Page 81 of Courting War
Kellyn gulped, but his muscles melted into her touch.Morrigan knew about his affliction—his dyslexia. Could he risk her knowing the whole truth? Knowing just how stupid he was?
“A truth for a truth,” Morrigan whispered. “I’m sure you have many questions for me.”
She smiled, and it was dazzling in its rareness. A smile like a butterfly’s dance. Beautiful, graceful, and mesmerizing.
There was something about receiving that smile—something he knew was so rare—that undid his resolve. Kellyn nodded and told her the whole story, except for some reason, he chose to withhold that it was Gallagher who switched the speeches.
“Instead of sending someone innocent to their death, you named yourself?”
“I’m an idiot.” His shoulders fell. “An idiot who can’t read.”
“No, you aren’t, Kel.” She reached out and slid a hand along his cheek. “You’re brave and honorable. Theodra would be proud to have you as a champion.”
“If she ever showed up,” Kellyn said in a low growl.
“Right.” She sucked in a breath, and her hand fell to his shoulder before she stepped back, placing space between them and gently perching on the bed. “So, what do you want to know?”
So, so many things. What was she; what was the book; how did she belong to the War Court; why did Gallagher answer to her; why did she want to defy her mother; who was Theodra to her; was she also a god . . . But he knew he couldn’t push her. She was a trapped bird in a cage and would bolt if given the opportunity. “You choose.”
Morrigan’s face scrunched like she didn’t anticipate that response; frankly, neither did he.
Theo sat on the bed, leaning against the bedpost, and pulled her legs into her chest, her demeanor and overall aura like a hammer on an anvil. Hard and unyielding. An impenetrable shell, but underneath, she showed glimpses of a softer interior.
“I don’t know why you make me want to be fair, but you do . . .” She paused and sucked in a breath. “And I hope you appreciate that I never tell anyone my vulnerabilities.” Her bluntness was like a cloak—her armor. “But I suspect neither do you.”
He didn’t. It was the entire reason he was here.
Morrigan swallowed, preparing to tell the truth. “Have you ever lost something so fundamental to who you are that you don’t know how to be without it?”
He hadn’t. Not in the meaningful way in which she meant it.
“I'm different than I once was. Weaker, more vulnerable, moreemotional,” she said the last bit as if it smelled of sulfur. “And it scares me.” She flexed her hands and stared at them. “I’m afraid I’ve lost things that I used to be good at, things that I’m known for, and if I don’t have those skills, if I’m not strong, then what am I? Who am I?”
Morrigan’s face looked so fragile and raw that he wanted to slide over and roll her into his arms, but he knew she would hate it.
“What types of things?”
“Strength for one, fighting skills . . . I used to be a fierce warrior. Some might say god-like in my skills.” She chuckled to herself. “But now?” She shrugged and waved her hand. “Now, I can’t even beat a few crewmen on your ship.”
Kellyn didn’t know what to say to this. She wasn’t human. That much was blatantly clear, but what could speak to enough strength that fighting ten armed men would’ve been feasible for a woman of her size? He wanted to ask, but he knew she wouldn’t answer.
Just as he opened his mouth to respond, their bedroom door swung wide open, and in marched the Nefesian and Lokai champions with their priests. Their arms were crossed, and their countenance screamed they wanted to be anywhere else.
Gallagher worked like magic; within fifteen minutes, all living competitors except Cecile were gathered in the room. Notably missing were the Teirland two who had been turned into stone in the Labyrinth, and the Simark priestess and Maladen duo who had been felled in the Trickery and Death challenges, respectively.
Gallagher pranced over to Morrigan like a cat presenting a dead bird to its owner—unadulterated pride radiating from her shimmering skin.
“Where’s Cecile?” Morrigan asked.
“Oh, I didn’t invite her.” Gallagher winked. “I didn’t think she’d be pleased with you if she discovered me.”
“Good.”
“She’s going to find out eventually.” Mirth sparked in Gallagher’s eyes. “And I cannot wait to be there to witness it.”
“Yes, she will, but eventually isn’t now.”
“Have you ever tried not keeping secrets?” Gallagher asked, and Kellyn laughed. Morrigan was formed from secrets. Asking her not to keep them was like asking the sun not to shine.
