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Quinfina stood. “I think we’re done here for now.” She looked at me, her peridot eyes gleaming. “Your doubts are unfounded. You’ll see with time.”
44
HER VILLAIN
EZRA
Entering the living room, I found the others huddled around the central table, going through Zeke’s box of photographs. After Cyn misplaced the box last year and Zeke experienced a meltdown, I’d suggested storing the photographs digitally and taking new ones with his phone instead. But human novelties fascinated Zeke—even the ones that were outdated.
Given enough centuries, I anticipated his physical copies would deteriorate. When our devices became obsolete, digital storage would allow us to transfer his files so he’d never lose his photographs. The argument wasn’t worth it, though. When Zeke had a system, nothing swayed him.
Ash looked up as I approached. “How’d it go?”
“Much of the same. Reports. Complaints. Schedules.” I stepped into the conversational pit, taking my seat behind Rae on the sofa. Her shoulders stiffened when my leg bumped her side.
Zeke put the photos into the box and slid it beneath the table before getting onto the couch. He settled in the crook of Cyn’s arm.
Yesterday, Ash and I had caught them making out on the sofa, which prompted their admission of what we’d known all along. It pleased me to see them together at last, though their relationship would have to remain a secret beyond these walls.
Ash leaned back as Rae got off the floor and moved away from me to sit on the couch at Zeke’s feet. Her eyes kept darting in my direction, but she wouldn’t make eye contact.
“Father wants to perform a series of tests,” I said, watching Rae carefully. “He wishes to see how much magic you possess.”
Ash put his arm over the back of the couch. “What? Why?”
“There hasn’t been another incident since the trial. You already know they are questioning the legitimacy of her origin, so I understand why he’s calling for tests.”
“Absolutely not,” Cyn said.
Zeke looked up at him. “We can’t just say no.” He looked at Ash. “Can we?”
After our recent interactions with Father and the council, I understood Zeke’s uncertainty. We’d stepped out of line more than ever before without Father breaking us for it.
“We can’t,” Ash said, dropping his arm and propping his elbows on his thighs.
Rae looked between them. “Why not?”
“If we refuse, then—” Ash groaned in frustration, looking at the floor. “We just can’t.”
“I want to tell you why,” Zeke whispered. “Can’t you trust us?”
“I do trust you.”
“Then understand we can’t stop him from commanding this,” I said.
She sighed. “I already know. I know why you can’t defy him.”
Ash lifted his head. “What did you say?”
“Amra told me everything. Told me about Cornaith and his ties to Kalthea. Told me you’re not allowed to talk about it with anyone who doesn’t know already without it hurting you in a way you can’t heal.”
Zeke sat upright. “She told you?”
Rae nodded. “I get it now. Why you couldn’t tell me everything. Why you let him do those things. Why you let things happen before I moved here.”
Cyn’s jaw clenched, and Zeke looked away.
“None of it matters. Your knowledge doesn’t change the fact that we’re obligated to bring you to the palace for his tests.”
