Page 87 of Those That Defy the Realm

Anger at Henry for destroying everything.

But most prevalent, anger at myself for being a fool once more. I’d let him become someone important. I’d risked my heart again.

Was Ash aware? Surely not. It was going to break me further if I had to tell him. I had no idea how I was even going to call him and have that discussion.

Digging my phone out of the bag I’d packed, fully anticipating I’d be stopping over again as I usually would, I dial the number instinctively.

I get an answer on the fifth ring.

“Claire, you do realise it's barely morning?” Bree mumbles down the line.

“Sorry, did I wake you?”

She must hear something in my voice because there’s a ruffling of sheets before her reply comes with a much more alert tone.

“What’s wrong?”

Spilling everything in a fury filled tirade, I barely let Bree respond between each piece of information I fire at her. I tell her everything. About my heritage, about last night. The scene I walked in on this morning.

“Fuck me sideways, are you sure?” She sounds hesitant to accept it. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d probably question it as well. Not that Bree knows Henry that well, but Rory is as much her friend as she is mine.

“They were in the same bed! He was shirtless and they looked completely blissed out.”

“Gods dammit. Why?”

“Good question. I didn’t hang around long enough to ask.”

Somehow, I’ve found myself at the docks, a boat horn blasts as the workers are bustling about, their day already fully underway.

“What was that? Where are you?” Bree asks.

Telling her, an idea springs to mind as the passenger ferry comes into view, the one that travels between Froan and the West Scotia capital.

I have a few things packed, and I can probably borrow some clothes from Bree, despite her being much taller, we’re of similar builds. Screw it, I can buy some new outfits. The need to get away from this island hits strong.

“Can I come stay with you for a few days?” The question is out before I can overthink anything.

“Of course,” Bree doesn’t hesitate. “When did you want to come over? I’ve got a pretty packed schedule but you’re welcome to my apartment.”

“How about now?” I say straightening my spine. The ferry is boarding so I’m going to have to be quick, and hope there are still tickets left, but I want to go before I can change my mind.

“Now?”

“There’s a boat leaving soon.” When she’s silent for a second too long, I add, “If it’s too inconvenient that’s fine. I can come another time.”

“No, fuck it. I do think you need to confront Rory and Henry at some point but maybe a few days away will clear your head. And I’m off tomorrow, so we can hang out. Do something dumb and fun.”

That makes me laugh and suddenly I can’t wait to see my best friend again. She’s living her dream, and I’m so happy and proud of her but I do miss seeing her every day.

“Great. Okay, I’m hanging up so I can go get a ticket. I’ll message you the details when I’m on board, let you know when I’ll be docking.”

“See you soon!”

Getting off the boat takes several minutes, it was nearly full to capacity, so the passengers funnelling down the narrow gangway is pretty slow.

I spot Bree on the harbour front, bundled up in a woollen coat, with matching scarf and hat, hot lattes in hand and I almost start weeping again. I need that coffee more than I can comprehend after the day it’s been.

Finally, I’m walking down the wooden bridge to disembark, my legs feeling slightly wobbly as I touch solid ground. Luckily, I don’t suffer from sea sickness but it takes a few steps for my body to catch up from being bounced about on the ocean.