Page 90 of Mistaken Magic

"Thesame,"Toriansaid. "OnFaerie, there were stories of her abilities.Shemerged magic with weapons to become an unstoppable force.WhentheQueenwent mad,Ms.Rhodesslipped through the gates, assumed a new name, and vanished.Notmany people know that, though."

"Sodon't tellKeir,"Aspenadded.

Yeah, there was something hinky about that. "Howdo you know?"

Torianchuckled. "Irecognized her from a painting in theSummerCourt."

Thatwasn't whatI'dexpected. "So, you've been to theSummerCourt?"

Henodded. "Itold you theQueentrained me herself.Itwasn't an exaggeration,Rain.It'salso whyIspent everythingIhad to get out.Isaw firsthand what theMadQueenwas doing, andIheard her rants about why.Faerieis no longer the haven we all like to pretend."

"I'msorry,"Itold him.

Somethingin his expression softened.Itwas almost as if he'd expected to debate with me, and my sympathy caught him by surprise.Noone else at the table moved untilToriannodded, making it clear he wasn't upset by my words.

"Welike to think of home as this perfect place, but that doesn't make it true," he finally said. "Ithink you're one of the few people here who can understand that.Mostfosters imagine that if they were still with their parents, then their problems would be solved.Ifwe were still inFaerie, then we'd all behappier.Itdoesn't matter what goal they chase, but having something be out of reach makes it seem sweeter for some reason."

"Butwe were all taken away for a reason,"Iagreed. "Forme, it was brutal enoughInever had that dream.Ican only imagine if it was an entire world and civilizationI'dhad to leave."

Aspenjust pointed her fork at my plate. "Eat.Iwant to see it happen."

"Oh, make me feel extra self-conscious,"Igrumbled playfully. "Thanks,Asp.No, really."

"Ijust don't know how it doesn't burn your mouth,"Wildersaid.

"Should'veseen her grab iron,"Aspentold him. "Likeit was nothing.Shehesitates more when touchingeltam."

Theyall began talking, soIcut off a piece of the turkey and shoved it into my mouth.Immediately, all of their eyes went right back to me.Ijust chewed, lifting a hand to cover my mouth, then swallowed as quickly asIcould.

"Stop!"Iinsisted.

"Isit good?"Wilderasked, tossing what looked like a miniature daisy into his mouth.

Inodded. "Itreally is.Italso doesn't taste like dirt, whichIcan only imagine that flower does."

"Itreally doesn't,"Hawkeassured me, picking up another.Thistime, he held it out. "Tryit,Rain."

ButbeforeIcould reach for it, he held it to my lips.Istill plucked the flower from his fingers, but there was something intimate in the fact he'd even tried.WhenIpopped it into my mouth,Irealized he was watching me intently.Hiseyes were technically brown, but in that same warm and rusty shade as his hair.Chestnutwasn't quite right.Thiswas more like autumn, with a mixture of browns, reds, oranges, and warm golds.

ThenIchewed.Theflower was crisp-tasting and sharp.Theclosest thingIcould think of was a cucumber.Maybea honeydew melon, since it was a little sweet.Hummingin surprise,Ireached for my glass to wash it down.

"That'sactually kinda good."Igestured to his plate. "Nota daisy, huh?"

"Nota daisy," he promised.

"Betshe'd share the bird,"Wilderteased, flashing a devious look atHawke.

Hawkejust huffed. "Nothappening."

SoAspenleaned around her brother to offer me a bit of fruit. "Trythis!"

Ileaned in, feeling a little playful and caught her wrist.Insteadof taking the food from her fingers,Iused her hand to guide it to my mouth.Torianmurmured and leaned back.Hawkechuckled.Wildershifted in his seat, but a shy smile curledAspen'spretty little lips.

"Teasingthe boys now?" she asked.

Isucked the slice of fruit from between her fingers. "Notintentionally."Myeyes held hers, making it clear whoI'dintended to tease.

"That'smysister,"Toriangroaned.

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