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Thalore doesn’t believe the queen will allow that, but I have to have faith. Otherwise, I’m trapped here with no hope. And all I’ve worked for will have been for nothing.
The door opens. A soft, “oh”, reaches my ears.
I turn and see a familiar cloaked female at the entrance.
“Andie,” Healer Giselle greets. “I did not expect you this late.” She means she expected me to be at dinner with the other nobles.
“Hi Giselle.” I look back at Tony. “Any updates?”
“Nothing good. Nothing bad.”
I nod. It’s always the same.
I squeeze Tony’s hand once more. “I’ll see you later.” I stand and walk to the entrance. Giselle is a lovely young fae, and she’s also incredibly skilled. I trust her to look after Tony, and she’s proven herself kind and capable.
The healer eyes me with a worried frown. “Are you all right, Andie? You look pale.”
I force a smile. “I’m fine.”
Her frown says she doesn’t believe me. “Your ordeal in the Murky Mountains isn’t easy to overcome. Have you experienced any physiological changes since your return.”
“No.” I tilt my head to the side. “Why do you ask?”
She averts her gaze. “No reason.”
I don’t believe her. “Please, be honest with me, Giselle. Is there a side effect of Death’s Kiss you’re worried about?” Does she have an idea of what’s continuing to harm Tony?
“No, nothing like that.” Giselle is quick to say. “It’s just that with the knowledge of your heritage, your time in Avedon could bring out more fae characteristics and alterations to your person.”
Alarm zips through me. It’s swiftly silenced by denial. “I’m not fae, Giselle. I know everyone believes I am, but I’m not.”
She purses her lips. She wants to disagree, but she’s kind enough not to. “Very well, Andie. Just know I am always here if anything should come up.”
“Thank you, Giselle.” I leave the infirmary, trying but failing to shove the healer’s concern out of my head.
I do not believe I’m fae.
Not at all.
I know my mother, and I know she never would have procreated with a different species—one not native to earth. She, herself, had grown up somewhat of an outcast after her parents were killed on a Shadowguard mission. She would never subject a child to a life of not fitting in—of struggling to belong.
No.I do not believe my father is fae.
But I’m the only one in Avedon who seems to think that. Other than Guardian Legrand, of course. But soon, he will be returning to our realm to report what’s transpired to the Shadowguard. And I’ll be all alone.
And, I hate to admit it, but I’m terrified of what’s going to happen once I am the only one left to defend myself.
CHAPTER 3
Impeccable spatial awarenessand common sense leads me to the west wing of Queen Ulla’s palace without any assistance. I passed the dining hall on my way here. Based on the boisterous conversation and clanking of dishes, the meal was still underwear. With any luck, Thalore will be there, and I’ll be able to take in my new living accommodations without him hovering nearby.
Now that I’m in the west wing, however, I have no way of identifying which room is Thalore’s. There aren’t exactly name plates on the doors, indicating which noble family lives behind their heavy wood structures.
I am contemplating the merits of wandering the halls on the first floor until I run into a palace maid or royal guard when I hear a familiar, musical voice call, “Guardian Loftin?”
I follow the sound of Julley’s formal address and smile at her friendly face as she descends the wide staircase. “May I lead you to your rooms?”
I nod and meet her halfway up the stairs. She leads me to the third floor—the highest level in the palace. My old rooms were also on this level, but they were in the royal wing to account for my need to be close to Princess Alora.
