Page 65 of Fate of the Sun King

As I’m nibbling on a wedge of soft white cheese, a quiet knock raps on the door.

“Come in,” I say, and it swings open to reveal Elswyth.

She’s changed from the leathers she was wearing earlier into a soft green gown the color of moss that sweeps to the floor. Her long hair hangs in thick ringlets so glossy and smooth, they might be made of marble.

“You’re awake!” she says brightly. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. Thank you.”

“Wonderful. I’m not sure if you’re hungry for a big meal, but I’ve arranged for a quiet dinner with me, the king, your brother, and of course, the prince and his companions. I hope you’ll consider joining us?”

“Of course,” I say.

Now that I’ve rested, I am ready for answers from Cedar.

“It’s up to you, but I can loan you a dress to wear. Or if you’re more comfortable like that, it’s fine too. Tonight is casual, though you’ll want something a little more festive for the ball tomorrow.”

“I’m good like this right now.”

She smiles. “Great, then let’s go.”

I find a pair of green slippers and slide them on before following Elswyth through the Fort.

“Where are the others?” I ask.

“They’re already with Cedar.”

She leads us through a clear glass doorway into an outdoor courtyard lined with flowers and greenery. A lit stone path winds us into a garden lined with hedges and hanging lanterns. In the middle is a round wooden table, and sure enough, Nadir and my brother are seated with the Woodlands King along with Mael and Etienne. Everyone stands as we enter.

Nadir pulls out the chair next to him, and I move to take it while Elswyth settles next to her bonded partner. The two of them kiss like no one else is in the room for a moment, and I wonder if these two are mates as well. Is this what it’s like when you stop fighting it? My gaze slides to Nadir, who’s watching the king and queen before his attention flicks to me, and my stomach freefalls.

Finally, Cedar pulls away from Elswyth and addresses me. I’m curiously impressed they aren’t at all embarrassed by their unrestrained show of affection. What would that be like? I’ve spent so many years pretending not to feel anything someone could use against me.

“Lor, it’s so nice to see you after so many years. You’ve grown so much since you were as high as my knee,” he says.

“Did we meet when I was a child?”

He gives me a patient smile that feels incongruent with his rather blunt demeanor earlier in the forest.

“You probably don’t remember. You were only a small girl the last time I came to visit your family in the woods.”

“I don’t remember,” I say, looking at Tristan. The look on his face suggests he doesn’t recall these visits either.

“Why did you come only when we were small?” Tristan asks, clearly thinking along the same lines.

Cedar presses his lips into a thin line. “Your parents asked me to stop.”

I wasn’t expecting that. “Why?”

“They worried it was dangerous and would draw too much attention to your location. I suppose they were probably right, though it pained me never to see you. My brother wouldn’t have wanted it that way.”

Is he telling the truth? I exchange another glance with Tristan.

“Where have you been all this time?” Elswyth asks. “When we felt you cross the border of The Woodlands, we came immediately to find out why.” She pauses, her face paling as though the memory haunts her. “When we saw the destruction left behind, we feared the worst.”

“You didn’t know what happened?” I ask.

“No,” Cedar says. “We tried for years to find out. Based on the state of the cottage, we had to assume someone had taken you, but there was no sign or trace of who. We thought you must all be dead.”