Page 92 of The Princess of Nothing
“Morgana, how is it coming along with Licia?” I questioned. The dragons had been at the forefront of my mind since her prediction of us not having a chance if they succeeded.
“We’re blocking it.” She sighed. “It’s not been easy. They’re using elemental magic. We’re combining natural and ancestral. We are bringing more fae in to help.”
I nodded. “Whatever you need, it’s yours. It’s imperative you do not fail.”
She nodded and turned to face Adius, who was waiting by Enchante’s well, the entrance to the village. She left Cedric and I behind, and we both sighed in unison.
Cedric lowered his voice to a whisper. “The story you told me you and Morgana came up with, about your reason for being in Berovia, it’s been spread. Morgana told someone at Lepidus, and I mentioned it in front of a servant who was attending to my fireplace. They told another, and you know how the people at courts are”—he smirked—“such gossips. Naturally, everyone knows. I assume Adius does too.”
“Yes, and I think he believed it.” I stared over at him and Morgana talking. “I hope so anyway. Morgana said she told him last night when she went to the town. He hasn’t said anything to me.”
“Once the story reaches the heart of Magaelor, watch more people turn away from Edgar. He has Berovians in high-ranking positions. It’s already frowned upon, but with this news, it will explode everything. There’s already unrest. Next, there will be an uprising. His numbers will dwindle. It was a brilliant idea.”
“How did you tell the story if it’s a lie?” I questioned, placing my hand on my hip. “Seriously, faeries can’t lie.”
“I didn’t. I said I was told this is what happened. Not, this is what happened.”
“Masterful.”
“We’re known for it.”
“Yes, you are.”
He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. “I feel like we’ve hardly spent any time together. I understand, but I miss you. A lot.”
I bumped my nose against his. “I miss you too.” I buried my face into his chest. “You smell like honey and pastry.” I breathed in the evocative scents.
“I found a baker in that place they call a town. It’s okay. It’s something.”
I smiled. “I’ll bring in supplies, and you can make your famous tarts for us.”
“That’d be nice and normal. Let’s do it.”
“Okay, but first I need to see if I can arrange a meeting with the mer king. Oh, damn.” I bit my lip. “I promised Blaise I’d read over this battle strategy from a century ago with him, but you know, I’ll tell him another day.”
His expression hardened. “Does he need to be with you to read?”
“He knows a lot about it,” I explained. “Blaise is king. I have to spend time with him. He’s funding almost everything we’re doing.”
He tapped his finger against the side of his head. “I wonder why that is.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s not what you think. This is beneficial to him. He can’t survive Edgar’s rule, as he has an alliance with Berovia.”
“I’m sure that’s the only reason.” He shrugged, then shook his head slightly. “No other motivations.”
“There is nothing between us.”
“For you, perhaps not, but maybe for him.”
“Stop!” I said, berating him. “Enough of this talk, please.” He wasn’t entirely wrong. There was something there. It was powerful, lustful, and downright dangerous, but I was squashing it. I wasn’t letting it in, and that was what mattered. The truth would only hurt Cedric, and I didn’t want to do that, especially considering he had nothing to worry about.
“You’re right.” He inhaled deeply and ran his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I’m not used to feeling this... vulnerable.”
Warmth spread through me. “You’re sweet. Really, you’re perfect for me.”
He laughed. “I’m glad you think so. I do too.”
I chuckled. “Will you walk with me to the shore? I think Adius will die if he sees me going anywhere alone.”
