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But if he doesn’t, why is he agreeing to let me stay there? He has to have some kind of ulterior motive.
“We are friends,” Saint reminded me. “That’s why he’s doing this for me. Don’t embarrass me, Elix.”
“I’m not getting into all that with you again,” I sighed. “And even if you think he’s your ‘friend,’ he’s not mine.”
“He’s agreed to let you stay there for me,” Saint growled. “Stop being difficult, E. I’m not kidding.”
Under the breakfast table, my fists closed, heat burning at the surface of my skin as if my palms were about to burst into flames. It took every ounce of self-control not to allow the fire to sprout out and set the drapes aglow.
I’mbeing difficult? You’re the one trying to uproot my entire life!
“To what end am I supposed to stay at the palace if I’m not going to work there, then?” I demanded from between my teeth, still trying to control myself.
Saint smirked and shook his head. “What do you think, sis? We need to find you a partner, a husband. You’ll stay there until that time.”
“Oh, for the love of—are you kidding me right now? I’m going to stay there like a caged pet until you marry me off?”
Saint rolled his eyes and threw his fork onto the plate with such a clang, it startled me. My shoulders tensed, and I realized I’d pushed my brother too far. “Stop acting like a child, Elix! You’re old enough to know how the world works. Your powers are leaked now. Everyone and their dog want a piece of you. I can’t keep you safe on my own.”
I raised my hands as if in surrender, the burning in my hands subsiding entirely. “Fine! I get that, but that doesn’t mean you have to marry me off! Come on, Saint. I don’t want to get married. Please don’t make me.”
“If I can’t keep you safe, and you don’t want to live in the palace for the rest of your life under Jace’s protection, what other options do you have? You can’t stay here, and you can’t work because you’re too exposed. And now you don’t want to stay in the palace! You’re acting like a princess, and last I checked, little one, you don’t have any royal blood in you.”
“I could work!” I squeaked, but my brother wouldn’t hear it.
“Just stop, Elix. You’re a grown adult. It’s time you start making adult choices.”
He said that, but in the end, he was the one making all the choices for me.
I could take care of myself!I wanted to spit back at him, but I knew if I did, the argument would just come full circle again. Instead, I pursed my mouth closed and lowered my eyes to the table, a strand of russet hair falling over my lashes, which I brushed away hastily.
“Elix!”
“I’m thinking!” I barked back. “Give me a minute to process this bombshell.”
“Think faster. I have to get to work.”
My chin jerked up. “You’re not sending me to the palace right now… are you?”
“No, but I need to make the arrangements. And I need you to give me your cell phone. No more outside contact with anyone.”
Shocked, I recoiled. “Saint!”
“I’m sorry, Elix, but you can’t be trusted not to bring more dark forces here.” He looked genuinely pained, but he kept his hand extended.
Hurt and confused, I shook my head vigorously.
“I won’t call anyone we don’t know?—”
“I know you won’t, because I’m taking your computer and phone. You should stay in the apartment. You’re leaving for the palace tomorrow.”
My eyes popped. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“I haven’t even agreed to it!” I yelled, all of my indignation returning as my older brother stood and picked up his half-finished breakfast to bring to the sink.
“I don’t need your consent, Elix. I’ll do whatever is necessary to keep you safe—and keep me sane. The decision is made. Get your things together while I’m at work.”
