Page 132 of Their Rejected Queen

I do not remember conversations.

I have no idea what he’s talking about, but I don’t admit that. Instead, I weave my fingers through Sofia’s and stand my ground.

I’m not sure what to think right now.

“Explain,” I demand.

Arwan finally straightens his head and shifts his gaze between Sofia and me. “Perhaps you only remember fragments. That’s okay. But this isn’t a conversation I’m willing to have with anyone else present.”

“Anything you want to say to me, you can say in front of Sofia,” I demand.

Sofia gives me a glance paired with a light smile.

Arwan isn’t the only one I’ve surprised, but she’s been sticking by my side for the Gods know how long. I’ve never had a true friend before, and I’m not about to just pretend she hasn’t earned every right to hear this.

He smiles, showing off his alluring dimples. “Very well.”

He motions to the bed. Blue motes strip the dampness from the room, reestablishing the silky luxury while simultaneously drying my skin. The bite of frost lifts for a moment, then I realize I’m arguing with Arwan while wearing a very sheer nightgown.

I don’t dare look down to see how revealing it likely is.

Whoever put this thing on me is getting an earful.

Based on the smug look on Arwan’s face, I have a feeling he instructed the wardrobe predicament. But I can’t prove it.

He bypasses the bed and heads for one of the nearby chairs. He eases into it and props his forearms on his knees as he gives us both an expectant look.

“This is a story that I suggest you two sit down for.”

I share a look with Sofia before we nestle onto the bed. There aren’t any other chairs, but I don’t mind it as I grab one of the pillows and shove it into my lap.

Sofia perches on the edge of the bed like she plans to bolt at a moment’s notice. Based on the grip she still has around my wrist, she’s going to drag me with her if necessary.

“You told me she’d wake up today,” Sofia reminds him. She glowers as if he’s at fault for every bad thing that has happened on Monster Isle. Not that I blame her. We haven’t had a great time, and the royals haven’t been necessarily helpful. “You knew what was going to happen, and you chose not to warn me?”

Arwan shrugs. Shadows mist around his shoulders at the movement as if he still houses a fraction of the revenant debris that my whip had dismantled.

“I wasn’t sure how fast they’d realize she was awake,” he says.

My lips curl down in a frown. “Apparently, very fast.” I don’t hide the disapproval in my tone. “You told me they were distractions for King Njord, ones that you brought here. Is that right?”

Sofia stiffens when Arwan confirms with a nod. “Why would you bring those things here?” she whispers. “They almost killed her.”

They almost killed both of us.

“But they didn’t,” Arwan says. His sharp eyes are focused on me now as he interlocks his fingers, then leans back and peers down the ridge of his nose. “Because I’ve been training her in the dream realm.”

Sofia and I both straighten. “The what?” I ask.

Arwan doesn’t repeat himself.

“We have thirty days until the Monster Games commence,” he continues. His gaze still doesn’t leave my face. “The revenants are looking for hosts. They’ve already succeeded in possessing numerous Monster Isle inhabitants. It’s only a matter of time before they manage to possess clan members here, too. That’s why I’ve been keeping Liliana in a coma until there was no choice to wake her. She has to finish her training with her body, not just her mind, and I believe thirty days is enough to do it.” His gaze finally slides to Sofia. “But I need to be alone with her to begin. Have I answered enough of your questions now, or would you like to waste more time before the rest of the revenants realize she’s awake?”

Sofia squeezes my hand and heaves a long breath. “Do you believe him?”

I stare at Arwan. He doesn’t seem to be lying, nor does he appear to be exaggerating.

“What kind of training?” I ask before I make my decision to release Sofia. “And I need to know she’s safe if she’s not with me.” I’m not about to send Sofia into the encampment with those things running around.