Page 79 of Journey to the Elderoak
She drew her bow and released her second arrow. It landed on the edge of the bullseye. “That counts,” she insisted.
“It does. Last one.”
Taking a deep breath, she squinted at the bullseye—harder to see now that it was blocked by two arrows. She released, frozen as she watched it zoom across the field.
It hit its mark perfectly, splitting her first arrow down the center.
She set the bow down and crossed her arms, beaming up at Raine who appeared shocked. “You didn’t think I could do it, did you?”
“I knew you could do it. I’m just impressed by that last shot.”
“Answer my question now.”
He studied her. “What exactly did he say?”
“He said ‘Goodnight, Mi’ra Vässa.’”
“When?”
“The night we went dancing.” She sighed. “He walked me to my door, kissed my forehead and said that before he went into his room.”
“Hmm… You two didn’t?—”
“No!” She placed her hands on her hips. “We’ve donenothing.”
“I see.” He smiled. “Somebody’s upset they aren’t getting any.”
“I’m not—I mean—whatever. Are you going to tell me what that means?”
They walked back to the castle, leaving Luna and Sabriel asleep in the sun. Titus screeched and landed on Ava’s shoulder, nestling in her hair.
“It’s an old fae term that isn’t used often.”
“What do you mean?”
“We reserve it for someone who means a lot to us.”
“Have you ever called anyone that?” she asked, heart racing as she gathered his meaning.
“Only one person.” He glanced at her, humor replaced by a sense of sadness on his face. She was silent, letting Raine decide if he wanted to say more. “It means dear one.”
“Okay, and what doesthatmean?”
“It means you’re important to him.”
“I know. At least, I think I know,” she said.
“There’s a lot you don’t know.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll only say this. Casimir probably won’t make a move until he’s positive you want it. He’s too…honorable or whatever. You need to figure out what’s holding you back. And talk to him.”
“What am I supposed to say?”
“How about this? ‘Hey Cas…I’m in love with you and I’m pretty sure you’re in love with me but we’re both too stubborn to do anything about it so take off all your clothes and ravage me my dearest general.’”
Ava’s jaw dropped. “I’m not inlovewith him.”
