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Valerian’s scent had stayed with me, even hours later. After my dance with Tellren, I hadn’t been able to spend another minute in the ballroom, so I had ducked out and made a quick exit. Sure, that meant most of the contestants were going to be left wondering where I was, but did it matter, really?
Tellren had just told me, flatly, that no matter what I or anyone else did, Lord Cyr would be winning the Royal Selection. If the competition’s winner had already been decided, why prolong it?For the good of the people, Amara.Those would’ve been my father’s words if I had cared to ask, but I didn’t because I already knew the answer.
I had retreated to a quiet wing of the palace. Tallin had come with me, and together we sat under the stars, on a balcony overlooking Windhelm’s snow-capped buildings. The streetlights were on, lending gorgeous white light to the structures around them and illuminating the light flurry of snow falling above and around them.
It was lovely up here.
Quiet.
Private.
“Ever wonder what’s up there?” Tallin asked.
I blinked, watching the stars twinkle up in the night sky. “My mother has told me stories,” I said.
“Stories?”
“From the human world. They’ve gone up there… flown amongst the stars. They say it’s cold, and dark, and lonely, but as wonderful as it is infinite.”
“Humansdid that? Really?”
“Hey, I’m part human.”
“Right… apologies. I didn’t mean to sound disrespectful. I just didn’t think they had that kind of ability.”
“Most Fae don’t. We disregard them as little more than stupid apes, but they’re explorers, like us. Without the blessing of an extended lifespan, they have to push harder and further much faster than we would. Some even know magic.”
“Magic? Really?”
I nodded. “My mother’s parents… heradoptiveparents, anyway. I only ever met them once as a small child. I’ll never forget the time I spent among them. Grandmothers Helen, Pepper, and Evie.”
“Three of them?”
“Three women, each capable of the kind of magic that could rival that of the Fae. Grandmother Pepper also makes the most incredible pies and pastries.” My stomach rumbled so hard, even Tallin heard it.
“Sounds like you’re hungry.”
“I haven’t eaten since… I can’t remember how long it’s been.”
“You should eat, then.”
I shook my head. “I’m not hungry.”
“Your stomach disagrees.”
“My stomach can say what it likes. The thought of putting food in my mouth right now makes me want to throw up.”
Tallin nuzzled my leg with his nose and snout. “Please… take care of yourself. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“I’m not going todie, Tallin. Geez.”
“That’s not what I mean.”
“I’m also not going to get so hungry that I’ll end up eatingyou.”
“Yes, I know that… now.”
I chuckled at him and ran my hand across his furry back. “I can’t believe I’m going to have to marry that idiot, Cyr.”
