Page 29 of The Path of Blood and Betrayals

“Get out,” I croak, burying further into the blankets. If I burrow far enough, maybe he won’t be able to reach me.

I hear him tsk, and then I’m cold.

Covers flutter to the floor and I squawk something embarrassing, bolting upright.

“C’mon, Max. Get up. We have another ball to attend.”

“Again?” I growl. I don’t want to be around more people, moremen, nor anywhere near the heir.

What if he’s told everyone my secret? I’m not ready to face that.“What is it with this palace and balls?”

The people are starving and yet, Griffin throws elaborate balls for people he barely knows. He could use his money on his people.

Unless that isn’t the case at all. Quietly, I file my suspicion away for later.

Taycomes closer, white dreads now pulled over his shoulder, amethyst gems threaded along the strands. He’s handsome, but exasperated with me “It’s incelebration, Max. After you fled the talks,” he gives me a reproachful look and I roll my eyes, “we all came to an agreement. The Dark Fae agreed to lead us into the forest, scout the area, and help us navigate. Once we locate the Crimson Army, we’ll send for Griffin’s reinforcements.”

At my surprised look, he chuckles. “Yeah, I was just as shocked.”

“What do they get out of it?” I swing my legs over the edge, ignoring the urge to hide back under my covers. This place isn’t safe and the anxiety in my gut is making leaving this bed difficult.

“We agreed to trade,” Tay says, shifting slightly.

I whistle.He’s guilty of something.“What did you do? Sell the Coven?”

Tayrolls his eyes, looking to the ceiling for divine guidance. I’m sureCellaand Gerare not listening. “I didn’t sell the Coven.”

“Then, what?” I stand, peering up at him. It clicks as soon as he looks away. “Oh Gods, you traded them water.” I snort. “Nafre and the elders are going to be so mad at you.”

“They didn’t want anything else,” he gripes. “In order to gain peace, we needed guides into the forest. They wouldn’t do it for free. So we offered to open trade withZelos.”

“But you offeredwater?” I ask, disdain making my voice break.Gods, I sound horrible. “The one resource we have. And you just gave it to the enemy?”

Tay sighs, pinching his brow. “It’s a matter of life or death for Neevea, Max. Besides, it’smyCoven. I know how best to protect it.”

I flinch. It’s always their Coven—never mine.

Crossing my arms, I look away. “Great. You gave a tyrant the onlypower the Blackwoods Coven has. What do we get out of this? Just guides?”

“Allies,” he corrects, clasping my shoulder. “The Dark Fae are powerful. The Coven is in shambles and we need allies to help us rebuild. With their help, the Coven could be great. With the Dark Fae locked in agreement with us, we stand a chance.”

I nod. It makes sense, but I don’t trust it—them. “All this to unite Neevea? To defeat a common enemy?Hope?” It’s a lot.

Tay’s eyes look at me softly, shrugging. “I did this for you too.”

Eyebrows raising, I ask, “How so?”

“You were in those woods.”Tayshrugs, flicking my nose. I wrinkle my face, glaring at him as he continues. “You stumbled out, neck bleeding, and I knew I had to help you. I shouldn’t have been there that day.”

I remember. Tay had ignored his mother’s orders, and instead of harvesting herbs, had wandered close to the border of the wards where I appeared.

“We knew it was the army that had tried to kill you. You lost everything because of them.” My throat clogs with emotions but I fight the urge to show it. “So, if I have to give water to a few monsters to see justice served? If I have to hurt a few elders’ feelings by uniting Neevea? So be it.”

I can only nod past the warmth in my chest. He’s risking a lot by trying to give me closure and I can’t fault him for his protectiveness. It’s who he is.

His eyes search my face. “You alright, Max? I expected more comments. Maybe a reminder of how stupid I’m being. Instead, you seem withdrawn.” He smirks. “More so than usual.”

Smirking, I tug my hair to hide my neck. I can’t confide in him about the attack. It’ll lead to questions about the heir and what he saw—and I remember Tay’s fear when he saw me use my magic on the Crimson soldiers. After what he just said, I can’t bear to see him look at me that way again. Like I’m a monster.