Page 127 of Fate and Flame
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m hilarious and you’ve got to let it go. Live a little. Let yourself be happy. I don’t think Temir blames you. In fact, I think he’s just happy that you’re here and safe and with us. And because I’m selfish, I’m glad you did whatever you did to get here.”
“I’ve never had a real friend before. Except Temir. I’m glad I have one here.”
“I mean, I won’t tell Kai you said that. He’d be pissed.”
She flashed me a smile. “Fine, I guess I’ll claim him too. But dealing with Greeve when he tries to control me is hard. I won’t let myself be controlled ever again. I lived that life long enough to know it’s not what I want.”
“Trust me, it’s not what he wants either. He just has to figure that out. Give him time.”
She scooted closer to me and laid her head on my shoulder. “The boy that lives here means the world to me. His name is River and he hates being called Rock.” She laughed and shook her head. “I should get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
I stood and stretched. “I hope the bed isn’t made of glass.” I walked through the strange home, sat on the edge of the bed and couldn’t help but reach for Fen.
I love you. Even if you can’t understand why I did what I did tonight, I still love you.
Nothing.
Good night.
Silence.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Temir
Afirm knock on my door woke me. I untangled myself from Nadra and jumped from the bed, expecting an emergency, but when I swung the door open and found the king standing with a bottle of amber liquid, half smiling, I realized this was only a social call.
“We’re going to the tavern. Get dressed.”
I rubbed my eyes and yawned. “Do I have a choice?”
“No.” He spun on his heel, walked down the hall to Rhogan’s room, and began pounding again.
I dressed quickly and met him at the front of the castle with Greeve, Rhogan, and Kai in tow. He and Greeve had clearly already been drinking.
Fenlas swung his arm around my shoulder and leaned his body weight into me.“You know what I like about you, Temir?” he asked, breathing into my ear. “You’re just a roll with the punches kind of guy. You know who’s not that kind of guy? Me. I am not.”
He shoved the bottle he brought into my hand, and though I wasn’t much of a drinker, there was no way I was getting away from it this night. Err, morning?
Rhogan looked over his shoulder and wiggled his eyebrows at me. A night of drinking was right up his alley.
Fen beat his fist on the locked door of the tavern he had chosen. A short burly fae with hairy arms and a beard that touched the floor swung the door open, looking ready to murder. Until his eyes landed on the king. He stepped to the side and addressed Kai.“Lock up when you’re done.”
“Thanks, Gillie.” Kai moved behind the bar as the owner waddled back up the stairs. Chairs were piled on top of tables and the floor was still wet from being mopped. The room smelled of citrus and stale bread, but the windows were clear and the corners were clean.
Rhogan and Greeve cleared a table for us, setting the chairs on the floor. Fen grabbed several mugs while Kai filled pitchers from barrels that lined the side of the countertop. I wasn’t sure how to help, so I just sat in a chair and waited for them to be seated. Greeve sat beside me, leaning his arms on the table. Rhogan swung the chair around, as he usually did to sit on it backwards, accommodating his wings.
“What are we celebrating, boys?” Rhogan asked, grabbing a mug and sucking half of it down before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and slamming the cup back on the table.
“Misery,” Fenlas answered, drinking the full mug and refilling.
“Your mating bond grating on your nerves?” Kai asked, a sparkle in his eye.
Greeve grumbled, lifted the pitcher, and drank straight from it. I took a long drink from my own glass as Kai pulled a deck of cards from his pocket and dealt each of us a card.
“Be careful,” Greeve slurred. “Kai’s drinking games never end well.”
“Highest card drinks and keeps his card. Whoever has the most cards at the end gives Loti a big ole smooch tomorrow.”
