Page 28 of Straw and Gold
Long enough to convince myself to close my eyes and attempt to rest when the feel of her lips pressed to mine was the only thing that was ever going to get me through each day to each night from now until the end.
I’d been trappedin my nightmares for years now.
Each night, the sweat and fear.
Each morning, the reassurance in the mirror that I still had time.
Some mornings it was hope.
Some it was nothing more than the constant reminder that I would leave my kingdom a more prosperous one than I’d found it.
That morning, I gripped the sides of the porcelain sink, breathing deep through my nose, exhaling long through my mouth. Sweat dripped from my nose into the basin and my eyes watered at the thought…
But their deaths were fifteen years ago, and I had grown into a different man since then. A different king.
I didn’t need the same things now that I had needed many years before.
Our beds were separate.
Our time together would be brief.
And with whatever Goddessblessed luck I had left, the clever queen would discover my true name in her studies and free me from this torment.
I washed my face and shaved away the overgrown gruff on my face and neck. When I finished, I slid into the bath that was always left for me in the early hours of dawn. I had a servant fill the tub every night and by morning, I could calm myself in the cold water.
The sun would rise in another hour and another day would begin.
Another day of work.
Another day of hope.
Another day closer to the end, one way or another.
CHAPTER 17
Morella
For the secondweek of our marriage, Killian and I spent most of our days apart, as seemed to be normal for us. He carried on with business in the mornings, and I spent time spinning straw and visiting the weavers who were in awe of what I brought them each day. I received his lessons each night along with his kiss goodnight—each one not much more than a simple peck on the lips. I threw off how tired I was, rationing my thistle nuts as best I could, and finally sat down to write to my family.
Dearest Korven, Seraphine, and little Avici,
I miss you all! I have been married for two weeks now, and my new husband and I are adjusting to each other. The castle is beautiful and large—complete with four standing towers and an underground library I have yet to visit.
Everyone has been so kind and welcoming, and I think it will just take some time for me to really find my place here.
Korven, please reply with a detailed explanation of how in the fuck I am part Changelingfae. Did you even know?
I miss all three of you.
All my love,
Morella
P.S. thistle nuts
I foldedthe letter and placed it into the thick brown envelope, sealing it with gold wax and a stamp depicting a fat mushroom. I reached into my pocket for another thistle nut, chewing absentmindedly as Alista knocked and entered our room.
“Please send this off, Alista.”
