“She betrayed him.” I read the truth, but hearing it was different.
Fyn shook his head. “It’s what started the whole war.”
My bowl landed with a thud on the table. I gripped the wooden arms of the chair even harder.
“Everything I was taught…everything I was told…” I shook my head. “The fae didn’t start the war?” My leg muscle clenched, spasming. “How is that possible?”
“It’s easier to alter the story rather than face the consequences of the truth.” Lioran pressed the palms of his hands together. “It is well known he tells his own version.” Lines set around his eyes as he squinted at me.
“So, he just lied…about all of it?” I traced the edge of my bowl. “No.” I shook my head. “It can’t be.”
Lioran’s gaze softened.
Silence hung between us.
“You’ve been through a lot. We will discuss this another time.” Lioran leaned back in his chair.
“No. You will tell me now.” I slammed my palms into the arms of the chair. “This is why you took me with you, isn’t it? You’re going to use me to get back at him.”
My legs struggled to bear my weight with the next frantic step. I crashed down into the chair again.
Fyn let out an exasperated sigh.
“You crossed the divide and nearly got yourself killed. I took care of you. Yet you’re going to command me?” Lioran scolded. “You are insufferable.”
Fyn’s hand curved around his mouth.
We sat in the silence until my body grew heavier.
Lioran didn’t look up at me as I finally mustered the strength to pull myself upright again. I gripped the wall, guiding each stumbling step back into my room. Sleep greeted me the minute my head hit the pillow.
The blank walls of the cabin room startled me when I woke again—I had forgotten I wasn’t in Bailoc anymore. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains. A new riding tunic lay on the bed.
Each muscle resisted as I yanked the stiff, olive tunic over my head, and again when I freed my hair from the braid. My dark waves cascaded down and covered my ears—the lingering proof of my heritage.
The hinge creaked as I opened the door and peeked into the cabin. Rustling leaves shimmered in sunlight outside thecabin. The view transcended any I had seen before. Bird song rang through a slender crack at the base of the window.
Steam rose from Lioran’s drink, it encircled his face. Dark shadows settled beneath his eyes.
Lioran was dressed in a fresh tunic, the same shade as mine.
“Did you stay here all night?” I didn’t know why I asked it.
“Yes.” Lioran gripped ruffled papers. His eyes skimmed words etched into parchment.
“There isn’t another bed. Where did you sleep?”
Lioran peered over his papers. “I slept in the chair.”
“Why?” I asked.
“The bed wasn’t big enough for both of us.” A flicker of amusement gleamed in his eyes.
My cheeks seared.
“I was only joking,” he said.
“Oh.” I sat down in the chair. “Of course.” I cursed myself for the words I uttered—for my expressions that gave away my every thought.
