Page 28 of A Cursed Son

I need to be quick before the bell rings for breakfast.

Alone in our study room, I sit at one of its four long tables, with two books I took from the bookshelves. We can come here to prepare for exams, do assignments, or simply study, and I guess that’s what I’m doing, as I have one of the books open on a map of our continent, trying to find some kind of clue, some kind of answer.

Pit of Death. It could be in the Endless Mountains. A pit, right? But that area is close to us, and not dangerous, as far as I know. It could be further south, beyond the Wild Fae lands, perhaps in the Spider Court, or even the Icy Lands. Or north of the Crystal Court, in the hodgepodge of small fae courts, the Fae Territory. Maybe it’s in the Shadow Lands, where there are no kingdoms and no courts.

In truth, I’m lost. To start with, I don’t have much information about the Fae Lands, so what am I even hoping to accomplish looking at an incomplete map? And it could be on another continent.

The tower he’s looking for can’t be on any map, or he wouldn’t be searching for it, unless he didn’t know which tower. But in the dream, he knew what the Pit of Death was—and so did I.

Unfortunately, all I recall is my fear of that place, and the even greater dread of what lies beyond it. But where is it? And how much of the dream was true? It’s not like he’s my husband.

With a deep breath, I shut the book closed, annoyed to realize I have nothing to work with, and the information I glimpsed in my dream is no more than gibberish.

I then open a book about the Crystal Court. I’ve studied their history, but maybe there’s something I’m missing. I stumble upon a painting of the royal family before their king died, and see the two brothers, both with black hair, but only one of them with round ears. Beside them is Isabel, the king’s daughter, a girl who was a little younger than the brothers. They’re all dead now—except for Marlak and Renel.

Their mother married the previous king, who adopted the boys and made them heirs. Unfortunately, Marlak killed his step-father, mother, and sister.

The thought brings me chills.

I was kidnapped and restrained by someone who’s cold-blooded enough to kill his own family, and it has to be true, if that’s what his brother says, considering he’s fae and can’t lie.

The sound of footsteps catch my attention and I look up to see who’s coming. Oh, no. I set my eyes on the book again, hoping he’ll think I didn’t notice him.

Why is Quin here? Why does his presence annoy me? I should be happy, right?

He pulls a chair beside me. “I heard you faced some troubles on your trip.” There’s something a little flat about his tone.

I keep staring at the book. “Indeed, I wouldn’t call it enjoyable.” I get up to put the books back on the shelf, but he follows me.

“Did you enjoy your company, at least?”

“I thought you were going on the trip. What happened?”

He stares at me, then rests a hand against the bookshelf. “I wish I had gone. I wish I had been there with you.” His stare moves to my lips. “We never get a chance to talk.”

I’m feeling cornered against the bookshelf, and the words I heard from Otavio’s study are now ruining everything because all I can think is that Quin has been ordered to seduce me. Why else would he be singling me out like that?

He then says, “You’re so beautiful, Astra.” He moves closer and whispers in my ear. “Let me come to your room tonight. I can convince the guards to let me through.”

I crouch and escape from under his arms, horrified that he’s truly intent on giving me some practice. Can it be that my masters think I’m lacking? That I might be the one they’ll send to get married? I could ask him if someone ordered him to do that, but I don’t know if it makes sense or if it’s pure paranoia.

With a fake smile, without any effort in making it look real, I say, “I have to hurry for breakfast.”

“We still have some time. I’ll walk with you.”

There’s no way to say no. I mean, perhaps there is, but it’s true that we’re both going to the same dining hall.

Why is it that I kept wishing he’d say these words to me, and when it happens, it’s at the worst possible moment, when my mind’s so muddled that it has no space for flirting or even lust? Perhaps I’m lucky and the timing is right to save me from heartbreak. Not really. I don’t feel that I have a heart.

I tell him about the trip and the fake uneventful encounter with Marlak just like I told my masters. Everything so fake. Fake, fake, fake, which makes sense, as I’m a fake princess, talking to a fake prince.

At least we can’t sit at the same table, and it’s a relief when I’m alone again.

Tarlia and Sayanne soon join me, and we have a silent, awkward breakfast of grapes, porridge, and tea. Tarlia gives me a quizzical look, as if she wants to ask me something, but I guess she doesn’t want to talk in front of Sayanne.

What have we come to?

A climbing structure has been set up on the roof where we train, but it’s in the sun. If we were to practice in the evening, I’d have no problem, but I guess I’ll stay under the canopy today. I’m wearing a heavy dress, with pockets for daggers.

---