Page 17 of The Light Falls
After stretching, I stand and straighten the wrinkles in my clothes with a little magic. “The city is magnificent. I didn’t get to see everything, but I’m seriously impressed. It completely lives up to its reputation.”
Picking up the brush from the vanity table, I run it through my hair. I could have used magic to comb it, but I don’t want her to see how he impacts me. “Lunch was delightful. We’ve been invited to a party at their house tomorrow night. Do we have anything planned?”
Surprisingly, Solandis’ cheeks grow pink. “I think I have a date.” She drops into a chair as if she’s still in shock over it. “After I met Vargas, I never thought of dating anyone else. And even now, I can barely stand to think about it. I know he’s going to find a way back to me, but what if it’s a thousand years from now? What if I’m meant to have more than one man in my life? Look at Arden. She has five and loves them all.”
I squat down in front of her and take her hands in mine. “You must feel pretty strongly about this person if you agreed to a date.”
Excitement fills her eyes. “The moment I met him, something sparked between us. With Vargas, a seer friend told me he was my destined mate. I was prepared to meet him. Kaius is unknown and exciting. In some ways, he’s completely different from Vargas. Refined, sophisticated. More like the men I dated in my youth. But in other ways, he’s very similar. A warrior with an air of danger that leaves no doubt of his fighting capabilities.” She shivers and wiggles her eyebrows.
Kai’s. They were exchanging pretty intense looks last night so I’m not surprised. I laugh. “You definitely have a type.” As I say the words, I can’t help but wonder about my type. Sex and flirting aside, the only man I’ve ever felt anything for is Cormal. What does that say about me? Only the ruthless and heartless need to apply? Maybe I need to try dating someone warm and sexy with a great smile who isn’t carrying around a ton of dark baggage.
She groans. “I do. I love when they’re fierce and protective.” Her hands slip from mine, and she stands. “Enough. What would you like me to order us for dinner?”
Still full from earlier, I scrunch up my nose. “I wouldn’t mind dessert, but no more food.”
Eris arrives a few minutes later with a light vegetable pasta for Solandis and Neapolitan ice cream for me. We sit on the patio to eat.
“What do you know about Lorn and Allandra?” I ask, flipping the spoon upside down to savor every bite.
A tiny line appears between her brows. “Nothing really. Their parents used to spend a lot of time at court when I was young. I was fascinated by them. It’s always interesting when a light Fae calls the Autumn or Winter Courts home, because there are so very few of them. Most are born to spring, summer, or nature, but there are a few who come from the other territories. Honestly, I can’t recall ever meeting Lorn or Allandra. Why? Did something happen at your lunch?”
I shake my head. “No, lunch was nice. Ansel, the auburn-haired guard, is from the Autumn Court. He said Nyssa banned Lorn and Allandra from this court. Do you know why she would take such a drastic step?”
She pauses with her fork in the air. “Honestly? It could have been anything. Nyssa ruled with an iron fist. I’ll ask around, but if it was really bad, I would have heard about it.”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I think about it. How much does the past really matter? I wouldn’t want someone looking at all the bad stuff I did in the past and using it to judge me now. Did I do it? Yes. And I don’t regret most of it. I did what I had to do to survive, but there are some really bad things I’ve done that I do regret.
“Is it okay if I go to the party alone?” I ask, not wanting to commit some faux pas I’m not even aware exists.
Solandis puts down her fork and reaches across for my hand. “You are the queen, Meri. It’s entirely your decision. People will want to be close to you for many reasons. It’s up to you to make sure they’re the right ones. The Light Fae Kingdom can be more ruthless than the Underworld, not because they are stronger or have more magic, but because they are masters at hiding their real intentions.”
She waves an elegant hand, and our empty dishes disappear. “Use caution around them until they’ve proven themselves. It’s up to them to earn your trust, not the other way around.” Bending down, she places a kiss on my forehead. “The luncheon is scheduled for the end of the week. You have defensive training tomorrow morning. Kaius mentioned the name earlier, but I confess, I was a bit distracted.”
I chuckle. “Good night, Aunt Solandis.” I absolutely love calling her my aunt, but I only do it in private.
And I totally forgot to ask her if she had a chance to talk to Fallon. It can wait, though.
Eris pops into the room behind me, and I jump. She immediately picks up my shoes and lays out clean pajamas.
While she’s busy, I quietly order a second bowl of Neapolitan ice cream. When I enter my bedroom, she’s fluffing the pillows on the bed.
“Thank you, Eris. I appreciate it.”
She lifts her chin and eyes me closely. “Good night, Your Majesty. Try not to spend too much time in the garden tonight.”
Maybe Eris and Cormal are related. They both know everything that’s going on. “Good night, Eris. Don’t forget your ice cream.” I point to the one I ordered for her.
She pauses and stares at the bowl for a second. Then she snatches the ice cream off the table and disappears.
Laughing, I change into the pair of silk shorts with a matching camisole she put out for me and slide into bed.
Ping. A message flashes on the lock screen.
Cormal: Did you ask Rivan about the rune?
Meri: Did you have a lot of magic when you were born?
Cormal: …
