Page 16 of The Court of Truth

The lovesick puppy eyes he’s rocking are something I can connect with.

“I need to reach out to the mages. It’s important for my role, to establish connections and all of the other boring shit, but it’s going to be infinitely more helpful if I can get some information on my father. Someone within the mage community must know more about his antics because it’s more than clear that I don’t know anything about that man,” Brody states, his shoulders slumped as he offers me a tight smile, and I nod.

He takes that as his invitation to come closer to me, and when he embraces me, his hold is tight, the strain and tension easing from his body as I stroke a hand up and down his back in comfort. I don’t know how much good it does, but a beat later he’s kissing my cheek and sauntering toward the door.

And then there were seven.

My adrenaline curls through my veins, eager to take action, but there are so many different directions I’m desperate to seek, I don’t know where to turn. My head is spinning.

Arlo turns to me, jaw falling slack, but I rush to speak before he can breathe a single word. “Where am I needed most?”

The tight smile that flashes across his face is my only warning. “You get the grand tour of your new office. The communication systems are all set up and ready for you. You’ve got back to back meetings with all of the origins. It’s important for you to show your face and start creating a bond. I’ll still be in the castle, though. I’m going to find the advisor’s office and see what I’m working with.”

“Back to back meetings?” I repeat, the adrenaline tightening around my throat as I swiftly realize any form of action I was hoping to take is muted.

“You’re starting with the fae, so that should be fun,” he says, the smile turning genuine on his face as I glance between him and my father.

I was raised to… fight, take action, and make calculated moves, but when the situation takes its first turn I’m supposed to… talk with people?

“As the queen, shouldn’t I be helping with more urgent matters?” The words fall from my lips slowly, and I note the slight wince crinkling the corners of Arlo’s eyes.

“Meeting with the different originsisurgent, Addi.”

Fuck.

I sigh, my lips twisting as I stress. I’m used to solving situations with action, not words.

“Okay,” I breathe, turning to the rest of the group who are yet to disperse.

“I’m going to check in with my mother before I meet with the commander. If Clementine’s willing to make moves like this, we need to learn to be one step ahead,” Beau states, and I nod in agreement. He doesn’t wait around, marching outside in a flurry before he’s gone.

“I should probably check in at The Council’s building, see what information I can gather,” Kryll explains, and my chest aches with panic as he nears. “I know I’m going on my own, but it’s fine. Traveling in a larger group will only draw more attention to the situation,” he adds, anticipating my objection, and I instantly sag in defeat.

“Please be safe. If anything seems out of the ordinary, call someone else in to help. Make it me. Please,” I breathe as he steps into my space, towering over me.

“I’ll be safe if you be safe too,” he offers, cupping my cheek, and I give him a pointed look.

“I’m going to be here it seems. Nothing can get to me inside those gates. There are plenty of protective layers at play to keep me out of danger,” I remind him, and the corner of his mouth tips up before he leans in and claims my lips. He brushes his mouth over mine once, twice, three times, before he takes a step back.

“Just because you’re my favorite doesn't mean you get to smooch her so close to me like that,” Nora says with a chuckle and a hint of sass, and Kryll doesn’t even attempt to argue with her.

One wave and he’s gone.

Then there were four.

My inner circle is divided and scattered in a million directions, leaving me feeling exposed without them by my side. At least Cassian is…

The wolf in question stuffs his hand into his pants pocket, retrieving his cell phone as a frown darkens his face. The look in his eyes as they collide with mine roots me to the spot and I know before he even speaks that he has to leave.

“I’m needed on the compound,” he rasps, guilt flickering in his features, and I know it’s because he can see the pain in my eyes. I try my best to blink it away as I nod.

“Of course. Go, take care of what you need. You know where I will be,” I offer, forcing a smile to my lips, but I know it doesn’t even come close to meeting my eyes.

I need to get a grip.

I’m embarrassing myself more than anything. More than that, I’m supposed to be a strong independent woman, and right now I’m far from it.

“I love you,” he whispers, capturing my chin between his thumb and finger as he tilts my face up, and I smile, his words warming me.

---