Page 8 of The Court of Truth

“Let her eat before you paw at her,” Raiden mumbles, putting a plate of food in front of me as Brody takes the seat beside him.

He looks tired, everyone here does. About as tired as I feel.

I expect an awkwardness to linger in the air, fromwhat,I don’t know, but there’s nothing but a sense of calm as everyone eats, so I get over myself and join them.

Pancakes, bacon, and syrup are just what I needed.

Cassian eventually joins us, making use of the coffee machine in the corner and bringing me a steaming mug before joining the group at the table. When everyone’s done, I sigh, opting to lead the conversation instead of hiding away from it like I want to.

Clearing my throat, I sit tall in Kryll’s lap. “My father said I need an advisor.”

Almost everyone at the table offers me their attempt at a reassuring smile. Everyone except Arlo. He continues to shovel food into his mouth as he nods. Once he’s done, he doesn’t look up from his plate, readying his fork with more bacon as he speaks. “He’s right. You need someone to basically manage your life.” He chews, continuing to nod still before he repeats the motion, pausing long enough to speak once again. “They need to offer you guidance when needed, but mostly keep you informed.” He still hasn’t lifted his head from his food, unfazed by the attention he holds from everyone around the table.

Kryll’s fingers sweep across my thigh before squeezing, and it pulls my gaze his way. I search his eyes, and it’s as if he knows what I’m searching for. He nods and I instantly understand that he knows more than I do.

“What does her day realistically look like, Arlo?” he asks, nodding for me to look back at the fae who scoffs in response.

“Busy with a capitalB. It could lean toward the manic side too, but that is yet to be seen. It really depends on how your appointments go and the general state of the kingdom now that there’s a magical homicidal maniac on the loose. Once you’ve appointed an advisor, you must then consider your council and leaders, like Head of Defense, Origins Liaison, Treasurer, Mage Master, and any other roles that you feel are necessary. Then you’re going to need to move.”

“Move?” I blurt, and he finally looks away from his food and meets my confused stare with a casual shrug.

“To the castle.”

My heart about stops in my chest. My throat clogs, making it impossible for me to breathe, and my body stiffens from head to toe.

I know we visited the castle on a field trip with the academy, but my brain hadn’t connected the dots. I guess with everything feeling so rushed yesterday, it’s caught me off guard. It seems I’m not the only one, though. Raiden, Cassian, Brody, and Flora all glance around the table in surprise too.

Sighing, I tuck my hair behind my ear and reach for my mug of coffee, drinking every last drop before I ask the question I know is needed. “This is definitely already manic,” I admit, earning a soft smile from Flora. “Any news on Clementine?” The energy shifts in the room, uncertainty encapsulating us with the reminder of the new threat standing in our way.

“Not yet,” Arlo answers with another shrug, placing his cutlery on his plate as he leans back in his seat. “But it’s still early and no one has been assigned to begin the search,” he adds, and I nod in understanding.

My father was right. Selecting an advisor sets everything else in motion.

“It sounds like you better start appointing,” Raiden murmurs, scrubbing the back of my neck like he agrees with my thoughts.

Kryll’s thumb ghosts over my thigh again and I take the silent strength offered. “And I have to start with an advisor?” I confirm, giving myself a moment to compose myself, and Arlo nods. “Good, because I choose you, Arlo.”

6

CASSIAN

It’s almost amusing, staring at Arlo’s reaction. The pink hue on his cheeks is made even more prominent by the paleness that consumes the rest of him. His jaw is slack as he gapes at Addi, who patiently gives him a moment to come to terms with what she just said. If I wasn’t sinking in my own turmoil, then I’m sure I’d have a sarcastic comment to throw his way, but my reality is threatening to overwhelm me and leave me paralyzed with anxiety.

Addi is doing the right thing appointing him as her advisor. There’s no love involved, not like my brothers and me, but he’s also gathered the information she needs. It doesn’t mean I won’t keep an extra close eye on him, but it does ease a slight ripple of concern in my veins. Not completely, but I’ll take what I can get.

It does little to address the real root of my problems though.

I can’t be a member of her council, not when the wolves need me.

The calm and serene warmth that flooded my limbs from coming down Addi’s throat is gone. The perfect start to the day is instantly crippled by the anticipation of what comes next.

I’m torn, trapped between a rock and a hard place, destined to hurt someone, somehow, and there’s no avoiding it. For once in my life, I’m aware of hurting someone else’s feelings and it leaves me speechless.

Arlo clears his throat, sitting tall in his seat as his gaze fixes on Addi’s. “We better get into it then, huh?”

“You want to call a meetingnow?” Beau asks, speaking up for the first time, gaze flitting between Addi and Arlo, and it’s the latter who answers.

“Ideally, yes, but we can’t call anything until the other appointments have been made. Otherwise, it’s not an official meeting with an official council,” he explains, and Addi nods in understanding.

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