Page 107 of Of Vows and War: Special Edition
Fine, he looked perfect.
“They are painting you two as murderers,” Lian said, her tone morose.
“Theyaremurderers. The prince just killed three of his council members in cold blood,” Trint said in disbelief, gesturing towards Bellamy. I dared to look at my fiancé, finding a wicked smile upon his face and a devious glimmer in his eyes.
“Propaganda,”I chimed in. “It will work to reduce the rebel hold. Beings want something to fight for. More than that, theywant someone to fight against. We are now their villains, and that will do wonders for Mia’s agenda.”
“That is not all. Malcolm has come out of hiding,” Noe reluctantly spoke. Her gaze flicked to Adbeel at the head of the table, his face flinching in pain. “The fae queen claims he is a reformed demon ready to end the blight of his kind. She has spread the epic story of him saving her life in the Fire Lands far and wide. Even worse, she is telling them all that you, Asher, are the reason they have no memories beyond the last three centuries. The fae want you dead.”
I meant to respond, but once again I heard my name. The same deep rasp calling out to me. It sounded like…likesomeone.I knew that voice.
“I think this meeting is over. We are all on edge and nothing will get done right now. Everyone take time to rest and breathe, we will reconvene in three days’ time.” Adbeel’s words were a booming demand. I jumped, my focus once more returning to the meeting.
Everyone startled at his outburst, but soon we were all dispersing, none of us quite sure what we should do as the end neared. Adbeel came to Bellamy and I, tugging us close. “We must move up the wedding. Time is running low.”
“But—”
“No buts, Asher. Two weeks,” Adbeel demanded.
“Excellent,” Bellamy enthused.
“Of course you would think so,” I grumbled.
“Do not worry, Adbeel, two weeks is easily accomplishable.”
“Ugh, I am leaving to go find Nicola before she gets too far, you two can enjoy the wedding planning on your own.” My feet moved quickly, desperate to put some space between myself and the Ayad males.
“Do not forget to speak to Noe about the flowers you want to choose!” Bellamy shouted.
“Already did, now leave me alone you beastly groom!” Chuckling at my insult, Bellamy shooed me away. Adbeel smiled at his side, waving as I turned the corner.
Darting through the corridors, I eagerly looked for Nicola’s silky brown curls amongst the dispersing crowd. But soon, I found myself alone, not even the sound of footsteps nearby. Where had she gone so fast? As I made the next turn, I got my answer.
“Looking for me?” Nicola asked from where she leaned against the wall. I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief to hide the fact that she had scared the Underworld out of me.
“I do not recall you being such a showoff,” I teased as my racing heart slowed, causing her to beam at me in pride.
“Well get used to it.” The two of us giggled as we joined our arms and began walking. It felt like second nature to be at her side, just as I had been for two centuries.
It was unfortunate that I would have to ruin the peace.
“So,” I said, trying to feign casualness. “Should we talk about the rebellion?”
Her sigh was paired with her shoulders slumping, as if she had been waiting for me to ask but was still sad that I did. We both knew it was an important conversation that needed to be had. Her rebels had attempted to kill me on multiple occasions, and I had slaughtered them in return. Not exactly preferred best friend activities.
“They were not meant to attack you.”
“I know.”
Our holds on each other simultaneously tightened, our sides becoming flush as we continued forward. Very few beings walked the halls, everyone either enjoying the last of the warm days or training for the horror we would soon endure. I was glad for that. This was something we needed to discuss alone.
“I killed a lot of your rebels, Nic,” I whispered.
“You did,” was all she said.
“I have killed a lot of fae in general,” I admitted.
This time, Nicola said nothing.
