Page 37 of Curse of Thorns
“That’s crazy.” The Crumbling Court was once part of the Crystal Court, but civil war involving the dwarves caused a split about eighty years ago. “How do you feel about it? The gala?”
He walks to the window on the far side of the room and leans against the wall beside it. “Bittersweet, I guess. You?”
I nod. “Yeah. It’s strange. But also... kind of amazing. Even if it won’t change things for me personally, it gives me hope for my court. And maybe it will give my people hope. They need it.”
He smiles. “I doubt many dwarves have been invited either.”
“True.” I hadn’t even considered that.
“I’d never owned any formal wear until the trials. I don’t know much about dresses, but we have a dressmaker I can send up for you.”
I smile and nod, accepting his offer. I’m capable of creating something entirely out of magic, but there are downsides to that tactic. Something made of magic can be unraveled by magic. That’s not usually much of a risk in high society, but as notoriously hated as I am... well, I wouldn’t put it past someone to recognize the magic binding the fabric and playing a joke on me. Not worth it.
“That would be wonderful, thank you.”
“How is Rev?” he asks. “I’m concerned about him.”
I bite my lip. “Yeah, he’s... I don’t know. He hasn’t broken down again, not like before. But it’s weighing on him. He needs us.”
“He needs you,” Ty says. “You’re holding him together right now.”
I open my mouth to respond but shut it, deciding it’d be better not to say anything at all. I care for Rev, but I won’t dare let myself hope. I won’t let myself fall for a fae prince I can never have.
I’ll give up anything to save him—anything except my heart. That, I’ll keep locked away forever.
Rev
Iwring my hands anxiouslyas I wait in the foyer. There are fewer items decorating the tables here, and that simple realization has my stomach sinking. The fae portrait is back in its place on the wall, but it’s missing its frame. No one has said a word about the damage I caused. Maybe Ty came up with some excuse that didn’t involve me. I don’t even know.
I try to convince myself that I don’t care, but deep down it eats away at me.
Guilt for my own weakness. A king wouldn’t act that way. Maybe my father is right and I’m not worthy of the crown. Any crown.
I shake my head. Confidence. Ty and Cae are right, faking my way through tonight is my only course of action. I need to prove to the queen I am still the right choice for savior. I can do this.
Even if doubts are now eating away at me, I can’t let her know that.Don’t let them see your weakness.
