Page 14 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

It was stupid to do this.

My jaw clenches and my fingers dig into the seat.

“Would I ever let anything happen to you?” Tay asks, leaning back, wide shoulder bumping mine. Dressed in violet and copper, Tay certainly looks the part of a royal now. “Would I ever bring you somewhere that I couldn’t keep you safe?”

Biting my lip, I shake my head. “No. Never.”

“We’ll be alright,” he insists. He sounds so sure. I want to believe him, I do, but life experiences say to be wary.

“Do you know anything about the court?” I ask, voice wavering. “Nafre said to be wary. Humans are not the most honest. How do you know they’re not using this as a rouse to take me—us, for our magic? They may have plans to kill us on sight.”

I don’t remember my life prior to the fire, and waking up in the Blackwoods Coven. What if someone here, in Griffin’s court, knows me?

“It’s been fifteen years, Max.” Tay sighs, resting against me like when we were children and nightmares would awaken me. “If anyone knew about you, if anyone was searching for you, we’d know by now.”

He has a point. The Covens spoke frequently, sharing high holiday rites together. They know who I am—what I can do. Word must have traveled to Griffin’s court by now.

It may be logical, but the fear drops heavier into my gut and I shift, wrapping my arms around my middle. Something doesn’t feel right.

“As for the court.” He shrugs. “I only know what you do. Nafre was right to warn us, but we must keep an open mind.”

Snorting, I say, “Right. An open mind.” Not sure Ican do that considering the past.

“We’ll be alright,” he repeats, opening the curtain to peer outside. I can see lights in the distance, the castle coming into view. “You’ll be alright. I promise.”

The curtains shut. “Besides, you know as well as I do that we need the help. If we can secure allies, we will have resources to rebuild, quicker than we could alone. We could stop the Crimson terror before another village is razed. We could do some real good at these talks.”

Tay has always been the more hopeful of us. It’s almost contagious, how he wants to believe things can change, that I find myself nodding along.

Slowly, the carriage comes to a halt as voices drift through the carriage walls. Iron gears clank and groan as a gate opens and we are ushered into the White Palace grounds.

“Do you truly believe this will work?” I ask, peering out the window. “That we can come together, now, after so many years apart?”

Silver eyes burn in the darkness, looking over my head. “I do. The world needs to come together now, Max. I’m willing to give it a shot if you are.”

Years of separation, still rebuilding from a long-ended war, Neevea could use unity. If this is the first step in doing that, then I’m wiling to put aside my fear, my worry, ignore the possible dangers and help.

A white stone palace appears in the dark, a beacon of light that is a perfect metaphor for the hope building in my chest. Brilliant blue banners flicker in the breeze overhead as carriages line up in front of us. We’re not the only ones looking for unity, as I see our sister Covens: the Greenbriers, the Shaes, the Freemantles.

Another dark carriage rolls past the line, stopping at the front as dozens of guards surround it. This one, unfamiliar to me, is sinfully black with a flickering silver flame crest on its door.

“Who’s that?” I ask, finger tapping the glass, calling Tay’s attention.

Leaning over me, he sighs. “Moorgate.” He frowns, disdain dripping from his words. “Dark Fae.”

Following the trail of dignitaries,we walk the plush carpet into the Throne room.

Gawking overhead, I take in the banners hanging from the ceilings, and the wooden beams criss-crossing over the arched ceiling. It’s rustic, but massive, a testament to the king’s wealth.

Golden Griffins bear down at us in the alcoves and I snort.

The hall is moving chaos, travelers being greeted in quick succession, servants rushing with luggage. A few of them stand like statues to the side, golden trays in their hands of food, drink, or towels to wipe weary brows.

My eyes narrow as I follow Tay.All the servants are female.

Their dresses are navy, too tight to their bodies with low cut tops. Impractical for servitude.

A pang of annoyance hits my gut.