”
“Vicious to be sure.” He grins, the sun glows off his silhouette like a dark angel; a year together and I’m still in awe of every inch of him.
“Then … ’til tonight?” I ask, unable to keep the frown off my face. After the heavy conversations last night, I was hoping for more of a slow start to the day. His large hands squeeze my waist before he releases me, and I fight the urge to drag him back to bed for the rest of the day. I lean up, letting my wings flutter until I can softly kiss the tip of his nose
“Until tonight.” There’s a weary quake to Moth’s quiet voice. When I step back to look at him, I notice the slight bags under his eyes. Ironic that we finally have a bed big enough for us both to fit in, and neither of us will probably get a good night’s sleep until we’re backat home.
“Have fun, okay?”
He nods his head slightly before disappearing through the doorway. I feel worse than yesterday, but before I head back to bed, I decide I should check in with the queen about any last-minute details. After Moth’s confessions last night, answers would benice too.
Like, where was she during all of this? In all our conversations, why didn’t she mention that the former king was a terrible father? On my way, Idefinitelydon’t go to the library, and Iabsolutelydo not look in every single desk drawer. I trust Moth, and I don’t need to see what he wrote—especially since the book is nowhere tobe found.
I don’t find Queen Plume in her chambers or the parlor; it’s not until I peek out the windows that I see her attendants waiting outside a large greenhouse. I hurry down to the grounds, eager to explore a new part of the castle I haven’t seen yet. It’s been almost a whole week here, and I’ve visited the same rooms over and over. The gardens are lovely, but something cozy like a greenhouse has my interest piqued. The windows are small and tinted green, and the roof juts up in arches just as grand as the castle itself. Her attendants bow as I pass them, and I can’t help but walk just a little taller at the sign of acceptance.
I may not be a part of this world, but I am becoming a part of this family.
“Welcome to my little slice of calmawayfrom the palace,” she says, setting a small tin watering can on the ground. “It may seem silly, but I like to have a moment to escape before the festivities begin.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Isn’t it just?” she says, walking to meet me at the center of the greenhouse. “It was a marriage present from the late king. He knew how much I lovedflowers…”
“About him.” I gulp, unsure if this is even something I should talk about or not.
The queen straightens, her eyes growing wild and wide before settling back into the demure expression she always wears.
“Moth… he told me what he remembered, about the day you found him in the crystal caves.”
“I thoughthe might.”
“The old king—your husband,” I begin, but she holds up her hand as if ordering me to stopspeaking.
