Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
“Normally?” Casteel repeated, his gaze fixed on the blade as it twirled over his knuckles.
Attes sighed. “Yes, normally. I don’t know how the rules apply in this situation.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, loosely clasping my fingers.
Attes’s gaze briefly met mine. “You are not a Primal of a Court, and I do not know if that changes things.”
Kieran’s gaze slid to mine as his mark brushed against my thoughts. I assume your vadentia is silent?
Unfortunately, I sent back. If it did change the rules, then whatever shield the Fate provided would be irrelevant.
But then, why would he summon one? What would be the point?
Gods, I hoped it was Lirian.
“Poppy wasn’t the only one summoned,” Casteel stated. “Kieran’s presence and mine were also requested.”
Valyn stilled. “All three of you—the King, the Queen, and the Advisor to the Crown?”
“Actually,” Attes began, “that is not what was said.”
The blade ceased spinning, and Casteel’s gaze shot to Attes. “I was there.”
“Then you know what was said. Penellaphe was requested.”
“Poppy,” I corrected, this time with a sigh.
“And?” Kieran stated.
“And your presence and his was tacked on,” Attes said. “The words were that he’d love it if you joined her. That is not a direct invitation.”
“Not to sound repetitive, but…” Casteel paused. “And?”
“It means none of the rules the Fate’s presence should guarantee applies to you or him,” Attes shared. “As you two were not summoned. She was.”
I sucked in a sharp breath.
“And?” Casteel repeated with a tight-lipped smile.
“Is that the only word you can speak now?” Attes snapped.
“I have a whole vocabulary of words I could be using, but they’d be wasted,” Casteel replied. “Whether or not these protections—ones you’re not even sure will extend to Poppy—cover us doesn’t matter.”
“We’re going,” Kieran finished.
Tension crept into every muscle as my fingers twisted together. None of the protections… Gods, was that not confirmation of what I’d known the moment Kolis said he’d love for them to attend?
“Casteel,” his father started.
“I don’t want to hear it.” Casteel started flipping the blade again.
“I know you don’t.” His father wasn’t swayed. My eyes met Attes’s. “But in no situation should the three highest-ranking members be present for such a meeting.”
“The three of us were present for the battle at the Bone Temple,” Casteel pointed out.
“That’s different,” Valyn said, his voice steady.
“Is it?” Kieran asked. “Because it makes no sense.”
A muscle ticked in Valyn’s temple.
“Besides.” Casteel shifted, slouching slightly. “The kingdom would not be without guidance. Vonetta is here.”
Vonetta’s stare darted between the three of us. She looked like she was about to speak but thought twice about it.
Valyn took a deep breath. “I strongly advise that you not do this.”
“You can advise all you want.” His thick lashes lifted as he pierced his father with a look that held a warning. “It won’t change anything.”
“No.”
The table fell silent again.
Then Casteel’s neck turned. “What?”
“I said no.” I spoke louder. “If you two accompany me, you will not leave.”
The dagger halted between two fingers.
That wasn’t the only reason they couldn’t go, but it was the main reason. I knew I had to get close to Kolis. That meant going along with his…desires to an extent, despite what Seraphena had said. And that would never happen with either of them there.
Kieran leaned forward. “Poppy—”
“There is no other reason for why he would’ve phrased the summons like he did.”
“Pretty sure I just made it clear that whether the protection extends to us or not doesn’t matter,” Casteel replied, his tone flat.
“I know, but…” I looked at Attes. “What happens if I make a move against Kolis to defend either of them?”
“You will be…put in a time-out,” he answered.
“Time-out?” Emil repeated under his breath.
I inhaled through my nose. “Which means, he can harm the two of you, and if I intervene, I will be punished—and I will intervene.”
“He won’t get a chance to harm us,” Casteel stated.
I stared at him. “I don’t think you’ve been listening—”
“I’ve been listening,” he interrupted. “If these rules don’t protect us, they also don’t apply to us.”
My gaze flicked to Attes.
He nodded. “He would be correct.”
“That still doesn’t change things,” I said, untangling my fingers. “I don’t know Kolis well, but I know enough. He’ll goad you—both of you.”
“He will,” Attes confirmed.
“And he’ll say things that…” Pressing my lips together, I rose, unable to stay seated. “He’ll say things that you will react to.”
Casteel’s gaze followed me as I moved behind the chair. “You think I don’t know that?”
“I think you do—both of you.” I glanced at Kieran, who’d gone quiet. “But I also think it’s completely different once you hear him.”
“When did you hear him?” Vonetta asked.
“Before you…woke up for real?” Delano questioned, earning a confused look from her.
“No.” I exhaled roughly. “It’s a long story. I’ll have to tell you all later. But trust me, he will say stuff to provoke a response.”