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For half a second, I thought she might slap me, but she settled for digging her gnarled, ancient finger deeply into my shoulders and steering me toward the computer desk, parking me in front of it.
“She left a note for you. Read it.”
Swallowing the stone that had formed in my throat, I finally accepted it, but I didn’t look at it immediately. For a long moment, I simply stared at it, the words all blurring together.
“Cade, are you reading it?” the enchantress growled.
“You can leave, Aradia,” I muttered.
“No,” she told me flatly. “I won’t go until I understand what’s going on.”
My head jerked up, eyes narrowing slightly. “You haven’t read it?”
“I started to, but it’s addressed to you,” she replied with a shrug.
I wasn’t sure if I believed her, but it made me feel slightly better. I had misconstrued her expression for pity, my instincts telling me what I already knew to be true of Zephy, that she had left of her own accord and not by the hand of another. Perhaps Aradia truly was just as confused as me.
Now I really did need to read the note and understand what was happening here.
Steadying my hands, I finally focused my eyes on the computer and desk around me, noting the round drops on the otherwise flawless wax of the desk.
Were those tears? Had Zephy been crying when she typed it? Why?
My One True Love, King Cade,
By the time you read this letter, I will be on my way out of Ironhelm. Please don’t come looking for me. It’s not what your heart desires, after all.
The words went blurry again, the world crashing in around me. My head whipped around the room, as if I sought someone to blame for the letter, but only Aradia remained at my side. Everyone else had the foresight to leave me alone.
“What does it say?” the enchantress asked, leaning forward. My heart hammered so hard, I thought it might leap clear out of my mouth.
Slowly, I leaned forward to finish reading what Zephyrine had clearly written as fast and as heartfelt as possible, her decision abrupt and cruel—and completely nonsensical. Inhaling deeply, I continued to read as each sentence chipped at me a little deeper.
I’ll be long gone before you read this anyway,the note went on.In any matter of directions, as I don’t know this area at all. I’ve entrusted you with Maywin and Rufus, also my parents, none of whom is aware of my decision. I hope you won’t punish them for my choice. You weren’t given a decision in the matter of marrying, so I am making it for you. I’m sure that you can still hold on to your kingdom without me. My parents won’t fault you for this, and eventually, I will find a way to make them understand that this is for the best.
I understand the repercussions of my actions, Cade, but I know in my heart that the kingdom will somehow survive with you at the helm, regardless of the blood oath. If it does not, it was never strong enough. I wish you all the best.
With Much Affection,
Zephyrine.
I could only gawk at the words, not a single one making sense.
“What does this mean?” I demanded, staring at the enchantress.
A knock at the door stopped Aradia from responding.
“Not now!” I yelled, but the door opened, anyway, and Maywin stood, trembling at the threshold, Jasper close to her side.
“Alpha, you asked for her?” he said, his voice distinctly cold.
The guard’s affection for the maid was obvious, but was the least of my concerns at the moment. I would spare no one until I understood what had happened to Zephy.
“What?” I snapped, my mind far too scattered to keep up with anything. The world was moving too quickly around me.
“Y-you sent for me, Alpha?” she whispered again.
Ihadsent for her. I remembered. Maywin certainly had to know something. If anyone would know, it was her.
