She sinks into the chair across from me, shoulders slumped. “I wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t. They forbade the servants from speaking of it. If caught, I would have been punished.” Her voice pleads for me to understand, and I do. Knowing what Niethal is capable of, what he did to Devlin, I don’t blame her for not telling me. If roles were reversed, would I have warned her? I’d like to think so, but I understand why she didn’t.
I lean forward and rest a hand on her knee. “It’s okay, Delphina. I wouldn’t want you punished for something that would have happened anyway.”
She puts her hand on mine and squeezes once before letting go. Relaxing back in the chair, my stomach flutters with the question that has been burning in my mind. I clear my throat and ask casually, “Have the visiting courts left, now that the ball is over?”
“No. The guests are still here. The king invited them to extend their stays for more meetings. I’ll make sure your dresses are delivered for the occasions.”
My brows draw closer, my face tightening as I shake my head. “That’s okay. I don’t think I’ll be invited to any of that. I’m sure it’s only meant for the kings.”
That, and I’m also sure Niethal won’t want me there talking back at every turn, either.
“Oh, no, you will be attending. King Grager has already told us to ensure you have everything you need—dresses, jewelry, and shoes. It’s all being taken care of.”
“He wants me there, truly?” My voice is thick with disbelief, and she frowns.
“Yes, why wouldn’t he?”
So she is unaware of what happened between us. I scrape a hand through my hair, tucking it behind my ear. “I just… well, I wasn’t sure if the ladies from court got to attend such meetings.”
“The ladies typically do not, and they won’t here either. The king said you are the only exception.”
I don’t have a response to that. I can’t imagine why Niethal wants me there, but I guarantee I won’t like it, whatever the reason.
“Eat, Grace. You look pale. Do you need me to get you anything else?” she asks as she stands, hands clutched together in front of her, and I shake my head.
“I’m good, thank—” I catch myself this time, and she smiles.
“You’re getting better.” She curtseys before knocking on the door twice. The lock clicks, and the door swings open, allowing her past before closing again.
I stare at my plate.
So Niethal wants me to attend the meetings. Fine, I can do that. I’ll gather whatever information I can until I find a way out. I’ll prepare for Niethal, and if the stars above are good, I’ll see Isiah again.
What I need to do now is focus on regaining my energy and practicing my magic.
I spear a piece of chicken and take a bite. I’m sure the food is delicious, but right now, it tastes like ash.
CHAPTER 14
ISIAH
“T
ell us everything, Isiah,” Thom says. “We can’t help you if we don’t know what’s happening.”
Unable to sit still, I pace back and forth across my room. I knew I would have to explain it eventually, but I wish I didn’t because it feels absurd.
Thom, Corren, and Liam lounge in chairs, watching me intently, while Mikal lies on my bed, lounging on his side with his head cradled in his hand.
Their exploring found valuable information, but of course, they want to discuss Grace first.
“I’m warning you now, none of what I’m going to tell you makes any logical sense.” No one says anything; they only stare expectantly. I let out a long sigh. “This morning, when we went into our rooms, I was closing my curtains when out the back window I saw a female sitting in the courtyard, and the moment I laid eyes on her, the surrounding air sparked with energy. And I don’t mean in a lovestruck way. I mean itquiteliterally. It was like I was pulled to her. And when Niethal walked in with Grace on his arm, I realized she was the woman from the courtyard. When our skin touches, it… well, it’s like energy flows between us.Damn it. I’m not explaining this right. I must sound foolish.” Covering my face with my hands, I rub my eyes with my palms, pushing in hard enough to see spots.
“Keep going. What else?” Liam asks, and I drop my hands.
“Well, when we were dancing, every touch and movement was energized. She told me she felt it too, but it’s more than that. With Grace, well, I think I can see into her mind?” They stare blankly at me, so I continue. “I had what I thought was a strange dream, but after talking with Grace, I realized it was more than that because what happened in my dream happened to her in real life. I believe I was there with her when she came through the crossing.”
Mikal sits up on the bed. “Can she see into your mind too?”