Page 102 of The Throne's Undoing

"We will have to cut today's walk short," Medenia said apologetically as Kallie sat up. "I am needed back inside."

"Oh," Kallie whispered, then looked to Nyrri. "Is it all right if I stay for a little longer?"

Medenia and Ophelia exchanged glances, an unspoken conversation passing between them. Finally, the princess's shoulders dropped. "I don't think--"

"I can walk her back in a little."

Kallie went rigid as Terin approached from behind them. She cleared her throat and began to rise to her feet. "It's quite all right. I do not want to impose," she said carefully.

"It's no imposition," Terin said, waving off her concerns. When Kallie's lips parted, an objection on her tongue, he smiled. "Really, I don't mind."

"Thank you, Terin," Medenia said with a grin. The princess turned to Kallie. "I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

Before Kallie could say anything, the desire to flee rising in her bones, Nyrri laid her large head across Kallie's lap with a final huff. Kallie narrowed her gaze at the creature. Nyrri squinted an eye open, peering at her before nuzzling against her lap.

Traitor.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Kallie nodded.

Once Medenia and Ophelia left, Terin shifted uncomfortably on his feet. "Mind if I sit?" he asked.

Kallie shook her head, her voice suddenly stripped from her throat. Terin had visited her often in those first few days when she lay in the infirmary. But since she had joined Medenia, he had not come to see her.

Medenia mentioned that Terin had been pulled away in other discussions with the queen, but Kallie didn't press her for more information.

Until this moment, she hadn't realized just how much she dreaded coming face-to-face with him, but there was no escaping it now. Nyrri made sure of that.

Terin cleared his throat. "How are you?"

Kallie shrugged, feigning a casual air. "Fine, all things considered."

Terin nodded, picking at the grass absentmindedly. "I..." He hesitated, his brows drawing together as he stared at a pile of blades in front of his lap. "I'm sorry."

Kallie snapped her gaze up. "For what?"

"For letting them do that to you," he admitted.

"Do not be sorry for that," she mumbled. "It had to be done. I was a danger to all of you. If I had been in your shoes, I would have done the same thing."

Terin offered her a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm glad you see it that way. Not everyone does."

Kallie wanted to ask who, but for some reason, she couldn't. Instead, she shrugged.

"But if you won't accept my apology for that, I apologize for forcing you unconscious again without your permission," Terin added.

Kallie pursed her lips. "You do seem to have an annoying habit of doing that."

He chuckled softly, but the sound was short-lived as it fell away on the breeze. An uncomfortable silence followed, full of unspoken words neither dared voice.

Kallie swallowed. "The dreams have stopped. That is your doing, I assume?" she asked.

Terin exhaled, but Kallie did not look at him. Her attention remained fixed on Nyrri as she stroked the top of her head.

"Yes, it is," he confirmed.

"Did you...did you see them?"

Terin could have lied to her, but he didn't. "I did. It was a violation, and I am sorry for that, too. I do not take enjoyment out of glimpsing one's memories."

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