Page 27 of Curse of Thorns
Rev
“So,” Ty says, lyingback on the red velvet couch, arm hitched behind his head. “You and Caelynn.”
I raise my eyebrows but say nothing. We’d spent the last few hours reading through more books. Caelynn left an hour ago to go rest. She hadn’t slept much over the last two days, so we essentially pushed her out. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out instead of napping she’s reading the same books over again in her room.
I take another bite of cucumber and cheese from the plate Tyadin had brought for us and ignore his prying question. We don’t have many meals in this palace as it’s more of a distraction than anything. We aren’t the only guests causing a commotion, so we only head to the banquet hall when we require a full mental break from our endeavor.
“What’s going on there?”
“Nothing. She’s my ally. I needed help, so she’s helping.”
Tyadin chuckles. “She’s your fated mate, Rev. There’s no such thing as just friends—or allies, whatever you want to call it—with your fucking soulmate.”
I grind my teeth. “It’s complicated, yes. But what am I supposed to do? She’s a convicted criminal that’s hated by everyone. We have no future together even if I could forgive her.”
“Could?” Ty sits up, looking me right in the eye. “You’re telling me you haven’t already forgiven her?”
“She killed my brother, Ty,” I say through gritted teeth.
“Why?” he asks calmly, his eyes never leaving mine. A challenge.
Is he serious right now? Anxiety crawls in my gut.
“There was a reason, wasn’t there?” He crosses his arms. Damn nosy fae-dwarf...
I look down at my folded hands and don’t respond.
“Fate doesn’t make that big of a mistake, Rev. There’s meaning behind all of it. I don’t know her whole story, but I suspect you know more than I do. I can see it in the way you look at her. I can see it in the way you’re comfortable around her. How you look to her for help and confirmation. How you only decided to trust me with this,” he waves vaguely, “at her prompting.”
My eyes flash to his, but he gives no sign he’s upset. “How did you know about that?”
“Put two and two together. You wouldn’t have come if not for her.” He shrugs. “It’s fine. You have a hard time trusting. This is hard for you.”
I press my fists to my lips.
“My point is that you trusted her.”
