Page 37 of The Tanglewood Witches (The Three Sisters 1)
“You don’t understand—I have no power there anymore. I abdicated the throne. My presence… will be distracting and ineffective. I will have no hope of finding your book. The Paragonian regency is even now in transition. My sister will take over the throne from my mother this very year, and my younger brother will rule as co-regent at her side. My presence, as the older sibling, will be viewed as a threat to them despite my renunciation of the crown.”
What frustrated him the most was that Hera knew that. When she offered him the position of Guardian at the Gate, he was open about his choice to flee the expectations of Paragon.
“I am aware of the politics of your society.” She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, clearly piqued. “What has this to do with me, dragon?”
“I am only explaining why I cannot be of help to you if the book is truly in Ouros.”
She scoffed. “Relax, Tavyss. I wouldn’t dream of forcing you to reclaim your birthright and challenge your brother for the throne.” She stalked toward him. “I need you here.” She stepped close to him, too close, and trailed her nails over his cheek. “All I expect of you is to journey to Paragon and ask your brother or sister for assistance. Surely it will be worth it to them to search for the book in exchange for your leaving Paragon promptly.”
A muscle in his jaw twitched over clenched teeth. He’d already made it clear to her that the moment his feet touched Paragonian soil, his life would be at risk. She’d refused to listen, which meant her will was nonnegotiable. Any resistance could end up angering the goddess. Tavyss was a warrior, but he was no match for Hera. “If it pleases you, I can deliver this message and make the request, although I will not be able to search for the book myself without raising their ire and suspicion.”
She pressed her lips against his cheek, close to his mouth. His skin crawled with the tingling heat she left there. Her scent was too sweet, almost cloying. It was all he could do to disguise his disgust.
“It pleases me,” she purred.
“Then I will go.” He broke away from her and crossed to the door. “Give me a few days’ time to make a plan for securing a formal audience with my siblings.”
“Very well, dragon,” she said, drumming her fingers on her upper arm. “I’m counting on you.”
