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I hope they did. I hope Mace choked on his morning tea.
After an evening of seeing her dressed in the clothing I picked, then a morning of her despondent and broken staring at me, I can barely hold myself back from myself. If I do not get my hands on her soon, I am liable to explode.
A knock on my door has me startling out of my daydreams, groaning at the imposition.
Heaving myself out of my bed, I swing the door open with a harsh, “What?” to find Loris and the Helios, who I now remember is named Taegan, standing on my doorstep. While I am always happy to see my friend, I could’ve done with more time in my fantasies.
“Zeph, can we come in?”
I nod curtly and walk away, leaving the two of them to find their own way through.
“Stone left on the journey to the human village with the Race winners. We’ve got only a few more days before they will use Viola as the vessel.” I shoot a glance at Taegan, suspicious about his attendance at this meeting. Loris tracks my thoughts. “I met Taegan during my scouting for those willing to assist during our original plans,” he explains. Taegan beams at Loris.
Taegan is significantly shorter than Loris, with a round face and bright blonde hair. He looked at Loris with pure affection. I nod curtly in acknowledgment of Taegan. I have met him a few times when Summer Seasonales met with those who wielded the lesser magics, but I have yet to have an actual conversation with him.
“Plus,” Taegan began, “I come with intel.” He snakes his hand into Loris’, and I fight to roll my eyes. We all settle in my sitting room, the sun shining through my window and blanketing us in the bright midday light.
“The Shade,” he began.
“Viola,” I interrupt, lacing her name with affection.
“Right, Viola. Well, Viola was seen leaving Mace’s home last night.”
I wave my hand. “I already knew that that isn’t intel.”
“Well, how about the fact that she kissed him?”
My stomach drops, and anger flares up my neck. “She what?”
He nods excitedly. “Yes, remember a few nights ago there was that large storm? Well, it wasn’t a planned storm, so Loris went to investigate. I had nothing better to do, so I ventured out with him. That’s when I saw through Mace’s window Viola kiss him. It seemed to be very close to going further.”
My knuckles whiten as I tighten them on the cushion of the couch I’m resting on. “Just what am I to do with this information, Taegan?” I growl, unable to keep the anger from my voice.
Everything I have ever coveted, fucking Mace has had to have. It’s been constant since our childhood. And now, Viola Mistflow. What was she thinking? And to think I had stopped myself from kissing her when clearly, she’d plant her lips on anyone?
Loris speaks up now, “Mace’s motives are proven to be murky. If he holds affection for her, he may not be willing to let her be used as the vessel. There is a very slim chance she could survive being made the vessel, Zeph. If he holds affection for her, we may be able to bring him to our side.”
“Absolutely fucking not!” I snarl, jumping to my feet. “We cannot and will not work with Mace. He will never abandon her as the vessel.”
“We need to try. It could keep Viola alive.”
“I will not ally myself with the likes of him.”
Loris and Taegan exchange looks and then turn their questioning eyes on me. “You would rather have her die than work alongside your brother?”
I shake my head, turning my back to the couple and stalking towards the balcony overlooking the Lowlands. “No, of course not. I will make her see reason and that becoming the strongest Seasonale possible and fighting Mace and Stone is the only way.”
My oldest friend rises and follows me outside, resting his hand on my shoulder. “And if she doesn’t see reason?”
“I won’t take no for an answer.”
Under the cover of nightfall, I stalk across the open courtyard behind the Palace, following the familiar path to Mace’s front door. I don’t knock, I just throw the door open and stalk into his home.
He’s sitting on his sofa, one ankle balancing on his knee. He’s clearly preparing for bed, shirtless and wearing only loose muslin pants. He looks up to see me, shock crossing over his face for a fleeting moment. Folding the book he was reading and placing it beside him on the couch, he rises to his feet and moves to meet me in the foyer.
“My dearest brother. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I cannot remember the last time I felt such rage. My hands buzz with the desire to embrace the flames that roll within me. “You kissed her,” I snarl.
