Page 173 of A Lord of Snow and Greed

I swallowed, understanding, though it resonated as a betrayal to my father, or the fae who had raised me as his son and who I still thought of as my father. Truths aside, those feelings hadn’t evaporated overnight.

“The king despised the Falks, and I guess he had a good reason, but why would you hate Neve? She was only a baby when the rebellion ended.” Caelo shook his head. “I understand you want your father to be proud of you,but there’s nothing noble about despising someone who couldn’t even dress herself when you took the crown. She should not pay for the faults of her father.”

“I agree, but he would hate her for her bloodline. He already hates her for what she’s done.”

My friend scowled. “If he knew what she’d gone through, he’d be awed.”

Though Father would never love Neve, had he heard her story before he’d met her and the events of the Courting Festival transpired, he would have been impressed. She’d escaped slavery and shown great ingenuity and bravery to get what she wanted.

But once he learned of her bloodline, he still would have fed her to the White Bear. Or worse.

“I’m awed,” I admitted.

“Brother, you’re not awed. You’re in love.”

I cringed. Was I so transparent?

“Everyone sees it,” Caelo added, as if he were a mind reader. “You’re disgusted with yourself because . . . Well, yes, we’ve all worked out the relationship, but”—he shrugged—“you didn’t know. No one blames you for it.”

I stood, and, never missing a beat, Caelo did too.

“I’m not good enough for her.”

“Ah, I disagree. Though I understand not pursuing a relationship now, even if that was what you once wanted.”

I exhaled, long and low.

“Still want, then?” Caelo let out a thoughtful hum.

“It’s quite annoying that you keep speculating about my feelings.”

“I’ve known you for over twenty turns and even if Ihad not, you’re wearing them on your face, Vale.” He paused. “Is something else wrong? Am I misreading this situation?”

“No,” I admitted because the truth was, even when I’d thought that Neve and I were cousins, I still loved her. Contemplating how I’d turn that love off had been painful, but now I faced another problem—a bigger one.

“What else is wrong?” Caelo came up beside me and only then did I realize that I’d gravitated to the window once more, to where she’d been. She was still practicing magic.

“You can tell me anything, Vale.”

Stars, I wanted to. I’d dealt with my burden all night, and I’d considered telling three people: my brother, Neve, and my best friend. Somehow, it was easiest to envision telling Caelo. And yet, I would need his word. A solemn vow.

“I have a secret that would change the fates of kingdoms.” I looked at my friend. “I do want to tell you, but only if you do not tell anyone else. Should this information get out, it will be from my lips only.”

Of every other soul in the world, Rhistel deserved the truth too, but all night long I’d wrestled with telling him. Far more than I’d wrestled with telling Caelo. I still was not certain that I would tell my twin.

“You wish for me to make an eiðra?” Caelo asked.

“I do.”

“Of course I will,” Caelo replied, looking slightly wounded. “Though I hope you believe that, even without one, I would never tell a secret of yours to another soul.”

I did believe such a thing. Him, I trusted to the ends of this world, I always had been able to, even when the darkness loomed, so all-encompassing. And yet, I was so insecure with my new identity that I still required this shield.

“On the spark of your parents’ souls in the afterlife.” I extended my palm. “Swear you will say nothing, or their spark be put out.”

Caelo sucked in a breath at the harsh demand but did not hesitate to clasp my forearm at the elbow with his hand, and I squeezed his forearm in return. “Vale, I swear on my parents’ souls, on their eternal spark dining and drinking in the great long halls of the stars, that whatever you tell me will remain a secret.”

An exhale parted my lips. I already felt lighter.

---