Page 28 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

Tavish.

Our bond was lukewarm, the way it felt when he was asleep. I wished I could talk to him, Finnian, or Caelan—someone who could update me on everything.

“The guards informed me that there was no way Tavish could survive, so none of this matters.” Father beamed. “The Unseelie will weaken more and never cast our lands into darkness ever again.”

Darkness.

That was what had caused the attack. The former Unseelie king—Tavish’s father—had cloaked the dragons’ land and ours in darkness, like Tavish had his kingdom. But the Seelie and the dragons weren’t meant to live in complete darkness. We required light.

“You do realize that the king and queen who cast the darkness over our lands have died?” As soon as the words were out, I knew Eiric would be scowling at me, but I didn’t regret saying this. “None of the living Unseelie actually harmed us.”

Eiric hung her head, confirming my suspicions. I had a way of running my mouth, but I couldn’t remain silent while he spoke so harshly of my mate’s people. They’d become what they were because of their circumstances.

“The wrongs and rights of the royals pass on to their people.” Father’s forehead was lined with confusion. “Every person in this realm understands this, and you’re the Seelieprincess. You shouldn’t be speaking such nonsense.”

“It’s Earth, my king.” Mom pressed her lips together. “They believe in those foolish ideologies she speaks of, and we lost our memories, so we couldn’t make sure she was raised in the proper way of the Seelie.”

Mother sighed and pressed her shaky fingers to her lips. “Maybe the dragons were right to be angry with us. She would’ve been better off staying here.”

A memory flashed through my mind of me as a little girl, begging my parents to allow me to stay. Even though a portion of me had wanted to experience the human world, I hadn’t wanted to forget them or my place in Gleann Solas. They’d been fearful for me ever since Eldrin had injured me while I’d been healing Tavish.

My blood froze.

I’dsaved Tavish, not Eldrin. Eldrin had merely taken Tavish from the holding cell, cloaking him in shadows.

The life debt Tavish believed he owed his cousin wasn’t legitimate. Eldrin had used the situation to his own benefit. No wonder he wanted me dead before I regained my memories.

A guard rushed into the room, and his face blanched. I didn’t recognize this guard, but there was something oddly familiar about him… like he might be someone I knew.

“King Erdan and Queen Sylphia, guards near the eastern veil have arrived with two Unseelie fae in their midst. They’re taking them to the prison cells.” The male guard’s rich blueeyes sparkled. “One of them came through the veil on his own, though we aren’t certain how or why.”

My stomach dropped. “It must be Eldrin.”

Dad’s head snapped toward me. “Why do you say that?”

I swallowed, trying not to relive Eldrin’s attack on me in the tub. “He cut me and took some of my blood in a vial.”

“AndTavishallowed that to happen?” Mom asked, lifting her chin. Her dark-brown eyes turned almost onyx, and her fingertips turned red, evidence of her fire magic.

That question was a punch to the gut, though he deserved the censure. “He didn’t know it was happening.” Even as I provided the answer, I knew they wouldn’t believe me.

“Another illusion spell.” Mother shook her head. “It was probably Tavish himself who did it.”

I clenched my hands, wanting to punch something. Everything I said, they refused to believe, making me feel like I was still ten, though I’d been gone for over twelve years.

“It’s time we get some answers.” Father expanded his huge chestnut-brown wings that matched the color of his hair and darted out.

Mother, Mom, and Dad followed, leaving me alone with Eiric.

Eiric flew to the door and shut it then returned to my side. She took my hand, linking her fingers with mine.

That was all it took for the sob that had been caught in my chest to release and the tears to stream down my face. Fae weren’t supposed to show emotions—the belief was that it made us look weak—but I didn’t agree. Emotions also made us strong, and right now, I needed to let my feelings out before I did something more rash and exploded.

“L, what happened with him?” she asked, clearly wanting to hear what I had to say.

I sniffled as I looked her in the eye and whispered, “He kidnapped me, and things were rough for both of us for a while, but then he saved my life while risking his people turning against him. It’s not an illusion. He’s my fated mate.”

“Okay.” Eiric nodded, squeezing my hand tighter.

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