Page 102 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“I don’t like secrets,” he said, towering over her.

She held his stare, willing herself not to look away. “I don’t plan on keeping any more. I’m going to tell all of you everything in the morning.”

“You have to, Ava. Lives are at stake,” he said, furious. “Whathappened just now at the tavern. That is just atasteof what this war will bring.”

“I know,” she whispered.

“But you don’t know,” he continued. “You have no idea because you’ve never been in a war. You know nothing.”

She tried to keep her face neutral as Casimir chastised her. She knew he was likely reacting to the horrors they had just escaped and was taking it out on her.

“I’m sorry, Casimir. I?—”

“Get some sleep,” he interrupted as he turned and disappeared into his room.

Ava ran her hand over her face as she slumped onto the couch and tried to comprehend the reality of what transpired that night. How quickly the evening had gone from laughter around the table to screams and death.

Casimir was right. She knew nothing of the horrors of war.

36

Ava was dressed in an outfit of sepia pants, a matching long-sleeve top with embroidery along the high collar, and tall brown boots. She wore a leather belt with a small pouch and a sheath for a dagger. After tightly but intricately braiding Ava’s hair down her back, Cirilla had helped her into a forest green cloak with a hood like the ones the fae wore when she had first encountered them.

Ava had barely slept last night, mind racing with all that had happened at the tavern. She couldn’t stop seeing the hobgoblin die, the fear on Fanya’s face, the soldier collapsing as Raine killed him. Luna had crawled close and nestled next to her, trying to provide comfort but even her dreams were full of horrors.

Ava reached for the door to the living room and took a deep breath before opening it, hoping Casimir wasn’t still angry with her.

“Morning,” Casimir said flatly when Ava exited her bedroom. “Let’s go.”

He turned on his heel and led Ava to the door exiting the suite.

“Morning to you too,” she mumbled as she followed him out the door. “Not even time for breakfast, it seems.”

He paused in the hallway and turned toward her. “Did you say something?”

She looked at him and shook her head. “Nothing.”

Normally, Ava was a morning person. She enjoyed waking up early and sipping her coffee on the porch before she got started with her day. But she was exhausted and desperately wanted to sleep in, not realizing they would be convening so early.

Now they were off to the meeting, where she was about to tell them everything that had happened. Trying to tame her racing heart, she was equal parts hopeful and terrified. Would they judge her for being manipulated so easily? Would they blame her for their re-ignited war? Would she finally figure out who her parents were?

Casimir strode down the halls and she jogged to keep up with him. She noted his leather armor and matching cloak. “Why are we dressed this way? Are we going into battle or something?” she asked as she glanced at the sword attached at his hip.

“Or something,” he replied, not slowing down.

He remained silent as they made their way through the hallways, headed toward the dining hall where they often held their meetings. Where was the swagger when she caught him training? Or his awkward stammering when he had accidentally walked in on her healing session? One moment he was charming, funny even, the next he was cold as if he couldn’t stand to be in her presence. It baffled her. Frustrated her.

They reached the doors to the dining hall, the guards opening them as they entered. Everyone else was already seated at the table. Thorne at the head with Jorrar and Raine to his right, an empty seat between them, and Quinn to his left.

The dining hall was just as large as the throne room. A longtable took up the center of the space, lit by dozens of candles hanging from an iron chandelier shaped like gnarled branches. Vines climbed the open-air windows as a hint of pink painted the sky while the sun prepared its greeting. Neon green hummingbirds with long tails were already zipping through the yellow flowers along the windowsills, filling their bellies full of nectar.

Ava gave Raine an awkward smile and took the empty seat next to him. There was an air of anticipation hovering in the room, and she bit her lip as she fidgeted with her hands in her lap.

“You’re late,” said Thorne as Casimir took his seat directly across from Ava.

“She took too long getting ready.” Casimir nodded toward Ava.

She opened her mouth to argue, but Jorrar put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head, so she sat back and silenced herself, heart racing.

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