Raine ran a hand through his hair. He didn’t want to leave his family here when they were so vulnerable. Couldn’t bear it. But he also wasn’t going to let Maeryn go without him. Just the thought of leaving her side made his heart ache.
“Can you give them obstacles?” Maeryn asked. “Have the fae of Saxumdale create a stone barrier?”
Thorne nodded. “Excellent idea. And you don’t think Caelestia is going to help?”
“My father refuses,” Jareth’s voice cut through the noise.
A hush fell over the room and everyone turned to the doorway. There stood Casimir’s half-brother, a smug look on his face. Raine tried not to roll his eyes. Gods, he fucking hated Jareth.
The guards hurried after the astral prince, out of breath. “I’m so sorry, Your Majesty. We told him you were in a meeting, but he refused to listen.”
Casimir sprang to his feet. “What are you doing here? Did you follow us through the portal?”
“Who is that?” Maeryn leaned over and whispered.
“Casimir’s half-brother. King Orion’s son.”
“I sense family strife.”
Raine gripped the wine goblet in his hand. “That’s an understatement.”
She raised a black brow, observing the interaction, Casimir and Jareth arguing loudly.
“Enough, you two,” Thorne commanded. “Jareth, if you’re here to help, take a seat. If not, then leave. I have no patience for your insults.”
“You all left so quickly, I didn’t get to say my goodbyes,” he said.
Raine leaned over the table. “We don’t have time for your games, you arrogant prick.”
Jareth eyed Raine with contempt. “Games? That’s rich coming from a man-whore such as yourself. What would your dead lover think ofyourgames? About how you now live your life?”
Raine froze.
Everyone knew about what had happened with Finnick—it wasn’t a secret—but for Jareth to bring it up in such a way…He shouldn’t be surprised. Jareth always did this. Knew exactly what would push everyone’s buttons and used it against them. All because he was an insecure asshole who couldn’t face his own demons.
Raine should ignore it. Not rise to the bait. But the rage and hurt nearly overwhelmed him and he was unable to control the trembling in his hands. His heart pounded so hard, he couldn’t hear what was being said, the murmurs and angry words a distant rumble under the buzzing in his ears.
There was shouting. A chair fell over. Ava had Jareth by the throat against the wall, his arms pinned with her vines.
When did they get over there?
Someone called his name. A soft, subtly accented voice. He met eyes with Maeryn. “Raine,” she repeated, gently touching his arm. “Are you alright?”
He nodded, rising from his chair. “I just need a moment.”
He left the dining hall, hands still trembling as he fought against the magic urging to break free. It wasn’t long before he emerged outside, the sun just finishing its descent below the horizon. Evening already? They must have been in there for hours.
No idea where he was going, he found himself heading into the woods when Sabriel appeared, trotting beside him.
What happened?she asked.
“Jareth is just an asshole. That’s all.”
What did he say?
“It doesn’t matter. I just need time away from everyone.”
It was about Finnick wasn’t it? You only get like this when it’s about him.
