Page 11 of The Shattered Kingdom
Mason blinks. “What about it?”
“We intend to honor the bond, but we wish to remain quiet about it for the time being,” Kie says, ignoring Mason. “We can discuss your position in court once we’ve had the opportunity to corroborate your story.”
I was under the assumption that mate bonds were romantic, but the way Kie and Mason speak about theirs is anything but. I understand they’re in a challenging position, considering Lill’s role in the king’s murder and Mason’s new future title, but it wouldn’t kill them to show the tiniest bit of compassion.
Lill nods, her gaze cast toward the floor. She’s disappointed. “I understand.”
“I’m pleased to hear it.” Kie licks his lips. “I’ve requested that food and clothing be brought over. The delivery should be here shortly, and we’ll give you a tour of the grounds once you’re ready. It would look odd if we didn’t treat you as we would any other guest.” Kie’s attention shifts toward Mason. “I need to speak with you. Now.”
Lill takes that as her cue to leave, spinning away from the pair and storming toward me with her chin held high and lips pursed. She’s upset, and she works her jaw side to side as she brushes past me and returns to the bedroom we shared last night.
I follow, my movements stiff. I’m trying to remain quiet and absorb as much information as possible, but it’s hard. I want to go home, but I’m hesitant to ask on the odd chance that my request is approved. Lill hasn’t asked me to stay, nor have we spoken about the possibility of me returning to the human realm, but I don’t want to leave until I know she’s safe.
I walk into the bedroom after her and shut the door behind us,then promptly sit on the ground. Lill does the same, sliding down the side of the bed and dropping her face between her knees.
“Did that go how you wanted?” I ask.
She shakes her head, then nods, then finally ends up shrugging. “I’m not sure. I didn’t exactly plan for this to happen.”
“I can tell by your changing story…” I mumble.
Lill lowers her head further between her knees, hiding her face entirely from my view. The way her shoulders roll forward practically screamsguilt. I’m not going to pry, at least not when Kie and Mason are just down the hall, but I want Lill to know that I’m onto her.
Her lies haven’t gone unnoticed.
Chapter Five
ABBY
I MAKE EYE contact with Lill through the dressing mirror, trying and failing to gauge her mood. I usually find her easy to read, but I’m having difficulty doing so today. She’s closed off, and I’m not exactly in my best state of mind.
I’m behind on sleep, and the breakfast Kie requested to be delivered was hard to eat. The platter of vegetables was arguably healthy, but my body craves carbs and protein. I want eggs, sausage, and at least four pieces of toast.
We were given purple carrot-looking things and small, blue balls that could pass for blueberries if it weren’t for the fact that they tasted eerily similar to celery instead. Still, I ate most of the platter while Lill picked at the pieces.
“Are you sure you’re not hungry?” I ask.
She nods. “I still feel nauseous. I think it’ll take a few days for the effects of magic to fix that.”
“I can ask Kie and Mason to take you to a doctor.”
I don’t want to ask Kie and Mason for anything, but Lill won’t do it. She hates asking for help.
“There’s nothing a doctor can do,” Lill says. “I’m sick because I’ve been starved of magic, and only exposure will fix it. I justneed to be patient.”
Patience isn’t my strong suit.
Lill meets my eyes in the mirror, but I’m distracted by her exposed back. I’ve already cleaned her lashes and placed a new bandage over the deeper one, and I let my eyes travel to her sharp shoulder blades and visible ribcage.
“Are you done scanning me?” she snaps.
I shake my head. “No.”
Lill huffs and pulls down her leggings, and I finally turn away as she grabs the dress Kie had delivered for her. He had two nearly identical dresses brought in, and I’m already wearing mine. It’s not nearly as elegant or formal as the dress Her Majesty and the other women were wearing yesterday, but the fabric is thick and I like the blush color.
Lill slips hers over her head, letting the long fabric slide over her waist and settle at her calves. These dresses were made for tall faerie women, and the hem touches my ankles. It’s not as flattering on short humans.
I take the laces at Lill’s sides and tie them behind her back, pulling the fabric flush against her skin. I feared we’d be forced to wear corsets or something equally restricting, but the dresses are surprisingly comfortable.
