A knock interrupted my thoughts—even my daydreams were not mine to keep.
I slid the book under my bed and tried to sit upright.
Reina peeked her head around the door. “I know you haven’t sent for me, but I heard the news. I thought maybe you’d want to talk to someone about it—or maybe even celebrate.” She waited for me to say anything at all, but still I only stared back at her. “You look pale.”
“I just need some water,” I finally said.
The glass trembled as I brought it to my lips. I took a sip but could barely swallow.
“Your wedding is tomorrow.” She was beaming as she sat beside me, like the news was her own. “You should be excited. Not sitting on the floor.” Her nose crinkled.
“It is.” The cool liquid trickled down my throat again. “It’s a lot to take in. A big change.” My thoughts were lost on the book. Its words left my heart racing.
“He may not go through with it if you look like you’re terrified,” she scoffed. When I said nothing, she spoke again, her words a little softer than before. “He’s extremely handsome. He has land far from here. Land that you both would own. This is not a death sentence.”
How simple it would be for her, but it wasn’t for me. I studied the disgust that clung to her face. Reina doted on my brother, curtsied deeply to my father, and only tolerated my sweet sister. She never once stopped to listen when she asked how I was feeling. We had been friends since childhood. I was leaving. I may never return, but she didn’t seem to care at all.
A deep twinge of sadness burrowed in my chest.
I knew the truth. There were few who cared that I would leave.
“I wish to be alone.” My words were firm.
“You know what I mean.” She coyly slid her curls over her shoulder.
“I do know what you mean. You may leave now.” I pointed to the door.
She didn’t protest.
I reached under the bed for the book. The words greeted me the moment I opened it again.
Be careful of the company you keep.
I stared at the door. Her perfume still held stagnant in the air.
Your world is taught to fear the fae, taught to hate our kind.
But you already know the truth.
It is as your mother told you.
The tales my mother told of the fae—nothing ever stopped her from whispering them in the darkness. Why are you concerned about Reina?
She is not of our world and only has hatred for our kind.
The words vanished. My heart raced louder, as if soon the entire palace would hear it. It echoed in my ears until my head throbbed.
She is not of the fae world, but neither am I.
The clarity you seek can be found.
Look for a letter your mother kept.
Go to where you found this book.
The leather cord wrapped easily around the book—concealing its secrets once more. I would search for the letter. I wouldn’t rest until I found it.
I gripped the stone wall. A chill rippled down my spine as the door creaked a warning.
