Page 29 of Fate of the Sun King

She breaks off, her eyes filling with tears. I’m trying to understand what she’s not saying. Does she think she owes me anything for our years in Nostraza?

“Just let me do this,” she whispers.

An awkward silence hangs in the room, and I exchange a look with Tristan before I nod in agreement. Despite my reservations, this is a good idea. While we try to puzzle out who knows our secrets, we have to figure out how to get inside the palace. And we have to do it quickly, before Gabriel is forced to reveal our presence.

“Too bad we can’t get Callias to deal with your hair,” I say.

“Don’t worry,” Amya says. “I can take care of that.”

“So that’s decided,” Nadir says, pushing past our un-comfortable confrontation. “Once Amya has altered your appearance, you’ll present yourself at the Sun Palace and hope the future Sun Queen deems you intelligent enough for her highly exacting standards.”

Willow holds up her hands with her fingers crossed. “One can only hope.”

CHAPTER NINE

Later that evening, I go in search of Willow, finding her in the back garden, seated at the long wooden table across from Tristan. They’re sharing a bottle of something guaranteed to cause a regrettable hangover, their glasses sitting in front of them.

I haven’t spent much time back here, but evidence of Nerissa’s loving touches are everywhere, including the surrounding fence strung with small white lights, giving the entire space a warm glow.

“Hi,” I say as I approach my brother and sister, sliding onto the bench beside Tristan. “Mind if I join you?”

Tristan nods and hands me his glass.

“Elven wine,” he explains. “It’s not bad if you aren’t terribly attached to the lining of your stomach.”

I peer at the dark green liquid and take a sip, tasting notes of mint and honey layered with the strong punch of alcohol.

Willow has been avoiding me since the discussion this morning, and even now, she refuses to make eye contact. It’s clear she’s spent the day with Amya, because her black hair has been lightened to a dark blonde streaked with copper. It’s transformed her appearance so no one but the most astute observer would make the connection to me.

“Nice hair,” I say. “You look good like that.”

Willow scoffs and takes a sip of her drink, still avoiding my gaze.

“Willow, about what you said this morning—”

“I’m sorry,” she says, her expression crumpling. “I shouldn’t have said that to you.”

“No, it’s okay. But what did you mean by it? You understand that you owe me nothing for anything that happened in Nostraza? Right?”

She sighs and smacks her glass on the table. “How can you say that to me?”

I shake my head. “Willow, I don’t understand where this is coming from all of a sudden.”

“It’s not all of a sudden,” she says, raising her voice. “How do you think it felt knowing what those monsters were doing to you while I lay safe in my bed? Do you have any idea how much shame I feel that I let you take all of it? I’m supposed to be the big sister!”

“Willow.” I reach for her hand across the table, but she snatches it away. “It’s okay. That was all my choice.”

“No! Don’t do that. Don’t try to baby me. I’m not made of glass.”

I flinch at her words.

“Willow,” Tristan says. “You’re being a little hard on her.”

“You’re no better!” Willow yells at him. I’ve never heard her use her voice like this before. “Neither of you let me do anything.”

“What did you want me to do?” I ask, my anger starting to crest at this string of unfair accusations. “Just let them have you?”

“Why not?” Willow asks. “Why did you think you had to do that?”