Page 116 of The Call of Crimson
Those beautiful blues turned to me.
“I love you, too.” Genevieve weakly gripped my tunic. “Take care of my daughter, or I’ll find a way to haunt you.”
Trembling, I stroked the hand clutched to my chest. “I love you, Gen. I’m sure you’ll haunt me, regardless.”
Gods, I almost wished she would. I felt my soul shatter, watching Gen die.
It’s not time yet. That’s what I wanted to scream. I wanted to demand she live, that this world was not ready for her to leave.
I wasn’t ready for her to leave.
I had lost my brother, and now my best friend was dying in my arms.
It was more than I could bear.
The memory fades as reality comes back into view.
I’m still holding Jenny, her lifeless body growing cold in my arms.
Gently, I lay her on the ground to be collected with the others we will burn after this.
CHAPTER TWENTY
BREYLA
“You look morose,” Aurelius comments, taking a sip of tea.
The one small mercy I received this morning was that Queen Josephina didn’t insist on a large family breakfast. It was just Ayden, Aurelius, and me gathered around the large oak table right now.
I pick at the tepid potatoes on my plate, wishing they were one of Esme’s cinnamon rolls. “How observant of you,” I mumble.
Ayden smirks behind his stack of missives, pretending to read while very clearly enjoying my misery.
The breakfast on his own plate had gone cold a while ago; the herbal tea in his cup was the only thing still warm. He’s been done eating for half an hour but lingers at the table, no doubt savoring my impending doom.
“Feeling excited for your teatime with my mother and Charlotte?” Ayden asks, far too gleefully.
I shoot him a withering look, fighting the urge to flip him off. “I’m thrilled. Can’t you tell?”
“You’re having tea with the queen and Charlotte?” Aurelius asks, clear disbelief in his tone.
“And she’s doing needlepoint,” Ayden adds helpfully, like twisting the knife.
Aurelius’ lips twitch, eyes wide. “Are you ill?”
“It wasn’t my idea.” I groan, my head thrown back. “I tried to decline… I just couldn’t somehow.”
Aurelius cocks his head, studying Ayden. “You didn’t–?”
“Didn’t what?” I ask sharply.
“Not another word,” Ayden says, cutting him off. “If she didn’t bother to ask, I’m not volunteering the information.”
“What didn’t I ask?” A knot of dread forms in my stomach.
Aurelius looks like he desperately wants to say more, but ultimately presses his lips together.
“Besides,” Ayden drawls, “watching her pout is far too entertaining.” He waves a dismissive hand. “Quit stalling and go meet them for tea.”
