Page 110 of Journey to the Elderoak
“That’s an understatement,” mumbled Raine.
Thorne replied, “Jareth is?—”
“A prick,” interrupted Quinn.
Thorne raised an eyebrow. “Yes. He’s conceited, thinks he is better than everyone else and not pleasant to be around. We will need to keep a close eye on him. We don’t need any brawls when we’re preparing for war.”
Ava sighed, still irritated but her anger was dissipating. She understood why he didn’t want to talk about it, especially with how much he hated his astral magic.
“Not to change the subject and all,” said Raine. “But we need to discuss our next steps now that Ava is fae.”
She leaned to Casimir and whispered, “We’re not done talking about this.”
“I know,” he bit back.
Thorne was silent for a moment, looking in between thetwo of them before speaking. “First, Ava needs to train to use her magic. And continue training with weapons. While she’s doing that, we’ll finalize our plan to get the book and Isolde. As far as training in magic,” Thorne continued. “You’ll do that with Raine. He’s the best at self-control. Casimir will continue with what he’s already been training you in.”
Ava looked at Raine. “I find it hard to believe you’re the best at self-control.”
“Oh, but I am, darling. And we are going to have loads of fun.”
She laughed and the conversation returned to the rest of the ball guests. Everyone was shocked to learn the King and Queen of Igneothenia—who had been in hiding since their kingdom set in a range of active volcanoes was conquered—had been located and would be attending. No one had seen them in years and hope bloomed at their reappearance and the possibility they may still have part of their army after escaping the daemons.
No one from Frosthaven—the kingdom set in the icy mountains to the east—would be attending. Ava had learned in her lessons with Jorrar that Valeria, their queen, had allowed the daemons in and was working with them. Her desire and longing for power overarched any loyalty to the rest of the fae. Their kingdom had to be watched.
Ava and Casimir stewed in silence as the ball was discussed. Though she wasn’t angry any longer, she was hurt he didn’t tell her. And worried about what this meant for their relationship.
“Alright, let me have it,”Casimir said as he shut the door to their living room.
Ava whirled around to find him smirking. “Oh, you think this is funny?”
“Not really,” he said, but his smile didn’t falter.
“You lied to me. How can I trust you if you’re still keeping things from me?”
“It changes nothing,” he said.
“It doesn’t? I mean…you’re a prince. From a different kingdom. Doesn’t that change something with us?”
He took a step forward. “No. I won’t inherit the throne. I don’t even want it. It changes nothing.”
“But you didn’t tell me.”
“And you’ve told me every single thing about you?” he asked as he walked closer.
“Yes…I think so. I mean, I’m not a secret princess or anything. It’s not a secret anymore.”
“But you were a secret princess. You kept things from us,” he was still smirking as he looked at her.
“First of all, I didn’t know I was a princess. Second of all, I didn’t know you, prince.”
“I said don’t call me that,” he said as he stalked toward her.
“Or what?” she backed up, hitting the wall.
He didn’t answer as he stood over her, eyes full of mischief.
“Are youenjoyingthis?”
