Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

Julleyand the others have moved all of my belongings to Thalore’s rooms, somewhere in the west wing of the palace. I’ve never been. If I could help it, I never would.

But tonight, I will have nowhere else to sleep. I will be forced to find my supposed mate’s family’s rooms, and I’ll be forced to be around him despite my desire to keep as much distance between us as possible.

I’m wandering through the courtyard, ignoring subtle glances and hushed whispers. A glance at the sun confirms the time for dinner draws near. Rather than submit myself to a dinner with the nobles in the queen’s dining hall, I find myself venturing to the guards’ quarters and the armory attached to it.

The sound of male voices greets me as I step into the weapon-dense space. At first, no one notices me. But the moment that changes, voices die down until the only sound I hear are the heavy breaths of the males sparring in ring at the center of the room.

“Guardian Loftin.” General Wilm, the fae in charge of the royal guard, rises from his place among his soldiers. He walks my way.

“Hello, General.”

He stops less than two feet away. His arms cross. “What are you doing here?”

I blink, taken aback by his unwelcome tone. “I wanted to work out.” That’s not entirely true, but it’s a better answer than admitting I’m avoiding Thalore.

The general’s familiar green eyes flicker with remorse. They harden the next second. “I take it Thalore did not tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“There has been a change in your position at Court.”

I grimace. “I’m aware.” No one cares that I do not acknowledge my supposed mating with Thalore. They treat me like a fae lady with their deferential nods and awed stares when the truth is I am nothing other than a Shadowguard Guardian, eager to return to my former life in the mortal realm.

The general swallows. “What I mean, Lady Andrea⁠—”

“Don’t,” I snap. Immediately, I go to apologize. “I’m sorry, General. But please don’t call me lady. I’m Andie. Please call me Andie.”

He clearly wants to object. But his expression softens ever so slightly and he nods. “Very well. There has been a change in your position, Andie. You are no longer a member of the royal guard.”

My jaw drops. “What?”

“Members of nobility are not permitted to hold positions with the royal guard.” Regret laces his tone.

I am stunned.

“But that’s ridiculous,” I counter. "I’m a trained Guardian. There’s no better job for me than one with the royal guard.”

“That’s the thing, Andie. Ladies don’t work.”

Indignation fills me, followed swiftly by reluctant understanding.

The fae view of females and their capabilities are outdated, to say the least. My participation in the betrothal contest had caused quite a stir, but fortunately the queen allowed me to act as Thalore’s champion.

At the time, I believed Thalore’s decision was based on faith in my abilities. I believed he valued my skills and what I could accomplish as an ambassador for my people. I really thought he was different.

Come to find out he only asked me to the fae realm because he thought I was fae. He wanted me closer to figure out if it was true.

Everything I believed had been a lie.

And the betrayal stings. Acutely.

“There has to be a way to make an exception.” My voice is pleading. “I can’t stay in the palace and do nothing. Let me help the guard in some way.” Even as I speak, I know there’s not much I can do aside from actively guard the royal family and palace. It’s clear that won’t be allowed. Not now that the queen has declared me Thalore’s mate.

“I apologize, Andie, but I cannot let that happen. Though, I wish I could.”

My shoulders deflate.

“Can I at least workout here?” I need one place in this palace where I can unwind. And that certainly won’t be Thalore’s rooms.

Indecision twists General Wilm’s expression. Finally, he murmurs, “I will approve your use of the armory, provided you are discreet with your comings and goings. I suggest you only come here in the early mornings or evenings.”

Appreciation fills me. “Thank you, General.”

“You’re welcome, Andie. But please know, if anyone questions me regarding your activities, I will be honest. I won’t keep secrets.”

“I understand.”

He nods. “Considering the hour, I suggest you find your way back to the palace. Or someone might wonder what you’re doing in here.”

I hate to leave, but I agreed to be discreet. So, with a quick goodbye, I’m back to wandering through the courtyard.

There are fewer fae around. Most have already ventured into the palace to prepare for dinner. But there is a trio of fae females who catches my attention.

I stop and watch Princess Alora walk across the stone courtyard. Lady Nilly and Lady Hycinda trail after her, looking like eager puppies, yearning for a hint of approval from their princess. Even from this distance, I can hear them sputtering excited remarks about the upcoming trip to Navern and all the extravagant plans in place to celebrate the princess’s betrothal to Lord Clifton.

My brows furrow. Can the females really not sense Alora’s lack of excitement. Dare I say, her depression?

Alora and I have not spoken since she started avoiding me, long before the final competition in the betrothal contest. But we don’t have to speak for me to know she is not excited about her upcoming mating to Lord Clifton. He is not the male she wanted.

Clifton may have won the betrothal contest after reaching the bottom of the Murky Mountain, but he will never have Alora’s heart.

I fear it belongs to Thalore—all the more reason she hates me.

Sensing my gaze, Alora looks up. Her crystal blue eyes meet mine. She halts. The ladies behind her do the same. When they turn to me, excitement lightens their features. But they school their expression when they notice Alora’s less than enthused reaction.

Alora and I stare at one another. I try to convey so many things in my stare. Apology for how things turned out. Sadness for her predicament with Clifton. And, finally, regret that we lost the short stint of comradery we’d managed to develop before things went to hell.

I keep my breath even, but anticipation flows through me when Alora continues to linger and stare. Will she finally speak with me? Will I have to chance to mend the bridge between us?

My hopes are dashed when Alora turns up her nose and spins around. She practically stomps back into the palace. Nilly and Hycinda are quick to follow.

My shoulders slump. It’s wishful thinking, but it would be nice to clear the air with the princess. Especially now that I’m stuck in Avedon for the foreseeable future.

But try as I might, I can’t think of anything I can do mend my relationship with Alora. Other than get her out of her engagement to Clifton, and find a way out of my own predicament with Thalore.

I leave the courtyard and head to the infirmary to sit with Tony. As I walk, the reality of my situation threatens to dishearten me. It’s always this way. Especially when I walk into Tony’s room and see my ex lying unconscious on the bed.

I pull up the chair at his side and bring it close to the bed with a heavy sigh. I grab his hand and lace our fingers.

“Hey, Tony. Nothing much new to report today. Gerald and Hugh left, but you already know that. They came to say goodbye to you.”

Tony’s chest rises and falls in steady rhythm. His vitals are strong, and his wounds are healed. No one knows what’s keeping him unconscious. As always, my thoughts turn to his family.

Now that the other champions have returned to our realm, the Shadowguard must know about Tony’s condition. The Walsh’s must be so worried. Every day, I wait for Guardian Burns to return with them in tow to demand their son return to our realm. They have yet to come, but it’s only a matter of time.

And I hope that their arrival will coincide with a demand that I return home, as well.

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.