Page 121 of As Above, So Below

“Until death.” I shrug and her eyes bulge. “Or until I deem fit.”

Eve laughs in disbelief. “So death, then. Does he know that?” she asks, the pitch of her tone swinging wildly.

My laughter is dry, as dry as the burning log upon the fire. “He would, had he taken the time to read the contract.”

“Good fucking gods, Ves.” Eve rubs her temples with her hands. “Do you have to sow chaos everywhere you go?”

My laughter continues.

“No really.” The tone of her voice is laced with heavy concern. “If King Alarycdiestrying to protect you, it will leave Erus without a ruler. He is the last of the Witherhorn line. The other Sovereign Kings will go to war to claim Erus.”

Once again, I’m reminded of my mistake in neglectingThe Royal Fae Families of Eldoterra.Knowing wouldn’t have changed anything though. This still would have been the outcome. I would have still offered him.

In the hells, indulgences were far and few between.

Here, they’re everywhere.

And Ryc is an indulgence, an urge I’m fighting not to placate.

“And what happens when Artemise or Celesta finds out?” Eve’s question prompts me to huff.

One hurdle at a time.

“Let me contend with Kassil before I consider them,” I answer.

A knock sounds on the door seconds before opening, revealing the broad smile of Lilith as she steps into the room. Her eyes volley between Eve and I as she swings the door wide, her eyes dancing with excitement.

“Lilith,” Eve laughs hesitantly. “You would show up right now.”

“Of course!” she says gleefully, flashing Eve a perfect grin.

She’s not wearing her temple robes this time. In place of the dark blue council robes I’ve seen her wear, she’s wearing a figure-hugging gown of forest green silk, much like the day in the Twilight Mire.

“Royal business and all,” she says playfully, stepping forward as a stream of fae staff garbed in black line into the room.

It’s then I realize I’ve left Ryc’s cloak strewn near the foot of the bed. I’d fallen asleep wearing it, because I’m a gods damned idiot. It’s too late now to try and hide it. If Ryc hasn’t told her, his cloak will.

As my room floods with bodies, all carrying various sized boxes wrapped in black, my heart begins to race. They set the boxes on the small table, filling it, on the floor around it, and on the windowsill. Each making sure to leave them in an orderly arrangement.

“What is this?” I demand, standing and pulling my blanket tightly around my shoulders as I watch the last of the staff leave. I don’t need Lilith seeing my demon mark.

Lilith bounces with excitement as she claps her hands.

“A thank you, and an invitation.” She throws a hand out in my direction, an envelope between her thumb and forefinger.

“Does Artemise know you’re here?” I ask, eyes wide.

Artemise would not let Lilith march through the temple with a fleet of royal staff behind her. Especially if Lilith tells her she’s here to see me. A hand flies to my forehead at the thought of Artemise knowing I’ve established a relationship with the royal family despite her warnings.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Lilith answers in mischievous tones. “Surely,Iwouldn’t wait for Artemise to leave the temple grounds while she meets with the rest of the council.” She shakes her head and her eyes gleam.

No, that’s exactly what she did.

I sigh again.

“Why she would meet with the other members and not invite me raises a few questions if you ask me,” she continues, arching a brow. “But who am I to question the whisperings of Celesta?”

What would Artemise have to say to the other council members she couldn’t or wouldn’t say to Lilith? And what purpose would it serve to keep Celesta’s words from her unless Artemise doesn’t want Lilith to tell Ryc?