Page 73 of A Petal in the Crown

“I know,” she sniffled. “I know. Wehaveto win. I just needed to say it. I love you, Gray. Forever.”

“And even after that,” Gray said, his expression suddenly serious. He cleared his throat, opening his mouth to speak, but Vincent appeared, interrupting his thought.

Gray stiffened at the intrusion. “Has something happened?” he asked, his voice low.

Vincent shook his head. “Not here. It's about… the soldiers from Hampstead have returned.”

“Right,” Gray said sadly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’d like to speak to them. Lea?”

“I think I’ll stay here,” Lea said, looking over at Janelle, who was beaming up at Erik, who was somehow smiling even harder than her. Gray cupped Lea’s cheek, his eyes full of understanding.

“I’ll be back soon, then,” he said, kissing her softly before following Vincent out of the dining hall.

Pushing the images of another burned village from her mind, and suddenly exhausted, Lea went to find a glass of water. As she neared the window, a shadow once again darkened the crack between curtains, darting back and forth again and again. Whatever it was seemed to be taunting her, waiting for her. It settled on the ledge outside, and Lea squinted again, trying to determine what it could be. It was small, no more than a foot tall—a bird of some sort?

Tap, tap, tap.The shadow knocked on the window.

Lea shook her head. Probably just an animal trying to escape the blistering heat outside. She turned away, but the bird tapped more firmly.Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.A prickle of magic dusted against Lea's skin, and she paused, looking around to make sure no one was watching before slipping toward the window and peeling the curtain back. Only a few inches, not wanting to let more light into the room and bring attention to herself.

Outside on the stone ledge perched a hawk. It was smaller than any hawk she’d ever seen before, with reddish markings on its wings and black circlesaround its eyes.

Lea bent down to look closer, and it tilted its head at her, meeting her eyes. Once the bird saw her, a small roll of parchment appeared in its beak.

Lea’s heart skipped a beat as it tapped the glass again, and with shaking hands, she cracked the window open, just enough to reach outside. The heat was stifling as the bird dropped the parchment into her open palm.

It was rough; the edges frayed as if ripped from a larger piece, and she turned it over to look for a seal or something to identify the sender, but there was none. Lea looked back to the bird, searching for any indication of who might be responsible for its presence, but before she could search for clues, it opened its wings and took off, gone in an instant as if it had never been there at all.

She moved to close the window, but before it latched shut, a gust of wind blew, slipping under the edge of the parchment and unfolding it in Lea’s hand. Her stomach clenched as her mother’s words clanged around her skull with an intensity that made her breaths quicken.The wind will guide you.

With a quick look over her shoulder to make sure nobody was looking, she snapped the window closed and hurried to the far side of the room by the fireplace, hiding behind the table of small cakes and candies Elise had prepared for the reception.

Lea turned to face the fire, pretending to admire the ornate swirling decorations on the mantle as she peeled open the note.

Lea,

It is at great risk that I write this letter, but I do so in hopes this message can be delivered to you, and to you alone. I met Alaric on the road as he was leaving the palace, and with Gray’s advice, groveled for his forgiveness. The things I had to say about Gray—about you—to convince him of my loyalty still sit thick in my throat, threatening to choke me. But Gray wasright. Somewhere inside Alaric is a small boy who has always wanted his parents’ approval and affection.

I am safe. At least, for now.

Please listen carefully. Eudora has joined Alaric, and they are watching you closely. But for some reason, thank the goddess, Eudora cannot see you. From what I have gathered, you are blocked from her visions, but only you. It is a small mercy, and I hope it buys you time.

Alaric grows stronger by the day. He hides inside the Wicked Wood, just south of the town of Pontor. Even the demons flee from him, and I fear if you do not act soon, he will find a way to use them against you.

You must separate yourself from the others and find him; use any excuse you can, but you must go alone. As long as you tell no one of your plans, Eudora and Alaric will be caught unaware. Burn this note.

And please, hurry.

Genevieve.

Lea's blood turned to ice as a heavy blanket of emotions settled over her—terror that the time was coming, mixed with relief that one way or another, this would soon be over. Sorrow that she would have to deceive her friends and her mate, mixed with the resolve to do what she had to do to save their kingdom.

Is this why Evangeline’s visions had shown her failing when Gray knew of her plans? Because Eudora wouldn’t see her coming if she acted alone?

The goddess had been very clear; she was the only one who could end this war. It was her destiny to do so. Surely, it was the goddess protecting her now by blocking her from Eudora’s visions.

Or was this simply another trap? Maybe she could tell Gray. Maybe the god of the sun was punishing them, trying to separate them.Lea’s sword warmed on her hip as if telling her she was lying to herself.

She knew the truth. It wasn’t a trap at all.Thiswas the way forward. Alone.

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