Page 108 of A Trial of Fate

“Flawed? How? Is there an uneven balance of power or tension?”

His lip curled up with amusement. “More questions,” he said with a spark lighting his gray eyes.

I bucked up my chin and gave him a look. “Does it really surprise you?”

“On the contrary, I look forward to them,” Dax answered, trying to hold back the grin that held the secret dimples on his cheek. “Not everyone favors her. It is only her magic that keeps her seat of power—not the love of her people.”

“Ya don’t say,” I exclaimed, cocking my hip to the side and shrugging. “I would haveneverguessed.”

“Careful, Spitfire.” Daxton’s mood morphed, his darker, more serious demeanor coming to light.

“I’ll be careful, I promise… I promise. It’s just you and me in here, so I’m not holding back my opinions.”

Dax crossed his arms in front of his brooding chest and mumbled to himself. “While I am pleased that you are open and honest with me, it seems your lessons with Castor will need to start sooner rather than later.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“My brother is unlike any other when it comes to understanding and, at times, manipulating the different fae courts within the realms. He is my second because while I command and lead the armies of Silver Meadows, he is an expert at interpreting motives and can adapt to any situation thrown at him. Castor is the reason I was able to begin forming allies, and he understands the workings of the three different realms of the Inner Kingdom better than anyone I know.”

“That is … impressive.”

“He is a spectacle, however. I wouldn’t dare tell him you think so highly of his skillset or else it will go to his head.”

“Very well,” I said with a tittering laugh. “But what exactly willhe teach me?”

“Cas will teach you the art of deception and give you a brief but vital history lesson of the various royal houses. He will teach you about those you can trust and those that you need to approach with caution.”

“What about my training with you?”

“Don’t worry.” Daxton grinned, and it struck a spark through me that both terrified and intrigued me at the same time.Calm down…I scolded myself. “Our training will take place each day before your session with Castor.”

“Good.”

I opened my dresser, realizing I was still in the same dress from last night. There was no way sailing in open waters would be comfortable in this outfit. I found my brown leather pants and decided to pair them with a matching quarter-sleeved brown jacket layered over a white tunic that laced around my middle. It was lightweight and comfortable—perfect for long days of travel.

“Would you mind?” I lifted my hands, pointing toward the door. “I need to change. I won’t be wearing this dress on our voyage.”

“No, I don’t mind,” Daxton answered as he raised his brows and chuckled, appearing to make himself comfortable.

“Out.”

“Oh. You should be more specific with your requests, Spitfire.” His deep laughter followed him as he turned around on his heels in the direction of the doorway. “I’ll be downstairs. I hate to rush you. But the ship is ready to sail, and we need to leave promptly.”

“I understand.” I sighed. “But the longer you linger, the longer this is going to take.”

“No peeking?” Daxton asked, stalling in the doorway.

“No. Peeking.” I marched over and promptly shut the door in his handsome, complacent face.

I dressed quickly and made my way down to the living area, where all of them were waiting for me. I noticed Daxton step aside, excusing himself out toward the front porch so I could say goodbye to my family.

“We wanted to send you off here,” Julia said, holding back her tears. “It would just be…”

I rushed up to hug her tightly. “I know.” If they followed me to the boat, I didn’t know if I would have the strength to board.

I turned to Neera next, lifting her off her dainty feet and squeezing her as tight as I could. “I love you, sis.” She hugged meback, kissing my cheeks before rushing to Julia’s open arms.

Talon and Rhea surprised me by sandwiching me between them. “Don’t crack a rib,” I joked.

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