“Why?” Zaid says on a bitter laugh. “Because I’ve done a few good deeds? Because my aura’s lightened up a bit? I made a conscious choice to abandon those qualities I got from my mother, and I chose to follow in my father’s evil footsteps. If I ever die, Finley, my soul is destined for the Underworld.”
I shake my head, glaring at him fiercely. “You’re wrong. You’ve redeemed yourself.”
“Think what you want,” he says dismissively, then turns his back on me.
“And you didn’t abandon the qualities your mother gave you,” I remind him quietly. He doesn’t respond or even act like he heard me, but I know he’s listening. “You are an empath just like her. You have empathy, which never went away. And while you may have done horrible things, it was your empathy that ultimately proved to be the biggest part of you. Otherwise, you would have never staked yourself to a tree. That actually makes you more like your mother than your father. If you can find it in your heart to consider a relationship with Boral, then I know damn well your empath Light Fae mother will do the same.”
I expect him to ignore me.
Or maybe even yell at me to leave him alone.
Instead, he sighs. “You might be right.”
I wait for more, but nothing comes. He picks up a towel, covers the bowl of chicken, and walks out of the kitchen without a backward glance.
A smile comes to my face. I actually consider that a victory… the fact that Zaid is actually thinking about what I said about his mother is enough to make my meddlesome self happy. If we survive this battle against Kymaris, I am going to keep pressing him to see his mother. One day, I know he’ll thank me for it.
CHAPTER 23
Carrick
“You know this is a waste of time,” Deandra told Carrick as they materialized inside the castle walls. As a guest of the princess, Carrick didn’t need to knock on the massive front doors and be allowed entrance by Rebsha.
“Maybe so,” Carrick rumbled as they walked the halls to locate Nimeyah. “But I have to try.”
Deandra didn’t respond, which prompted Carrick to add, “I am very grateful you are going to help us.”
It was a careless shrug he got in response. “I have a vested interest now in protecting my new home, but I’m also in this to make Pyke pay for his treachery.”
“You two were never very close,” Carrick mused out loud.
“Pyke always did what Pyke wanted to do and lived much of his time away from Faere. We had nothing in common.”
Carrick didn’t comment. Truth be told, he didn’t care what their relationship was. He had, at best, a passing enjoyment of the royal siblings over the millennia, but their inner workings as a family didn’t intrigue him in the slightest.
He cared about their familial workings about as much as he cared about their court politics.
Which was not at all.
Rebsha appeared seemingly out of nowhere, issuing a deep bow to Deandra and a nod toward Carrick before addressing the princess directly. “I assume you’re looking for your mother?”
“We are indeed,” she replied formally.
Rebsha took in Deandra’s outfit. It was a far cry from the highly sexualized and body-baring outfits she wore when in residence. Today, she was casually Earth-realm attired in skinny jeans, ballet flats, and fitted turtleneck sweater, but they were all high-end designer brands. Her makeup wasn’t garish as was the style of the fae, but perfectly applied to enhance her already incredible beauty.
“She’s in the solarium,” Rebsha advised, nodding in that general direction. “Would you like any refreshments sent in?”
“No,” Deandra replied but surprised Carrick by saying, “I would appreciate it if you were in attendance while we speak. Is my father there as well?”
“He is,” Rebsha replied in that deep, rumbling voice. “And of course, I’ll join you.”
Deandra led the way to the solarium, which was on the eastern edge of the castle. It was a massive wrought iron and glass addition filled with plants, marble pathways, and groupings of furniture upon which to sit and relax. The air was slightly humid.
The Light Fae—given they had no war, wrecked economy, or disgruntled citizens—didn’t do much but relax, have parties, and eat good food.
Well, they did have disgruntled citizens, but they were of the lower caste and too weak to mount any type of rebellion against the royals and nobles.
Rebsha entered the solarium, then led Deandra and Carrick along a winding path to where they found Nimeyah and Callidan occupying matching chaises. Callidan’s hands were clasped over his stomach, and his eyes were closed. Nimeyah was reading a book, and she slowly raised her head as the group approached.
Her eyes flicked over Rebsha and Carrick, landing on Deandra. Her lips pursed with disapproval, and that was Carrick’s first indication that Nimeyah was harboring some bitter feelings toward her daughter for leaving Faere.