A Court of Witches and Curses

CHAPTER TWO

EDEN'S PERSPECTIVE

I cannot tell what I am in more disbelief over--the food or the people. I think I understand why Feyra is so okay with everything--well, as okay with things as someone who died and then was brought back to life can be. Still, though, she's acting strange--after dinner she brought me back to this room and told me she'd come back soon. Maybe she's talking to whoever's in charge about sending me back.

I could go back--I could go and deal with the loud hell that awaits me. Maybe this day was meant to be a gift, a last chance to see Feyra and be myself before I'm married off to that man. What's he going to do to me after I embarrassed him? I swallow back my fear, twisting the one blonde strand of hair between my fingers. They could cut off my pinky--he's threatened it before. Or maybe he's backing out entirely...and my people won't have the defense they need. What's going on there? I'd feel so much better if I knew what was happening there. I shouldn't have left--and if I was going to pull a 'runaway bride' cliche I should have done it the night before the wedding to avoid such a public display. Now they're going to struggle to spin the story.

When I hear a knocking on my door, I'm relieved. Who knows what kind of down spiral I'm on the border of? I open the door quickly, hoping to hear some good news and also figure out what I think good news will be.

"Eden," Feyra greats, "Would staying here really be that bad?" For me, personally? Definitely not, but I can't be a child anymore. I turned eighteen, Feyra left, and I need to grow up. "You raved about both the food and each person you've seen."

"Please--you're telling me you don't basically fall in love every time you make eye contact with someone in the hallway here?"

"All the more reason for you to stay."

No scoffing at how easily distracted I am...something's off. "Feyra, what's going on?"

"I spoke to Rhys--apparently your sixth sense is psychometry." What? "It's also, apparently, extremely rare and he thinks it would be a good idea if you stayed so that he can help you learn to control it so that you can touch certain objects that will give us insight into The King of Hybern's plans."

That's...a lot. I've never had a word to explain my sixth sense, and I've never thought about applying it for a specific goal. It comes and goes as it pleases, and it's never pleasant. Ignoring the fact that I have no idea who the King of Hybern is or what he could be planning, I can't stay. Yes, I like being around Feyra, and this place does seem like some kind of saving grace...but I can't just abandon my people.

"He thinks it's a good idea or he's making me?"

Feyra lets out a sigh, "He said you could think about it." She steps into the room further. "You've never turned down an adventure before, Eden."

"But I have responsibilities now, Feyra, my choices are impacting other people."

She presses her lips together, eyes staring into mine, "And if Rhys can offer some type of protection in case your people need it?"

A way out. I can escape Aren and my family and be absolved from guilt, and best of all...I could have Feyra back. Feyra who's more my sister than any of my six half-sisters. Feyra who's more my family than anyone in that court.

"You'd be doing something good, the King of Hybern wants to take Prythian and your people would be next. You're serving them more here." She tucks a strand of hair that fell out of her braid. I remember teaching her how to braid hair. "And honestly things have been bad, Eds, and I--I miss you, a--"

I close the distance between us the way I have thousands of times before, hugging her tightly. She's more surprised than she should be considering how long she's known me, but she hugs me back. Even after all this time, she's still protecting me. I should extend the same courtesy when I can, especially since she so rarely lets me.

"I missed you too." I step back, letting her go.

Her face relaxes, but her eyes hold so much feeling I have to look away. "The stars here are amazing, you'll love it."

"Do you remember when I used to make you climb out onto the manor's terrace with me so we could watch the stars?"

"I remember you almost falling--"

"Shut up."

Instead of fighting back, she half smiles, "I'm glad you're here." She takes a half-step back. "I need to go do some training of my own, but there's a large library down the hall, feel free to wander within reason, and don't get in trouble."

Wow. Some things don't change, even if the person's in a different body. "I've been here for a day, how much trouble could I get into?" The look she gives me says it all. "Yeah, I wouldn't believe me either." I nod my head once, "I'll be on my best behavior, I promise."

"I'm not sure I believe you, but I have no choice but to trust you."

I roll my eyes at her hesitation. "What're you even training for?"

She pauses at the door, throwing me a look. "I'll explain it all to you later." Feyra pauses, head dropping slightly, "I think you should try to sleep, but I know you won't listen."

I frown. "I might." Unlikely. "I'll be exhausted enough eventually."

Feyra narrows her eyes at me slightly, but she knows that she won't win this argument. The dreams I have don't make the effort of falling asleep worthwhile. "I'll see you soon--there's some more clothing for you in the wardrobe."

When she leaves, I open the wardrobe and take in everything I have considering that I'm staying here now...apparently. And there's a war coming? I let Feyra slide that fact in too easily, I'll have to knock some details out of her later. All of the clothing is soft beneath my fingertips, much more luxurious than even my princess clothing. I change out of the dress carefully, and into comfortable black pants and a purple shirt with a squared neckline and tulle sleeves.

Each step in these halls without Feyra feels odd...like at any moment some faerie is going to get me for trespassing, but I can't just follow her around all day like a lost puppy. Or maybe I could. No, no--not a good idea. I have to get used to this. I'm...free for now.

I'm glad Feyra couldn't bring me to the library, because my initial reaction is embarrassing. I let out a small gasp at the sight of so many books. I spend much longer than I should, browsing titles before finally sitting on a plush couch and reading. I'm alone with nothing but the characters in my chosen book in the shaded area of the library.

I stay there until Feyra grabs me for dinner.

TEASER FOR CHAPTER THREE:

The air has been pushed out of my lungs from the impact. What the hell? He just--flipped me. I was standing there, and then Cassian grabbed my arm--and flipped me onto my back like I did something.

I push myself into a sitting position, glaring at him with all that I can, "What the hell was that?"

"Preparing you." Azriel replies first, voice void of anything like pesky emotion. "You have a gift that people want, I don't think you understand that you're constantly going to have to be ready now."

Feyra did not warn me that they'd have the ability to fill me with the indignation I thought only my half siblings could produce. I push myself to my feet quickly, keeping silent.

"Don't pout, princess, it's not like we'd hurt your pretty face." Oh, I could kill him.

I ignore the slight warmth in my face. "Maybe I'll hurt your's." Not my most fortunate comeback, or the kind I can make good on, but the words are already out of my mouth. "And don't call me that."

I stare at the ground for a long second before finally looking up to meet Cassian's expression. He doesn't look angry or even particularly concerned, in fact, his lips are pressed together like he's holding in amusement. "Oh, I'd love for you to try."

"Moving on," Azriel's voice is low and still blank, "Feyra mentioned you could throw knives."