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I removed myself from Dallas’s embrace, only for Orla. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her; however, Kieran could kiss my warm ass. He could pout all he damn well wanted.
Without missing a beat, I pulled Orla in for a hug. At first, she stiffened, but she relented and wrapped her arms around me. Her scent of flowers with a hint of sulfur from her fire magic was like coming home. I couldn’t believe it had taken me so long to remember her. I pulled back and cupped her face like when she was a little girl and said, “If I make it out of this, we fly over the waterfalls together.”
Eyes glistening, she sniffled. “I’d really love that.”
“King Kieran is right.” Quinley clapped her hands. “Everyone should take their leave. The contestants have today and tomorrow to rest and prepare for the final trial, which begins the following sun cycle morning.”
Last time, we’d had almost a week between trials, but this time, we had one complete day before four of us faced our deaths. Reality crashed over me as I thought of how little time I had left, but I had to be strong, especially in front of Dallas and Orla.
Silence descended along with the cold realization that this was the last time four of us would see the ones we loved. The bitterness I’d felt about the Comortas surged once again. The unjust cruelty made the situation horrible. Why did anyone have to die? Why not compete until all but one contestant yielded? But that wasn’t how the fae worked. It was either kill or die instead of facing the shame of failing.
“Well, son, I have no doubt I’ll see you again,” Curry’s father taunted. “I don’t need to drag out our goodbye.”
Dallas growled and rasped, “Why do I need to pretend to be friends with that drafty again?”
“Because his father is a High Fae and respected by his peers.” Orla glared and focused on me. “No matter what, I need you to kill Curry. We need him to die so his father has no heir. They were a large source of the unrest in the kingdom when I took the throne.”
That didn’t surprise me. “Done,” I said before realizing what I’d agreed to without much regard. I’d committed to taking a life, and the worst part was that it didn’t bother me. It was a means to an end for my sister and our kingdom.
“More than that.” Dallas pulled me into his arms again. “We need you to win. I’m not ready to lose you again.”
Suddenly, a strong hand gripped my arm and removed me from Dallas’s grasp. The buzzing of my skin informed me of exactly who it was, and Kieran’s mask of indifference slipped slightly as his eyes met mine. His tone held an edge of anger. “My sister would like to say goodbye to you. Apparently, she enjoyed your conversation.”
I wasn’t stupid. This was a ploy to get me away from Dallas, but at least I’d gotten a reaction out of him for a change instead of him always taking control of our relationship.
The request made saying goodbye to Orla and Dallas a little easier. I wasn’t sure I could walk away if left to my own devices. Now that I’d mostly remembered them again, thinking this was the last time I’d see them made me want to hug them and never let go.
“Of course I’ll tell her goodbye.” I turned back to Dallas and said, “You treat her well.” I looked at my sister. “And you make sure to keep his troubling ass in line.”
Orla snickered. “Oh, I do, but it’s never-ending work.”
Dallas winked at me. “She just thinks she does. I have my ways.”
And there was the flirt, but I understood it was innocent. If I told him no, he wouldn’t push. He loved me too much to ever do that.
Maeve walked over, bowing her head slightly at Orla and Dallas. Then she touched my arm, whispering, “You’d better stay safe.”
“Please look after them and yourself.”
She swallowed hard, trying to school her expression.
Kieran tugged on my arm to lead me to his family, but I stayed firmly in place and waited until Dallas, Orla, and Maeve reached the front door. Maeve opened it for them, and Dallas glanced over his shoulder and blew me a kiss.
A low snarl came from Kieran, and when he tugged on me, I followed him to his family.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt your family’s goodbye, but I wanted to say farewell to you as well as my brother.” Princess Brianne tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “It was an honor to meet you, the chosen princess who saved our realm.”
Prince Nolan arched a brow but nodded. “Please don’t let Kieran do anything stupid.”
I shook my head. “Impossible. Kieran decides his own fate. In his mind, no one but him has a say in these matters.”
Throwing his head back, Prince Nolan laughed. “Oh, the ice mountains must have thawed. For the first time ever, I think I found a Summer Fae I like.” He leaned forward, touched my arm, and whispered, “Ginevra was a good friend, and the risk and sacrifice you made for her was noticed by me and several of our court. You have a few admirers and will never be forgotten.”
I couldn’t believe it when the corners of Kieran’s lips inched upward, but he mashed his lips together.
Kaley and Eamon marched to the front door. Kaley said, “Everyone has left but the prince and princess of the Winter Court.”
The High Court siblings leaned against the doorway to the dining hall while Leanna scoffed. “They are talking to a Summer Fae as well.”
