Page 89 of Once the Skies Fade

Graham now sat on the very edge of the armchair across from me. Leaning forward, his forearms resting on his legs, he inched his hands ever closer to my legs, and I had to fight the urge to scoot my chair away from him. I stiffened when his fingertips lightly grazed over my knee in a gesture I assumed he intended to be comforting. Instead, it conjured a million pinpricks down my arms.

“You should have just accepted my offer, Calla,” he said softly.

I pressed my tongue hard against the roof of my mouth so as to hide my irritation that made me want to gnash my teeth together. Drawing in a slow, calming breath—that failed to soothe anything—I pulled my lips into a relaxed smile.

“Perhaps, but then we’d miss all the fun of these games.”

He laughed dryly. “Yes, you seem to be having loads of fun.”

Stiffening, I pinned him with a glare. “Don’t mock me.”

His face fell, and he slid his hand away from me, shifting back in his chair. “Apologies, Calla. I only wish to spare you this?—”

“I don’t need you to save me, Graham.”

“Oh, that’s right,” he said, his eyes darkening before he looked away. He slowly crossed his ankle over his other knee and dropped his arms to the armrests. “That’s Matthias’s job, not mine.”

Heat gathered in my chest, and though my shadows stirred just beneath the surface of my palms, they remained contained. That remedy Jocelyn had created for me worked better than I could have imagined. I didn’t even need to fist my hands now to keep my magic subdued. Too bad it didn’t temper my anger though.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” I asked, trying to keep my tone as even as possible.

Graham’s dark, speckled eyes snapped to mine, but I couldn’t quite read his expression. Anger, pain, rejection, disgust. His features seemed to display all of these at once. When he answered me, though, his words dripped with jealousy.

“You know exactly what I mean. You claim you can’t open your heart to anyone else, but then the moment you need help, you lethim?—”

“I was fucking unconscious in the forest that day he arrived! I didn’tlethim do a stars-damned thing.” My hands clenched tight, my fingernails biting into my palms.

“And the dance?”

“What was I supposed to do, Graham? I couldn’t risk making a scene with the Assembly there.”

“Convenient,” he muttered, now crossing his arms at his chest.

“We’re done here,” I said and pushed to my feet.

Graham simply stared up at me, his lips sliding into a cocky grin. “My time’s not up yet.”

“I say it is.”

He didn’t make any effort to move but rather dropped his head to an angle. “The Assembly might be interested to find out you’re playing favorites.”

“Favorites? I’m beginning to detest you all equally.”

Graham dropped his chin to his chest, closed his eyes, and shook his head slowly. “I’m sorry, Calla. I shouldn’t let him get to me. It’s just…” He didn’t bother finishing his sentence as he looked to the large wooden clock standing in the corner. He released a weary breath. “I have just five more minutes. Then I will leave. I don’t want to get you in trouble with the Assembly by leaving early.”

My scoff came out more of a growl, and then I turned away from him.

“I need a fucking drink,” I mumbled to myself and strode over to a small cart tucked between two bookcases.

I’d resisted pouring a glass of brandy during the previous suitors’ visits, but as irritated as I was with Graham, I knew he wouldn’t begrudge me this one comfort. I poured a small amount of my favorite brandy, Vranic’s from Dolobare, into a crystal glass and lifted it to my lips, relishing its sharp scent.

I’d just tilted my head back for a sip when someone knocked at the door. I didn’t move to answer it, and Graham grumbled as he rose and stomped across the room. Closing my eyes, I imagined myself far away from here, away from this room, this tournament, this entire situation.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Graham grumbled, and I squeezed my eyes tighter, wishing the peaceful image in my head was real—a remote cottage tucked away in a mountain forest with no need for enchanted protection.

“I was told to be here.”

That damned voice. I breathed deep, catching hints of his wood and leather scent.

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