“Lioran will figure something out. I’m sure he has a plan.” Hesitancy laced every word Cora spoke.
I scoffed. “There’s nothing to figure out.”
Fyn’s hand rested on my shoulder. “Don’t just resign yourself to?—"
“A life without Lioran?” I leaned into Fyn as everything spiraled around me. His hands steadied me. “It’s too late.”
I didn’t mention the king’s words. The command Thalen was given. None of it mattered anymore.
All I could do was hope that there was a way I could choose a future without him still.
The sun kissed the sky and slid from view. I waited in my chambers for word from Lioran, but as night crept in—I simmered in the dark.
He wasn’t coming.
“Thalen knows…” I said. “He knows how Lioran and I were together.”
Cora sat in a chair near the window. “How could he?”
“I don’t know, but there was something about the way Thalen spoke. He was so confident about what he knew.”
“It’s a part of his game—strengthened by his magic. He strategizes, he manipulates—he leans on what makes you weakest. So that you’ll fall.”
“It wasn’t just strategy. He knew,” I murmured.
“Maybe he does. If he does—what more can he do with it?” Cora lifted a plate toward me. “Eat something…please?”
“I can’t.” I took the plate and placed it back on the table. “He will make me marry him—then, he can do whatever he wants.
“He hasn’t though. You are standing here still.” She eyed my untouched plate.
“What does it matter? Lioran hasn’t come to see me.”
“I’m sure he will come find you soon.” Cora’s voice wavered.
A sinking feeling gripped me, tormented me, and wouldn’t let me go.
Our time was over.
“He’s not coming.” My voice grew meek.
Cora blurred through my tear-tinged vision. “You don’t know that.”
“I’m exhausted. I think it’s best I retire for the evening.”
“We will be summoned to dinner shortly,” she said.
“With the king and queen?” I shuddered.
“There’s been no mention of a formal gathering, but something will be set up for visiting guests. Lioran may be there.”
“Then send him my regards.” I slipped into the bed, still in my gown—too exhausted to shed the weight of it.
“How can you be so upset with him? What could he have done, Aelira?” Her words hung over me—anger crawled through me. “What did he do?” She asked again when I didn’t respond.
“He did nothing,” I said.
Chapter 27
