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“Hello?” she called. The echo bounced off the walls, her own voice answering her back.
Yes, holler into the castle you wish to invade. That seems smart.Greshta’s bitter sarcasm filled her mind.
Shouldn’t Eidur be chiding me and not you?Ace’s thought gave retort.
Eidur was the goddess of wisdom. Ace didn’t hear from that particular goddess so that either meant that she was too idiotic for the goddess to bother with or that she was already wise. Ace liked to think it was the latter.
Sassy, sassy. I like it.Tamar’s voice was distant but pleasant.
Greshta refused to respond and if Ace could see the goddess she’d be willing to bet her nose would be lifted into the air.
“No one is here.” Shelby’s torso brushed against Ace as he moved past her and she hovered in the doorway. She stumbled in after him catching her balance on his arm. He pushed her hand off of him as if she was some sort of sticky slug.
Rehan placed a hand on the wall. The lick of fire glowed behind his eyes. “Someone is here. One someone.”
“Queen Ambrose?” Ace was both hopeful it wasn’t the queen and she could put the death off for longerandthat it was and she could just get it over with.
“Doubtful.”
She nodded.
“This way.” Rehan stepped in front of them, leading them through the halls.
“How do you know where you’re going?” Shelby didn’t hide his suspicion.
Rehan only smiled wider. “I’ve got some assistance.” He tapped his temple in the familiar way Ace always did.
What gods were talking to him that were not talking to her? Were his own experience and superior abilities what gave him such a connection with them? Did she just need to push herself a little harder?
No. Ace shook her head as she lost herself in her thoughts. She already heard enough from the gods. She didn’t want to hear from themmore. Shouldn’t she be thankful they were addressing him and not her?
Something in her had changed. As their steps felt too loud and the castle too empty, Ace couldn’t help but think back on the past. When had she started…trying? Caring? Loving?
She stole a sideways glance at Shelby. He did his best to ignore her but his eyes kept drifting to his peripheral vision as if to check and see if she still watched him.
Was it him? Was it befriending a warlock that had made the difference?
“What?” Shelby finally snapped at her, halting his walk.
She straightened. “What, what?”
“Why are you looking at me?”
Ace shrugged and started walking again. “Just wondering how long you can hold that cranky look on your face before it gets stuck that way.” It was easier to play this game of tease and taunt than to admit that actual feelings had formed.
He snarled and nearly ran over Rehan where he’d paused in front of a doorway. Rehan gave Shelby a little pat on the arm before he stepped into the room and waved them forward. The warlock sighed, his patience long since gone.
Forcing a cheeky smile, Ace followed. The walls were carefully painted stone, the floor glossy to preserve aged wood. Otherwise empty, a dais held a plain ashen throne. No queen to be found upon its seat.
But the throne was not empty.
A cream-colored envelope waited, a large scrolling script with a single word.
A name.
Aylee.
Rehan walked slowly ahead of them. He picked up the envelope that looked as if it had been folded with care. “Queen’s seal.” His throat bobbed.
