Page 47 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

I landed in my room, preparing to head to the secret door.I left him in the garden, soaking wet.

Humor shot through the connection, easing the tension in my body.

You, sprite, never fail to surprise me. I suspect that will never change.

The warmth of his love spread throughout my chest, and I couldn’t help but smile. His approval of my unpredictability was something I needed right now. He saw and appreciated me for who I was.

The warmth remained, but the fear crept back into the bond. He replied,He won’t want to leave you, which means we have to get out of here. Tonight. No matter what. We had a little flexibility before, but not anymore.

I hated that he was right. We needed to get away from this land. If Pyralis was going to become more territorial over me, I had to escape while I could.Okay. I’ll figure something out.Which was going to be a pickle in and of itself.

Someone pounded on my door, and I froze. I wanted to pretend I wasn’t here, but a key slid into the lock and clicked before I could turn around and leave. The staff usually waited for me to tell them to come in.

The door was flung open, and Mom entered. Her lips were pressed into a firm line, and she shook her head. “Your parents are angry, Lira.”

I placed my hands on my hips, refusing to back down. “He manhandled me. I don’t regret defending myself.”

She smirked. “I’m not saying you should.” She touched my shoulders. “But in this realm, things are viewed differently. Even though I secretly approve of what you did, things are different for you here, especially as heir to the throne.”

“Meaning I have no freedom to decide things on my own.” I exhaled, my shoulders sagging. “I refuse to live like that.”

Her face softened, and she brushed a piece of hair behind my ear. “I know, Lira. We’ll figure something out. Things are tense between you and your parents because they expected you to come back the same as when you left and not tied to their biggest enemy. In time, they’ll come around, and the three of you can figure out what sort of relationship you can have.”

“I don’t want a relationship with them,” I muttered. “Besides, I have you and Dad.” Then my lungs seized. “Right?” Maybe they didn’t view me as their daughter anymore now that their memories had returned. I wasn’t their blood, after all. Our magic bound us, but I couldn’t prevent the insecurities from flittering within.

“Of course, little sprout.” She kissed my cheek and pulled back. “Brenin and I love you as much as Eiric. On Earth, we became family, and nothing will ever change how we feel about you. But King Erdan and Queen Sylphia are your parents too, and the rulers of our land. You’ll never be able to completely break free from them. Their royal magic runs through your veins just as much as it does theirs.”

I hated that she was right. Father was the royal blood heir, and Mother was high fae. On their wedding day, their hands had been cut so that his blood mixed with hers, giving her some of the royal magic and anointing her as queen more so than the crown she wore. I sighed, knowing what she’d say next.

“You’ve been summoned to the royal office, and we’ve already taken too much time.” Her wings spread out, and fire danced on her fingertips. “And if the ashbreath tries anything in front of me, you won’t have to defend yourself because I’ll do it for you.”

The fact that she sounded like the same person I’d known on Earth eased some of the churning in my stomach. She’d vowed to always be on my side, no matter what, and it was clear she meant it here too.

Trusting her, I managed to swallow. “You should have seen him standing there, scaly and soaking wet.”

Mom laughed. The sound was so carefree and infectious that I found my cheeks lifting from a smile.

“Okay, no more of that right now.” She lifted a brow. “If you want to have a say in your future, it’s in your best interests to play more by your parents’ rules and not be so ornery. You and your father are too similar for your own good, and you’re both being stubborn. Since you have more at stake, it’d be wise for you to bend first.”

I flinched. I hated feeling so powerless, especially since I planned on leaving tonight, but she had a point. I didn’t want to be an enemy to the Seelie, and I did care for my parents. “You’re right.”

“Oh, sprout. I love it when you say those words to me.” She winked and marched to the doorway, waving me out. “The only person they sound better coming from is your daddy.”

I rolled my eyes but breezed past her.

We flew side by side toward Father’s study. I had no doubt that Mother and Pyralis would be there as well, and I’d be walking into a situation where, even though I’d been protecting myself, I’d be the person in the wrong.

As we turned left to head to the study, I saw Eiric out of the corner of my eye. My head turned toward her, and our gazeslocked as I passed by. She neither smiled nor frowned at me, making a chill run down my spine.

I couldn’t read her, which had never happened before.

“You’re not the only one struggling with changes, dear,” Mom said, brushing a hand down my arm. “But don’t fret. The four of us are strong, and we’ll sync our wings together eventually.”

“I said some things last night…” I trailed off, unable to finish that sentence. I descended closer to the smooth white floor as my wings drooped with shame. “It popped out of my mouth without me thinking through the words. I’m not sure E will ever forgive me.”

“You two are inseparable.” Mom winked at me as we reached the door to the royal study. “Trust me.” She paused, waiting for me to enter the room first.

I inhaled deeply, ready to enter, when Father said, “The markings are an illusion placed on her by the Unseelie king. It’s nothing to be concerned about.”

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