Page 68 of Straw and Gold
The break in the voice at the final word swept into my thoughts, contorting that line of a dream to the harsh cut of reality. My eyes flew open and I blinked in a blurry fog.
“Fedir?” I croaked.
“I’m sorry, but you must get up. He’s already gone.”
I jolted upwards, my limbs oddly heavy. “Killian?” I searched the bed, finding only rumpled sheets and my own nakedness. Fedir turned, holding my crimson nightgown out for me to slip into.
“What time is it?” I puffed, adjusting the silk to fit my wings.
“Dawn approaches, but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t follow his orders and I knew you’d hate me forever if I did.”
I paused, sweeping my hair into a loose braid, pulling on his shoulder to face me. “What orders?”
“He didn’t want you to see…what would happen when you failed this morning.”
Sheer, undiluted panic flooded my veins. I raced to my journal, finding a note and a small bottle of shimmering blue liquid.
Moh Dhóches,
I could not leave this world without ensuring what you needed from me was at least partially given. This potion will prolong your Seraphine’s life by a few decades at least. Have her drink it all and she will remain the same age for an undetermined amount of time. Do not ask where it isfrom or what it cost to retrieve it. Our kingdom’s coffers are plenty.
Enjoy your life. Enjoy your Queendom. I have no doubts you will rule as a fair and prosperous Queen. If I may catch a glimpse of your life as I go beyond the Veil, then I hope I have proven myself a worthy man of it.
Do not dwell on the impossible bargain I offered you. It was impossible for a reason.
Céad ensured this task could not be completed, and it is why I must leave you now. Know that Captain Fedir was only following orders. He is a loyal man and will serve you well in the years to come.
I love you, My Morella. I love you, My Goldling.
Time was not on our side, but my heart always will be.
Gib an coich sig thist,
Killian
Until we meet again.
The note dropped from my shaking hands and I turned on my heels. “What did you do?” I whispered, rage fueling the movement in my body.
Fedir stood near the door, paler than I’d ever seen him, with dark circles under his reddened eyes as if he’d been crying. “I concocted a powder that would force you to sleep through all of it.”
My voice came eerily steady. “All of what?”
He gulped. “Killian knows Céad will kill him the moment this morning’s sun hits his face. He tried to save you from seeing what he himself has seen three times before—the dead body of the one you love.”
I shook my head slowly. “She’s just taking his power. He never said anything about?—”
“He didn’t want you to know. He thought he was saving you from needless pain, but I couldn’t do it. He’s my friend and I love him, too.”
He rushed forward, grabbing my bare shoulders and shaking me. “Save him, Morella.Please. You were meant to save him.”
Just like that, I was gone, racing through the dark hall, down the stairs—so manyfuckingstairs. I would have given up my wings in an instant if it meant I could shift like the Forestfae and reach the cliffside faster.
My feet bare, my heart pounding, I raced to save the man who was mine. I claimed him, I loved him, I worked to break down every one of his fears, and I was not spending the rest of my life without him. I was not ruling this kingdomwithout him.
His name, his name, his name.
I knew it. He said I knew it.
