29. Yera

Chapter twenty-nine

Yera

A rrick's fingers wind tightly in mine. Since my very pleasant wake-up this evening, he has been by my side and touching me in any way possible.

I'll occasionally get glimpses of his inner dialog when he forgets to protect his thoughts.

I clasp his hand even tighter when I feel preemptive loss flood his mind—the loss of me, of us.

A hollowness surrounds my nerves—a growing ink stain on white paper. We need to make some big decisions soon but not yet. I brush his shoulder with the side of my face, needing to feel more of his skin. His giant arm snakes around my shoulder and presses me tight to him.

We walk to the throne room wrapped in each other, saying nothing and everything.

The throne room is pure chaos. When Arrick and I round the corner into the cavernous space, shock is the only word that comes to mind. Papers, food, and drinks are scattered throughout, and one harpy is asleep in a leather recliner.

"Good evening, everyone," I say, clearing my throat.

Their heads snap up when they hear my voice, all looking tired and slightly irritated.

"Arrick, Yera, so wonderful to see you both. We have been making major progress, and I think you'll be pleased with the direction we intend to head." Dia is beaming, so I smile back at her. Even chaotic progress is good progress.

"I'm thrilled to hear it." Just then, Kalevi walks through the large double doors, two steaming mugs of coffee in his hands. He looks at us, smiles, and sets one mug in front of Dia.

That's a shock. I blink back my surprise at the simple gesture. Hours ago, these two would have gladly ripped each other to shreds. Now, they exchange pleasantries and favors?

I'm confused about the events of the last few hours. Arrick and I have been asleep or otherwise engaged, but it has clearly been significant.

Arrick squeezes my hand, and I know he's thinking the same thing. It makes me realize how palpable our connection is and brings the ache back to my chest, knowing what happens after we leave this castle.

** *

The next few hours fly by. The new court has formed a master declaration of sorts. Arrick and I sit and listen, and the mismatched group excitedly speaks over one another, laying out all the details.

The sun has completely set; the room is lit with golden sprite light, and they wheel a large cart in with cured meats, cheeses, fruit, bread, and a carafe of wine.

I wait until my new…friends? Acquaintances? Co-workers, maybe? I don't know what to consider them at this point. Regardless, I wait for them to finish a glass or two of wine and some cheese and sweet bread, just enough to relax the hard lines of their shoulders, just enough for a bit of color to splash on their cheeks before I drop our news.

"We need to leave soon," I blurt out unexpectedly. Heads snap up from their plates and goblets. That wasn't how I had planned to introduce this topic.

"Sorry, that was abrupt." I shake off the excess anxiety and continue. "I don't belong here, and I don't just mean in this castle. I don't belong in this world. Finding my friends has been my only goal, and I can't ignore it now."

My head and shoulders slump a bit after I notice a glint of pain in Arrick's eyes at the declaration.

My heartache intensifies as I see the pained expressions on each face in the room.

"I wanted to tell you how much this experience has changed me. How much meeting you has changed me. If there was an easy way for me to travel back and forth between here and my home, I would do it immediately. "

Arrick stands beside me and wraps his hand around mine, comforting.

"We need to leave in the morning," he says, looking at the harpies and then at the queen. "I don't know if I can port with her. Is there any way you would carry her again, if I can't?" All three harpies nod in agreement, their shale-colored skin brought to life in the soft golden light.

Dia stands. "You have picked up the ability to mind speak." She presses her thin, red-tipped fingers to her lips, considering. "Who knows what else you are capable of?" A fire lights behind her eyes, and she moves close to us. "Come with me to the library. Let's see if there is anything my powers can gift you that will make your journey easier."

That sounds ominous. She grabs me by the arm, causing my fingers to un-link from Arrick's, and pulls me out of the room.