“Even if I had my cell, they don’t work in Faerie, but I’ll try to send word,” I said. She looked away from me and nodded. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Please believe that.”
Rian’s steps neared as I stood. “I found a young man who was happy to exchange his vehicle for—” He paused. “I believe he said three thousand dollars?”
Annie hurried to wipe her face as he approached her and reached out. She grabbed a key and the money from him. “Thank you.”
I rolled my eyes at her blush and turned to Rian, who was staring at me expectantly. “Let me guess, you were about to say we should get going before it disappears again.” His guilty expression was answer enough.
My chest ached as I looked down at my little sister. We moved simultaneously and wrapped our arms around each other. Stepping back, I rubbed my face.
“Do me a favor. Tell Jeff to pack my crap up and store it if he hasn’t already thrown it away. If he asks where I am, tell him there’s a situation I’m trying to figure out, but nothing else.” Unable to help it, I stepped forward and squeezed her tight again.
“Ow.”
“Crap.” I released her, and Annie laughed through the tears. “I’ll see you soon, promise.”
She nodded and I stepped to the door as Rian turned to her. “Make sure you leave as soon as possible. The magical residue you have from Rae will fade in a few hours. But you should begin your journey now, so you are not sensed.”
“Got it,” she mumbled, blushing.
We were nearing the forest when Rian finally spoke. “Are you okay?”
No, I was not. I wished I could go with her. I wished this wasn’t my new life.
I nodded in answer. If I opened my mouth, I’d only burst into an ugly cry.
4
Another nifty Fae perk? Walking through the portal didn’t feel like ice was shooting through my soul.
Shaking off the skittering sensation that crawled up my neck, I took in the darkening skies. Thunder rolled overhead, and the sky opened up. Rain fell in a sheet, so thick it was difficult to see. I blinked away the gathering droplets from my lashes, but it was pointless because they kept coming. Rian’s wide eyes met mine. It took me a second to realize why that look was being directed at me.
The weather was a mimicry of my emotions.
More dark clouds gathered overhead, and the little light offered by the sky was blocked out. I wanted to rant and shake my fists at the sky, but I had no one to blame for this but myself. If I had better control, then this wouldn’t be happening. But here I was, Queen, and I had Faerie’s weather reflecting my emotions. The flurry around me grew with my frustration. I clenched my hands and dug my nails into my palm.
God, this was miserable. I glared at my surroundings, at the multicolored leaves adorning the treetops that shook under the rain and wind. All of this was another reminder of how everything had changed. At how I had changed. I itched to flee back through the portal, back to my sister.
I squeezed my eyes shut, internally chastising myself. I was lucky to be alive. The Queen had sacrificed herself for me. Even if she had been slowly dying because Sabine had poisoned her.
But as grateful as I was, bitterness gradually took root, spreading outward. All of my insecurities and fears compounded on my shoulders. Roark for the way he chose another when he should have fought for me. Inadequacy over being Queen when I had no idea how to control my power or rule anyone. I sighed, feeling sorry for myself.
“We’ll figure it out,” Rian said, voice gentle. I could hear him perfectly over the furious howls of the wind.
I peeked at him from the corner of my eyes and smiled slightly. I was fully soaked at this point. I pulled my hair up, squeezed the water out of it, and pulled it into a ponytail.
“You’re a good guy.” It occurred to me I knew nothing about Rian, nothing deep at least. “Is there a girlfriend, mate, significant other waiting for you at the castle?”
His eyebrows furrowed. At a loss, he opened his mouth and shut it again. Finally, Rian cleared his throat and said gruffly, “I have no time for such things.”
My eyebrows flew up. “So, you’re saying you don’t have your eye on anyone?” I winked and elbowed him.
He began walking faster than me, shaking his head. It sent droplets all over the place. “That is what I am saying. I have a duty, and I will not be swayed from it.” His tone was quiet and a bit begrudging.
I laughed at his stern expression. “Maybe when this is all done I can set you up?”
He shook his head at me and looked around before turning back to me. “I know you are suffering.”
“How would you know that?” I bit out sharper than intended.
He gave me a pointed look and then waved a hand around. Oh, right, the ridiculously storming weather. The smile that stretched over my mouth felt tight, and I nodded, giving him the round.
“Let’s get you to the castle.”
I mulled over whether my sister had already reached Jeff. I wished there were some sort of magic mirror. Now that would be useful. Not this weird-ass weather mood ring.
The rain pelted me, and I had to shield my eyes to protect them against the sting. Rian was right, but it was no secret. I was suffering. Being back here, it all reminded me of Roark, bringing the ache to the forefront. I swallowed hard as thunder boomed.
I missed him… his lavender eyes. One a different shade from the other. I missed his vulnerable side. The way he looked out for me with care I didn’t think he would be capable of. I hadn’t known him long, but it was as if
