Page 106 of The Never List
“I’ll just give you ladies a moment,” the server calls over our squeals, disappearing to check on other patrons.
“When the carriage came to our places,” Layce whispers as we break out of our three-way embrace, “I was terrified. I thought they were going to drag us in for…” Her voice trailsoff, but I don’t need her to finish.
I can imagine where her mind went. She likely thought they were going to be questioned about me and my character by either the Legends or the kings themselves.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s a surprise,” I say as we fold ourselves into the circular table with cushioned seats, our tones hushed between us. “But when Pierce gave me the opportunity to see you two, I wasn’t going to miss it.” I glance between Ivy and Layce, relief coursing through my body and unraveling tension I didn’t realize I had. “Goddess, I’ve missed you two.”
“Same,” Ivy says, looking me over with a concerned stare. “We’ve been beside ourselves with worry.” She glances around as if we may be overheard.
I follow her and Layce’s eyes across the establishment, spotting the Occuli, who sit at a table with their backs to the piano player and their gazes onus. They’re a good distance away, but it’s still unnerving, especially as they hold those green flames aloft without even the slightest tremble in their hands.
“That’s not creepy at all,” Layce says sarcastically.
“Yeah, you don’t get used to it,” I say, shaking my head but returning my focus to them. “Those green flames are how they communicate directly with the kings.”
“Not the Legends?” Ivy asks, tilting her head.
“No,” I say. “The Legends aren’t keen to keep tabs on me as much as the kings are.”
“Ah,” Ivy says. “Because of course the good kings want to ensure that the mate of their sons’ choosing, the future queen of Lumathyst, is a worthy person.”
I don’t miss the snark in her tone, but I nod. “Naturally.”
“Even if,” Layce says. “Isn’t that a bit suffocating?”
“Very,” I say, sighing. The server from earlier returns, and we quickly place food and drink orders before she hurries off.
I reach across the table, taking Ivy’s and Layce’s hands in mine. “Tell me, how have you two been?”
“We’ve been the same,” Ivy says, glancing at Layce, who nods. “Tell us howyou’vebeen?”
“We’ve been so…anxious to hear how it’s all going,” Layce adds. “There’s only so much the royal post reports on, and it’s hard to read between the lines sometimes.”
“I’m okay,” I assure them. “It’s been a whirlwind, for certain. I’ve barely had time to think beyond taking each day as it comes. I know I should have tried to get letters or something to you—”
“We totally understand,” Ivy cuts me off, shaking her head and squeezing my hand. “We never expected you to reach out, not until after winter solstice and the Athanry…”
Her voice trails off, and we all share a serious look. Likely each of us thinking about what Ivy isn’t saying.
IfI survive the Athanry.
“I know,” I say, ignoring the sliver of terror in my blood. “I just want you to know I’ve been thinking of you.”
Plus, in the beginning, I’d been so terrified of them being harmed when my secret inevitably came to light that I hadn’t wanted anyone to know they existed. But now…with everything that’s happened between the Legends and myself, I’m less afraid.
Maybe that’s being naive.
Maybe I’m getting too comfortable in this new life.
“We understand,” Layce says. “And wehavebeenreading.”
A flush dusts my cheeks. “I must admit I haven’t read any of the posts about me. I’ve been a coward.”
“Well lucky for you, we never miss one,” Ivy says. “The illustrations definitely make you look comfy with red and blue, and I don’t mean your outfit.” She motions to my tight red leggings and long-sleeve blue shirt.
I press my lips together, nodding, unable to deny the thrill of excitement that rushes through me. “Kal and Axl are amazing,” I say with absolute honesty. “The rumors we heard about them…they aren’t true.”
Ivy looks at me skeptically while Layce’s eyes are downright dreamy.
