Page 56 of The Light Falls
“In a couple days,” I reveal. “I need to know your answer by the end of today. If you can’t do it, I’ll send someone else or have Fallon deliver them directly to the palace. It might take longer, but I don’t want to trust the shipment to the wrong person.” Like a spy who wants to supply the other side with weapons.
“I’ll do it,” he says abruptly. “Send me the details.”
No respect. “Thank you, Lord Camon. I appreciate you taking on this additional duty. I’ll take a look at the proposal and think about what we should champion first.”
He tilts his head. “First? You’re not opposed to the idea of giving the Lesser Fae rights? Nyssa was adamantly against it.”
With a wry smile, I shake my head. “The light Fae need to move toward a more enlightened path, don’t you think?” Thank you, Solandis, for that little soundbite.
He stares at me for a second. “I do.”
“Well, I don’t want to keep you. Please give my best to your beautiful wife,” I tell him, walking over to join Estrella. “Ready?”
When we get back to the palace, I say goodbye to Estrella and text Lorn.
Meri: Are you around?
I tap my phone against my palm while I wait for him to respond.
Lorn: Yes. I’m packing for the trip.
Meri: Do you mind if I stop by for a few minutes?
Lorn: No. I would love to see you.
Meri: Be there in a minute.
I motion to the three guards. “I need to go to Lorn’s for a few minutes. I’m not sure all three of you need to go.”
Ansel merely folds his arms across his chest.
“Right. Let’s move,” I say exasperatedly.
When we get there, I ask Ansel to have Galen and Garren step back a bit. I know he won’t do it, but I don’t want everyone to overhear my conversation.
Lorn bends down and places a sweet kiss on my lips. “Allandra will be upset she missed you.”
I tilt my head at him. “Twisting the truth?” When he looks puzzled, I point up. “Can we go up to the rooftop?”
He motions for me to lead the way, but Ansel shakes his head. Heaving an exasperated sigh, Lorn walks in front of me.
There are plants and dirt scattered everywhere. “Are you getting your moon garden set up?”
A breathtaking smile appears. “I am. The botanical gardener gave me a list of plants most suitable for the rooftop. I built a structure to protect them during the day.” He leads me over to a large stand with a retractable roof. “What do you think?”
I peer inside and see several familiar plants from our visit the other night and a few new ones. “Very impressive, and the stand is beautiful. I didn’t realize you were so handy.”
He shuffles uncomfortably. “Allandra tells me I should get someone to build this stuff, but I like to do it.”
“Sometimes we don’t need to follow convention,” I remind him softly. “Speaking of Allandra, I saw the argument you had with her the other night.” His face flushes red with embarrassment. “Look, I don’t want to come between you and your sister. Is there something I did or said to make her angry with me?”
He grimaces. “She’s insecure. The last time we were here, Nyssa banished us. I think she’s afraid something will happen, and we’ll have to leave again. I’ve tried to reassure her, but sometimes she’s all emotion.” He picks up my hand and places a kiss in the center of my palm. “I’ll talk to her after I get back.”
Broad shoulders block the setting sun, allowing me to see his every expression. “Does it feel weird to be going back?”
He stiffens in surprise. “You know? Nyssa buried the trail right after it happened. I didn’t realize there were enough clues to follow.” Sharp purple eyes study me intently.
Most people don’t like it when Cormal finds their secrets. “If you know the right people, you can find the past.” I drag a finger through the potting soil on the table. “Is that why you called it reparations? Allandra had a weird reaction to one of my guards one day, and once I found out it was likely the Fire Fae who attacked your home, I put two and two together.”
