“Yeah.” Meria’s tone held a grimace.
“It’s almost time,” Eve said. “I bet she’ll be here any day now.”
“Great.” I was headed to my wedding and there was about to be a super evil uninvited guest. Just like sleeping beauty.
“We’ll be in the sitting room,” Meria said. “Get a move on. We’re nearly there.”
They left, and I stood. It didn’t take long to dress, but I’d sure as hell need a shower when I arrived. Hopefully, no one would stand too close to me.
How the hell was I supposed to be queen when I had thoughts like that?
I shook my head. This world was insane.
Once I was dressed, I went into the sitting room. It was full, the entire contingent from our court filling the space. My gaze went immediately to Lore, who stood at the window.
I stopped abruptly, unable to help myself. Heart pounding, I looked for a place to hide.
Annoyance surged through me.
Hide?
Who the hell was I becoming?
I wasn’t going to hide from him. Yes, last night had been incredibly intense. And then he’d just walked out on me. But I could behave like a grown woman. In fact, I had to.
There was too much at stake. My life. The lives of the people in his court.
To have any chance of succeeding, we needed to work together on this. I could do that.
I drew in a deep breath and walked over to him, stopping at his side. The winter-forest scent that was uniquely his wrapped around me, and I resisted the urge to draw it into my lungs. It would just remind me of last night, and I couldn’t afford that.
Electricity tightened the air between us. I didn’t look at him, but I didn’t need to. Couldn’t, in fact. I’d never been so aware of a person in my life, and if I met his gaze right now, I might combust on the spot.
He seemed to feel the same because I never felt his gaze on me. He was silent, and I couldn’t bring myself to be the first to speak. What would I say?
I feel drawn to you by fate?
Nope. Not an option.
Last night was the best of my life?
Even worse.
So I stayed silent.
The train slowed to a stop at a simple station built of beautiful golden wood. Oaks surrounded it, huge and ancient. Dark clouds hung heavy over the trees, casting shadows over the forest and platform.
“We’ll get off last,” he said. “Avoid the crowd.”
I liked that plan. I was still on edge, and the last thing I wanted to do was make small talk with someone from another court.
Once most of the crowd had cleared, we disembarked. Lore and I split up, and I walked with Meria and Eve, following right behind Lore and Dain. They didn’t speak on the way up the path, and neither did we. My attention was too riveted by the clouds overhead.
They felt closer here. More powerful—as if they were imbued with a magic all their own. A dark magic. It made a shiver run through me.
“You okay?” Eve whispered.
“Yeah. I just don’t like those clouds.”
“I don’t blame you. They’re unavoidable here.”
It was an understatement, and I was grateful when the palace appeared on the hill in front of us. It was massive, a delicate structure built of white and grey stone in a style I’d never seen before. Ornate and delicately built, it looked like it could be knocked over with a few well-placed cannon blasts. There wasn’t even a curtain wall to protect it.
“It’s really just a ceremonial palace, isn’t it?” I asked. “No defenses at all.”
Meria nodded.
“No wonder the witch with the deathly magic is supposed to be here,” I mused. “It would be easy to get in.”
“If she could find it,” Meria said. “It’s hidden.”
“I’m sure she’ll manage.”
“Unfortunately, I think you’re right.” Meria looked at Eve. “But we’ll be ready.”
“Thanks, guys. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have you.”
“Kick ass, still. Just slower.” Meria grinned at me.
I smiled back, but it faded as we began to climb the stairs to the castle entry. Lore waited for me at the top, holding out his arm for me.
I drew a shuddery breath, then took it. His sleeve was warm beneath my fingertips, the muscles firm beneath the fabric. Heat shot through me where we touched, and I raised my head to meet his gaze.
“We need to present a united front,” he murmured.
“We are united.” We might have our issues, but I was dead certain we were on the same side when it came to matters at the palace. We were here to protect the Court of Starlight and Darkness. I’d do whatever it took. So would he.