Page 108 of Journey to the Elderoak
“You’re right. You do stink. You should go bathe.”
“Rude.” She scoffed as she stood. “But you’re right. I’m about to go do that. I’ll see you at dinner.”
32
Later that evening, they were gathered in the dining hall. Casimir had moved to sit next to Ava, trading places with Raine who was now across the table. Her heart warmed at his insistence on being close to her. Everything was different now that he’d confessed his feelings under the willow tree two days ago.
Ava wanted nothing more than to be near him. To touch him. Hold him.
She’d stayed in the bath as long as possible, washing the guts from her hair and body until her skin was rubbed raw. After emerging, she’d smothered herself in lavender lotion to ensure the smell was gone.
Dressed in a taupe cotton tunic and brown pants, her still damp hair hung in a braid. Casimir had taken a quick bath and met them at dinner after resting and napping more, his arm still in a sling.
The table was laid out with the usual fares. Roasted meats and root vegetables, baked breads and jams, potatoes and other sides. Kai had joined them tonight and was sitting next to Jorrar, laughing with him about something.
As they filled their plates, Thorne cleared his throat. “Since you two were gone, we discussed the ball and the guests who’ll be attending. Raine and Quinn developed our security plan and have been communicating it to the guards.”
“So, who’s coming?” asked Casimir as he sipped his wine.
“Oh, the usual,” Raine said as he waved his hand, brushing Casimir off.
There was a nervous energy in the air and the others looked uncomfortable; tense. Ava tried catching Raine’s eye across the table, but he avoided looking at both her and Casimir.
“Will someone tell me why you all are acting weird?” she asked.
“Nobody’s acting weird,” said Raine. “You’re just overly sensitive right now with your big fae feelings.”
“What?” she scoffed. “You guys are definitely acting strange.”
Casimir had gone still and was staring at Thorne.
“What’s wrong?” She looked at him, but he ignored her.
“Who is coming to the Solstice Ball?” he asked again, glowering at Thorne.
The whole table went silent as Thorne cleared his throat. “Well…all of the kings and queens are coming.”
“Fromeverykingdom?” he asked.
“Except Frosthaven.”
“Orion?” Casimir whispered.
Thorne nodded. “And Jareth.”
Confused, Ava glanced at Casimir again. Why was he so angry?
“No,” he said. “Uninvite them.”
“We can’t and you know that,” said Thorne. “Our relationship with them is rocky at best.”
“No thanks to you, Cas,” whispered Quinn.
“And”—Thorne cast a sharp glance at Quinn—“we need to mend that if we’re going to ask them for help in the war.”
“I can’t believe you would invite them,” Casimir said. “After what happened last year.”
Ava looked between Casimir and her brother. “What happened last year?”
