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Father had not repliedto my thrush. It didn’t surprise me, only confirmed what I’d said to Shaan.He won’t listen to me.He never had, of course. Our entire relationship from the moment he’d started taking interest in me during my adolescence had been a resentful coexistence.
Guards had arrived at an early hour and ushered me to a sitting room. This one was more intimate than the space I’d spoken to Shaan and Veena in but no less beautiful.
The walls were crafted from carved wood panels that gleamed a honey-brown in the lamps scattered over the tables. The sun had to be up, but the chamber lacked windows. It seemed designed for an evening of drinks as fairies in glittering silks laughed and shared conversation.
I imagined this palace had a great deal of that—laughter. It exuded warmth as much as the Seelie palace gave off the cold austerity of my forefathers’ reigns.
The doors opened and Lira walked in alongside servants who placed trays of biscuits and rolls on the table and swiftly departed. But my focus lingered on Lira with her sparkling eyes and pink cheeks. She appeared healthy and she was actually here. I’d had a whisper of fear that perhaps everyone had lied to me and she wasn’t here at all.
I jumped to my feet. “Lira.”
She smiled widely as she strode across the room to me. “Lennox. What are you doing here?”
“Did the Maharani not speak with you?”
She shook her head. “Her guard said you wished to tell me whatever it is.”
My eyes traced down her, assessing for any harm or glamour that might cover damage. She seemed fine though. More than fine, even. During her time at the Seelie palace, she was anxious and uncertain. Of course, she was trying to outmaneuver her mother then. That woman was a nightmare and a solid match for my father. And he’d slept with her while Mother was still alive. I clenched my jaw hard.
“I hope you’re okay?” Lira asked.
I released a breathy, anxious laugh and gestured to a couch. We both sat as I replied. “I intended to ask you the same thing, actually.”
“I’m fine.” She shrugged, the blush-colored dress she wore fluttering around her form with the motion. “More than fine, actually.”
“Are you hungry?” I asked and lifted the tray of foods. I was acting like a prince hosting in my palace, but I worried for Lira. She’d apparently returned from travel and came here even before resting. She nodded and selected a roll, and I joined her, taking a plate as well once I set the tray down. I’d have to push past my lack of appetite and eat. I needed whatever strength I could summon now that Lira was here. I had to be strong for her, if not myself. That reminded me of my past failures stringing behind me. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t stop everything that happened during the gala.”
She brushed her fingers together so that crumbs landed on her plate and set it on the table. “Don’t be.”
I set my dish down as well. She shifted and fidgeted her fingers together as if she had something else to add but hesitated. I wanted to know the story, but first I had to share. I didn’t know how to say it, though. Blurting out,you’re my sister,didn’t feel right despite the words hanging on my tongue.
I’d never really had a family. After Mother had died, aside from Aila, I’d had no one. I didn’t want Lira to be miserable over the reveal. What else could she be, though? If I didn’t know I was related to my father and someone unleashed that knowledge on me, I’d probably hate them. I wanted Lira to like me so desperately it was like a twin ache that wound around Shaan’s loathing. I’d earned that, but it didn’t change how god-awful it was. If Lira rejected me—and she was apparently fine here at the Prasanna palace and married to Sai so perhaps she would—I wasn’t sure what hope I’d have to move forward with.
I rubbed my hands together. “Shaan told me you have elemental powers.”
Lira leaned back from me. “Did he?” She crossed her arms across her chest. “Are you here on your father’s behalf? Do you intend to arrest me, Lennox?” Her voice had gone high-pitched.
“What? No.” I waved my hands, and she jerked farther away. God, I was screwing this up terribly. I pressed a palm against my chest. “I’m also elemental.”
Her shoulders eased with a breath, and she dropped her arms. “Oh. Does your father know?”
“He doesn’t.” I swallowed. “The thing is, when Shaan told me you’re elemental, it didn’t surprise me. I expected it, in fact, because of the prophecy.”
She tangled her fingers into the fabric of her skirt and her eyes flicked up like a startled bird jumping free of a branch. “You’re my brother.” She said the words slowly. “Aren’t you?”
The moment of truth had come, and I felt like I might throw up. It mortified her which was understandable. Once again, I’d stand alone. “Yes. I just found out. I didn’t know it when we met.”
She stared at me, her mouth agape which was a strange expression on someone so elegant. I remembered her telling me how she’d spent her formative years learning charm and dance and otheruseless skills, as she’d called them. That made so much sense. Our parents had groomed her for this role.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I know finding out we share the same father must be awful news for you. You probably aren’t much happier to know I’m your brother, and I wish I could—” Her body slammed into mine, stopping my words as her arms wrapped tight around me.
For half-a-dozen ticks of the clock in the room I sat frozen, magic humming through me, shaken by the surprise. “Oh, Lennox.” Lira pulled away to grin up at me. “I’m so happy. I’ve always wanted a sibling.”
“You’re happy?”
“Yes!” Her smile fell away. “Are you not?”
She leaned back, and I yanked my arms around her and pulled her into another hug. “I’m extremely happy, especially if you are.”
