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Rymus crosses his arms and glares at me as I make it to the front stoop.
What a sourpuss.
Even if he did lower the heat by ten degrees, I send him the stink eye as I drag my leg along with me.
I don’t think I imagine the way his eyes twinkle with cruelty or the amused lift of his lips as he watches me struggle to get up the small step.
He’s enjoying my suffering.
Okay. So maybe I’m all right with some of Envy’s people getting the day they deserve.
ELLISTER
Hannah and I are back in front of Envy’s throne.
Pardon me.KingEnvy.
He’s already had to correct me twice, and we’re not even five minutes into our conversation.
“What era will I be traveling to?” I ask, all business. “I’ll need specific dates, times, and coordinates.”
“Yorenzo will provide you with all the information you need. We’re going to the beginning of King Mihkyle’s rule.”
“Mihkyle,” I mutter quietly, trying to place the name, but it doesn’t trigger any memories.
“This would pre-date the dark fae era,” Yorenzo pipes up. “Long before you were born, Ellister. So long, in fact, it wouldn’t have been taught in school.”
“So we’re going way back. Great,” I deadpan, Hannah’s sarcasm rubbing off on me.
It’s a good thing I filled the flask to the brim. I’m going to need at least half of it for a trip like this. I’m counting on the other half to get Hannah and me to our permanent home. We’re going to be cutting it close.
“You’re sure I can’t convince you to stay on with us?” Envy’s narrowed gaze is stuck on the luggage in my hold.
I found an old, very small suitcase in the bedroom closet at the farm. It’s currently stuffed with Hannah’s Earthly belongings and the human outfit I arrived with, even if they’re worse for the wear and a bit dirty. Regardless of the tattered condition the clothes are in, we’ll need to change once we get back to the human realm. Under my other arm, I have the rolled up sleeping bag because Hannah wanted to bring it with us for sentimental reasons.
She’s been quiet. Too quiet. And I don’t like that my hands are too full to catch her if she goes down. She’s clinging to my arm while keeping herself upright with her makeshift cane.
I’d hoped the nap she took earlier this afternoon would help her a bit. The sleep and the distance from me should’ve done some good, but she’s struggling.
Even feeling as bad as she does, she put in the effort to look her best. She wants to fit in with the attendees of the tournament. The cream-colored gown she chose is the fanciest of her selection, and it will help her blend with all the nobles we’re bound to see at the challenge. It was imperative that we cover her ears, so she had me help her braid some of the front pieces and clip them over her rounded human ears. The style also serves to cover some of her bald patches.
I’m very much out of practice when it comes to braiding, so the result was far from perfect, but my effort made Hannah smile.
“Hear me out,” Envy continues. “If we’re going to create a new universe when the bargain is changed, shouldn’t your mate be able to escape her illness there? My world should cure her, yes?”
“Theoretically,” I agree slowly but graciously add, “As tempting as the offer is, we’ve made up our minds about where we want to live.”
He sighs. “What a waste.”
I’m glad he seems accepting of our choice, but I still don’t trust him. I won’t breathe easily until I get this damn collar off and have the Glow back in my possession.
I direct my attention to Yorenzo, staying on topic. “What are we walking into? What’s the environment?”
“Hostile. I’d like to say we’re going to a time of peace, but that’s not the case. The king is being challenged by two wizards. One is Mihkyle. The other is King Envy’s ancestor, Ackealenvyos the First. To kick off the tournament, Mihkyle and Ackealenvyos will fight each other. Without interference, Mihkyle would be the victor and he’d take on the king next. And he’d win, making Mihkyle the new ruler.”
“Describe the bargain to me. What are the terms?”
He opens another book, this one scribbled with stories in the Old Fae language. “The morning of the challenge, Princess Vetta told Mihkyle she would marry him if he promised to win. He accepted, and they exchanged vows, along with objects of commitment—two rings. An hour later, she did the same with Ackealenvyos, but with necklaces instead.”
