Page 113 of As Above, So Below

Artemise has never said anything. I had no idea.

“And rightfully so considering the rumors of the hour,” Eve retorts, slicing another piece of her apple.

Lilith’s laughter is musical. “Are you referring to the engagementTanilaended? The king was ready to honor his word, but things have come to light that cannot be denied. Let’s just say Ryc is now free to step into his role as Ves’ guardian.”

Guardian?

What in the nine hells does that mean?

Does he know I want to offer him a contract?

How?

Lilith stands from her seat, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“When Artemise finally releases Ves, please tell her to visit the Twilight Mire tonight,” Lilith says softly. “There’s a beautiful rooftop vista near the river; it’s the only three-story building on the block. It’s one of the best locations in the city for stargazing. Something I’ve been told she would appreciate.”

Giving Eve a wink, Lilith leaves, crimson hair and dark robes billowing behind her. Eve stares after her, shaking her head.

“Absolutely touched by madness,” she scoffs, shoving another apple slice into her mouth.

“He wants to meet tonight,” I say quietly, mostly to myself. I can’t bring myself to look at Eve and, instead, watch a flock of pigeons land on the roof nearby.

“You gotthat,” she furrows her brows, “fromthat?” She juts a thumb in the general direction of where Lilith had gone.

With a small laugh, I nod.

“Are you going to go? If Artemise catches you…” she trails off, the warning in her voice clear.

“I have to.”

Not only to return the dagger, but because I’m a foolish, selfishcreature who wants to see this fae. I want to meet him. I have questions.

I know one thing for sure.

I’m bound to lose this game of chess against the gods.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

I have toadmit, the view hereisspectacular.

The city sprawls beneath me, its surfaces glistening as the recent rain casts everything in a reflective sheen. The magelights suspended from wrought iron lamp posts cast a silver glow, lighting up the streets in an orderly fashion. Ollora lies vast and sprawling, curling around the shoreline in the distance like a gentle caress.

The breeze carries a lazy, comforting scent, a blend of Kevus Lake and night-blooming jasmine. A thin mist rises from the cobblestone streets, creating a low hanging fog that blankets the ground.

Perched atop the parapet of an ancient three-story building in the Twilight Mire, the illusion of freedom is an easy trap to fall into. I have a number of choices before me, and the longer I dance between the lines, the closer the lines become. I’m going to be forced to choose a side before long. And I’m not sure any of the choices on offer will end the way I want.

Shifting my weight, I bring my legs up onto the parapet and lie back onto the stone to stare at the night sky. I breathe deep, appreciating the grounding scent of petrichor and jasmine, and the feel of the cool breeze on my skin.

The clouds hadn’t fully left by the time I reached the Twilight Mire, but they had separated enough to give glimpses of the moon and stars that lie millions of miles beyond.

Brushing my hair out of my eyes and folding my arms under my head, I sigh. I’d opted not to wear the glamouring ring, wanting to keep it from Ryc in case I needed to use it again—in case I need to go into hiding or flee Ollora.

If this meeting goes south, my bag is packed, ready, and waiting on my bed at the temple. I’ll make my way as far west as I can manage, and with any luck I’ll find myself in a human-run country where these fae kings hold no power.

Leaving me to contend with Netharis and Celesta—and potentially a few pointed stares or comments from humans regarding my fae appearance. Hopefully, an easy enough thing to hide with the glamouring ring.

Celesta will be easy enough to avoid.