Chapter 33
We sat around the table in the private dining room with plates stuffed to the brim with meat—every leafy green was pale and lifeless. Each meal we ate held less color than before.
The space could easily hold more fae, more food, but it was usually only the three of us—Fyn, Lioran, and I. Cora sometimes stopped by. Being back at that table made me feel like I was home.
I only picked at my food. Fyn ate every bite from his plate.
“You both look well…rested.” Fyn offered a tilted grin as he raised his water glass toward us.
“Fyn,” Cora grumbled at him.
I let out a laugh—the first in a while.
Lioran’s mouth curved into a warm grin. “You made her laugh.”
“You say it like I’m no fun anymore.” I exhaled, but my chest held tight.
“Oh, I definitely didn’t say that.” Lioran’s grin spread wide, his gaze devouring me.
“Okay…well, lunch was pleasant. We should probably leave these two so they can get back to whatever they had planned for this afternoon.”
“Have you sent word to Nythrel?” Cora flipped her red hair over her shoulder. On the surface, she seemed calm, but something was off about her.
“Word was sent. They will know soon enough,” Lioran responded.
“What will they do?” I asked.
“It doesn’t matter. Time is on our side for now.” Lioran’s gaze remained on his leftover lunch.
Horror struck me with my next thought. I hadn’t even considered what would happen when he relinquished his claim to the throne. “I sincerely hope it is not Pyrran.”
Fyn snorted as he gulped his water. It sprayed everywhere. “The stars would never—he wasn’t gifted with magic.”
Lioran drummed his fingers on the table. “The only choice is Calyth.”
Cora’s emerald eyes dulled, only for a moment. “You really think it’s that simple? The stars chose you.”
“It’s done. My tattoo, the mark of fate’s choice, vanished,” Lioran retorted as he dug his fork into a sliver of venison. The smell soured as it hit me, and I pushed my plate aside. Once we returned from the Grove,if we returned,I would be able to eat again.
Cora slid down in her chair. Her gaze turned to me. She didn’t utter another word, but I knew she wanted me to intervene.
“The stars must have changed their mind,” I said.
“Are you going to eat that?” Fyn eyed my plate.
“I’m not hungry.” I pushed it closer to him.
Cora spoke up again, but the edge was gone from her words. “I had another vision.”
I gripped the arms of the chair, my fingernails digging into the wood.
Cora played with the hem of her sleeves. “The bargain will take from you, until you complete it. You are on borrowed time—both of you.” Her fork shook in her unsteady grip. “You must go to Myrwood, tomorrow.” My stomach clenched. There was no avoiding it—our time, our moment, couldn’t continue to exist like this.
“Tomorrow?” I echoed.
“Lythira’s patience will dwindle. The bargain will not wait much longer.” Her words ran cold.
“What did you learn?” Lioran ran his quaking hands through his hair, pushing his curls further from his eyes.
