Page 107 of Lady of Ashes

That had everyone’s eyes snapping back to her.

“Explain,” Cyrus bit out. The ?rst and only word he’d spoken since they’d reconvened.

“It is why your blood is helping him heal,” she said. “Avonleyans need Fae to heal and replenish their magic.”

“And you?” Sawyer asked.

“I am full-blooded Avonleyan.” The entire room fell silent.

“That explains your shadows and white ?ames,” Briar said, more to himself than the room.

“Yes,” Scarlett answered.

“You want this kept from Talwyn?” Rayner asked.

“I want Cassius kept out of all discussions for the time being,” Scarlett clari?ed. “As for my own heritage, Sorin and I discussed that this morning and think it would be best if we told Talwyn, rather than her learning it some other way.”

The rest of the day was spent in further discussion of the meeting with Talwyn tomorrow, Scarlett revealing what she did and did not know of the Maraan Lords, the wards, everything really. They had dinner served in that council room, and when the sun had long since set, Sorin ?nally ordered a halt to the meeting. She was exhausted, and he knew she’d want to check in on Cassius again before she would allow herself to sleep.

When they did ?nally retire to the queen’s chambers, she was asleep when he emerged from the bathing room after washing up. He pulled the quilt up higher and over her shoulder before he moved to an armchair by the ?re. He would go to bed soon enough, but Scarlett was not the only one who had taken books from the chamber in the Fiera Palace.

While they had been searching, he had found some of her notes and books and sent them to a pocket between the realms. He was determined to learn the Avonleyan language. He was determined to ?gure out this Source thing for her. So he settled in, her notes and translations on the table beside him, and began.

CHAPTER 25

CALLAN

Callan was slumped in his chair on the dais at the front of the ballroom. His chin in his hand and leaning to the side on the armrest, he sighed as he looked out over the preening nobility.

This was his engagement ball. Somehow, his mother had put this together in a matter of days. His betrothal to Tava had been announced four days ago, and here they were.

“Sit up, Callan,” his mother chided, leaning across his father’s empty throne. His sister was seated on her other side, and there was an empty seat for Tava to his right. She would be arriving at any moment.

His eyes slid to his father, who was off to the side conversing with several Lords and nobles from neighboring towns. Mikale and Veda were nearby, whispering amongst themselves, and all Callan had thought about these last few days was how incredibly idiotic this whole thing was. All of them— Mikale, Veda, Lord Tyndell, Tava, Drake, himself— pretending they didn’t know exactly what was going on here. All of them skirting around the issue that this was all about Scarlett and some dark purpose the Maraan Lords seemed to have, that required Veda to be seated on a throne. All of them speaking in riddles and nuances to keep his father oblivious to everything.

“He will be better when Lady Tava arrives,” Eva quipped from their mother’s side, her hands resting in the lap of her rose pink gown, ever the princess in training.

“I should certainly hope so,” Queen Meredith replied curtly, her disapproval of his current mood and behavior clear.

“Of course he will,” Eva said, her smile wide and genuine. “How can a person not smile when they see the one they love?”

Love.

To be a child and still be that naïve. To believe she will one day marry for love rather than the far more inevitable scenario of being given to a neighboring kingdom or noble household to strengthen alliances or secure deals.

The large entrance doors being opened drew his attention, and before he knew what he was doing, Callan was standing and striding towards the Tyndells, who had just arrived.

“See, Mother,” he heard Eva saying, but he didn’t hear any more of their conversation as he skirted around the various people milling about.

Tava was on her father’s arm. She looked beautiful in a dress of cerulean blue that brought out her ocean blue eyes and that hugged her slim ?gure, cinching at the waist before falling to the ?oor. Her golden hair was pinned half up. The rest had been curled and hung around her shoulders.

He reached for her hand as soon as he stood before them, bringing the back of it to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to her skin. “Tava,” he breathed, “you look stunning.”

Tava dipped into a small curtsey, her hand still in his. “Thank you, Callan,” she murmured, her cheeks turning pink. He was certain that was not part of the ruse.

“May I steal her from you, Lord Tyndell?” Callan asked, his eyes still ?xed on Tava.

“It appears you already have,” came the Lord’s gruff response; and that had his gaze snapping to the Lord’s.

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