Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 121339 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121339 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 607(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
They thought of themselves as apart from fae. They were the protectors of information that in turn protected the realm, as the gods willed.
They sounded like genius, scroll-hoarding zealots, but whatever.
Tarian spat out a laugh. “They are, in many respects. I am warning you, they are very literal creatures. Your humor will not register.”
“Half the time you laugh at things I say that aren’t jokes, so maybe that’ll be refreshing,” she drawled. “So you knew all of that? You heard him say I should see him as soon as possible, without your knowing—that I’d have a choice to help or not—all of that, and you left me to my own devices in here?”
One of his shapely eyebrows lifted. “Do you assume I have any control over you? I recall one instance in particular where you stabbed me with my own knife. I knew instinctively, early on, that you’d need to choose your path. I tried to force you where I could, and it always backfired. It was when I offered you a choice, and you chose to help, that we were most effective. That we lived through obstacles that would’ve killed most. You’ll remember that I let you talk yourself out of running after I arrived at the camp. I didn’t restrain you when you could’ve run through the portal. You are smart enough to stay alive. I figured last night would be no different.”
“You had your people—fae, whatever—watching, though, right? Just in case?”
“Obviously. I’m not a fool. Your unpredictability is endearing…until it is a pain in my ass.”
She huffed out a laugh. Then she licked her lips, unsure, studying his face. “And so you already knew the other half of the chalice magic has the ability to nullify magic?”
“No. I only knew there was something more to the magic. The texts have vague references to an additional element of the power. When I asked about it, Eldric verbally did what scribes always do when they don’t want to answer a question—spout enlightened nonsense until I was so bored I gave up. They think they are so very intelligent, but study with enough of them and you learn their tricks. His mind would then usually clue me in, but in those instances, I couldn’t hear his swirling thoughts over the din of his verbal nonsense. I couldn’t make out what the additional magic was. I assumed it had something to do with the setup of the chalices. But I could never find the answer.”
“Until he outright told me. You were allowed to hear it that time.”
“Yes, and it was for the best. I’m not sure how I would’ve handled things if I’d known you could cut out my magic and stab me in my sleep. I would’ve been a lot more…strict with you. I realize now it would’ve backfired. There is no way you would’ve softened to me if I had remained hard with you. We wouldn’t be in this situation we’re in now, where you are consenting to trap yourself to me because of vengeance and plain bad decision-making.”
“Let’s get one thing clear—it’s also because you’re hot and incredibly desirable. But yes, there has been a lot of bad decision-making when it comes to you.”
“So…” He studied her again. “When you figure out how to nullify magic, what will you choose? Are my days numbered?”
He was surely joking. She’d seen his sword work.
“First, I don’t know if he is telling the truth,” she said.
“He is. He doesn’t lie about information such as this. Cannot, I don’t think. Nor is he lying about being uncertain of my motives. He knows my plans. His kind is dedicated to the prosperity of Faerie, even if they mostly read about its past. He has done everything in his power to help me. His entire faction has, including by keeping my secrets. But he also knows I am in this court, with its degradation and twisted magic. He sees me lose more of my grip with each passing thrush.”
“Thrush?”
His eyelids fluttered. “Sorry, year is your equivalent, though a thrush is significantly longer. The thrush happens one time each year across Faerie. It’s a time for reflection and repentance as the thrush falls from the stars. It’s a sort of…” His gaze drifted away as he thought of something similar in the human realm.
“Never mind, it doesn’t matter,” she said. “Here’s what I will choose: to destroy this fucking court. Then I’ll be a hero and balance Faerie, however that might happen, and save the human world. If I can work in a way to punish your gods, I’ll slide that in there as well. If you’re going to aim, aim high, right? I just need a cape.” A crooked smile worked up his handsome face. “Now, what’s this thing you have to tell me?”
His smile slipped, replaced by a red hue in his cheeks. “I haven’t… I’ve never…” He cleared his throat. “I’m…intact, we’ll say.”