Page 30 of Curse of Thorns
He shrugs. “Just you.”
I tap him on the cheek in a mock smack and wink. “As I’ve said many times, you’ll have to get in line. I have many enemies.”
“You know I’ll stand with you,” he says, his expression growing serious, “if you ever need it.”
I swallow. It’s the nicest offer anyone has ever made. “Thanks,” I say honestly. “I’m my own worst enemy most days.”
He smiles. “I’ll stand with you then too.”
I smile, holding back tears.No need to be a wuss, Cae.“Seems like you’ve got your hands full with just Rev.”
“Well, isn’t that true? With any luck, he’ll have it under control after today.”
“Right,” I say quietly. I look behind him, where a group of young fae females whisper, eyes darting my direction. For the most part, the few dozen fae living in this palace have gotten used to mine and Rev’s presence, but I do still have a fan or two—or three, in this case—that hang around, watching me. Those girls had me sign an image of a shadow-vyrn yesterday evening. Apparently, that wasn’t enough for them, though.
It’s a strange feeling to be admired.
Admired for something I’m able to be proud of, at least.
Everyone else has their attention on a bulky male sitting at a table with two other dwarves. He’s huge, in width, not height. His beard is thick but trimmed. His eyes a piercing deep blue and his cheekbones as sharp as any fae. He’s handsome, in a rugged kind of way.
The potential dwarf king stares at his plate, barely touching his food, his face hard as stone, gaze hyper-focused, like the answers to the universe could be found in his chicken broth.
“He’s got the brooding hero thing down,” I say, shamelessly changing the subject. It’s an easy one with Tyadin, though. His eyes light up just with the mention of his new hero.
“He’s a bit serious,” Tyadin says. “But from what I’ve heard, he hasn’t had a very pleasant life.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
“Apparently, he remembers it. All of it. The shadow creature that destroyed the throne and his father. The wars over him and his brother. The goblins. And he’s been on the run since then. No one would take him in, thinking he’d inspire a dwarfish rebellion, and sweep their dwarfish servants away.”
“Why would they care? Aren’t dwarfs second-class citizens in most courts?”
Tyadin nods. “But we’re very useful. In many places, we’re treated like slaves. We do the stonework to make their castles beautiful without requiring magic to keep them standing, but we’re paid very little and then not welcomed by the other fae. If all the dwarfs were to leave, the fae would have to rebuild their own structures. Some of them can but never with the same quality or ease. No one can mine or carve stone the way dwarves can.”
“Well, that sucks for your king guy,” I say awkwardly. “What’s his name?”
“Torrick Strongbane.”
“When does this quest of yours begin?”
Tyadin shrugs. “Hopefully soon, but there’s no real telling. Torrick is gathering support—albeit with little success. Once he decides there’s nowhere else to turn, he’ll set off. And I’ll follow.”
“Whenever that happens to be, Ty, I wish you all the best. And if I ever have the chance to make my way to my own kingdom, I’ll make sure the queen is ready to aid your party if ever needed.” I smile sincerely.
“I’m glad I became your accidental ally during the game,” Ty says.
“I’m glad I was finally able to wear you down.” I wink.
“Oh, whatever. You needed me.”
“I did indeed.”
***
IT’S NEAR SUNSET WHENI spy a mount and rider crossing the narrow bridge in the distance, its silhouette flying at top speed.
It’s impossible to tell if the animal is horse or stag, but the likelihood of it being someone else seems low.
