Total pages in book: 210
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
“His ashes are.” By the cold look in Romeria’s eye, I can guess who delivered that punishment.
Through the tunnel we march, and at the end is another gate and a different set of creatures, these sleek, the bony bulges from their skulls disturbing. They also have wings.
“More nymphs, I gather?”
“Oredai, this is Prince Atticus, Zander’s brother,” Romeria introduces us. By her tone, she isn’t thrilled to see this one.
“Usurper king,” the creature hisses.
“I will never live that name down.” I dismiss him as I take in the splendor of this secret nymph city. But even that doesn’t hold my attention for too long, as I climb into the saddle of a gelding.
The horses’ hooves echo as we ride through the streets at a fast clip.
“Where is everyone?” It’s deathly quiet in here.
“Most of the nymphs have left to go … somewhere. We don’t know where. The various factions don’t get along with one another,” Romeria says.
“What does that look like? Nymph factions not getting along.”
“I’m not sure yet,” she admits, worry marring her pretty face.
I have so many questions. For now, though, all I can think about is seeing Gracen again. “One problem at a time.”
Zander cuts me a knowing look. Our father always used to say that to us.
We pass over a bridge and beneath two massive, winged statues. Ahead waits Ulysede’s castle, which is as impressive as the rest of the city.
“Argon’s jeweled palace was not enough. You had to claim this, too?” I tease.
“Do not forget Nyos’s guild,” Zander quips. “It is also remarkable.”
Romeria scowls. “None were by choice.”
“I will gladly take one off your hands,” I joke.
“Are you asking or informing of your next coup?” Zander throws back.
“I deserve that.”
“And I’ve only just begun,” he warns, but the corners of his mouth twitch.
I pause in the grand hall to regard the little pot-bellied creature that dusts a pedestal—one of a dozen that sit empty within the vacuous space.
“I guess Oredai let one kaeli stay, after all.” Romeria smiles at the mute thing as it goes about its business. “I’ll bet this is the one that likes to play hide-and-seek with Mika.”
I grin. “Mika’s favorite pastime. He had every member of the guard searching the castle for him at one point or another.” I remember the day I stumbled upon Gracen in the library. She was searching for the little rascal. That’s the day he found the vial of poison and uncovered Saoirse’s scheme.
“Come on. This way.” Romeria leads me to the main set of stairs.
As the three of us move up the floors and down the halls, throwing casual barbs and quips at each other, I find myself longing for more time—to repair relationships, to explore this strange new world of no blood curse, of nymphs, of Ybaris and Islor united.
Romeria stops at a door. “These are her quarters. We’re at the end of the hall. We’ll need to leave before sunrise.” She slips a hand into Zander’s, and they turn to leave.
“Wait!” I call out, stopping them. “Does she know I’m coming?”
“No, because I didn’t know I was bringing you until I spoke to the Kierish queen. She introduced herself and insisted I give you this night. You can thank her.”
That is what Satoria and Romeria spoke about? “I will. Is Gracen angry with me?” I must know.
Romeria sighs heavily. “It’s Gracen. She’ll forgive you, even if you don’t deserve it.” They stroll away.
With a rush of nerves, I knock on the door, and then immediately regret it. The children must be sleeping. I probably woke the baby—
A shuffle sounds on the other side and then the door opens and there she is, wrapped in a robe, her mane of curly blond hair free and wild, the adorable smattering of freckles decorating her sun-kissed cheeks.
I’ve pictured Gracen’s face too many times to count, and now that it’s in front of me, I’m struck speechless.
Beautiful blue eyes widen. “Atticus?”
Just my name on her voice lulls my nerves. “I know I have a thousand apologies to give for my part and poor excuses, but—”
She launches herself at me, her lips cutting off my rambling words.
73
Romeria
“What I am most thankful for in all of this castle tonight is this bathtub.” I close my eyes and settle back against Zander, hoping to soak away the never-ending tension that has encased me lately, or at least temper it for a night. It’s as if the nymphs knew we would need this moment together. And maybe they did. They seem to have insight on everything else.
Zander’s firm body cocoons me, his sinewy arms wrapped around my chest in a lazy embrace. “What made you want to bring Atticus here?” Pushing strands of wet hair off my forehead, he leans in to kiss my temple. Delicious stubble scrapes my skin. I ache for it to scrape me somewhere else.