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Sounded like Kate had a little experience with having two sides to her ability. I’d have to bear that in mind if I ever considered telling her about my own dual nature.
The thought was barely complete when I was already mentally chiding myself. How stupid would that be? She clearly had something going with Brodgan, so why would I ever tell her the truth? There was no chance she’d keep it from him, which meant telling her was even more of a danger than telling one of my friends.
But Kate was a friend, wasn’t she? Hell, I wasn’t sure yet. In the end, I’d just have to see where her allegiances lay.
“Every friend I ever had only wanted to use me until Illyria.”
Point proven. Another reason I couldn’t put my trust in Kate. At least until I knew her better, but even then, it may never come to that.
“Maybe it’s because she’s got an ability of her own—one that doesn’t need a muse to make it stronger—or maybe it’s because she honestly doesn’t care, but I’ve never once felt like she was only hanging out with me for what I could do for her.”
“That makes sense, she comes up with things all on her own.” Like fucking visions that turn her into a raging bitch.
“She’s not really like that, you know. Her whole thing with you is a unique situation. One I’ve told her is ridiculous, by the way. You can’t help who loves you any more than you can help who you fall for.”
That last bit sounded like it was more for her than me, but I just nodded and murmured an affirmative noise.
“She’ll come around, Thea. Once she gets to know you better and sees that her vision was wrong.”
“What do you mean ‘her vision was wrong?’” Even though the idea of her having a vision that four men—especially Varon—would fall in love with me was preposterous, hearing it was inaccurate sent a pang through my chest.
“She saw something of who you’d be. I guess you seemed evil, or like you were a bad person in general. I had no problem giving you the benefit of the doubt, but Lyrie… she trusts her visions with her life.” Kate sighed and shook her head. “I told her things like that were subject to interpretation, but she’d already made up her mind.”
“So it’s not just because she’s jealous over the thought Varon might fall in love with me, it’s because she genuinely believes I’m a bad person.”
“In a nutshell.”
Did that piss me off? Absolutely, but mainly because it made me understand Illyria a bit better, and I didn’t want to understand that bitch at all. Not after the things she’d done. But every villain is the hero of their own story, right? If she truly believed in her heart of hearts that I was a bad person, it made sense why she’d behaved the way she had from the jump.
“Once you guys finally squash the beef between you, you’ll see you’re both great and become friends.”
“So are you clairvoyant now, too, Kate?” I hoped the joke would distract her from the fact that I thought she was woefully naïve. Illyria and me, friends? I’d sooner run to Day and tell her every detail of my abilities. That would be far more pleasant than willingly associating with that viper.
Kate’s laugh was light and free, more like the version of her I was used to. I’d come to expect her furtive glances and evasion of eye contact.
“Not exactly, but I like you, and I think she will, too. Maybe I can mediate so you two can get everything out on the table.”
I had to wonder if Illyria had told her best friend exactly what she’d done to me. After all, me forgiving Illyria after she tied me to a chair and let Heath put his disgusting hands all over me was pretty fucking ludicrous.
There was something in Kate’s expression that said heading back to our suite was a bad idea. She was ready to give mediation a try right then, and I was already feeling run down. Facing Illyria like this could give her the upper hand, which was unacceptable.
“Yeah, maybe some time. I was heading out to get some air when Remy derailed me, though.”
“If you’re still going out, I could keep you company.”
“No thanks.” I felt like a bitch, but it was the truth. I needed space to breathe and I couldn’t do that with someone all up in my face. “Maybe another time, though. I know there are more gardens along the far perimeter I haven’t seen. You can show me what’s out there.”
“Sounds like a plan to me!” Kate leaned in and gave me a quick squeeze. When she pulled back, I couldn’t decipher her shadowed expression before she quickly schooled her features.
“I’ll see you back in the suite later.” I gave her the cheeriest smile I could muster, then turned back toward the exit. Pissed or not, she’d be fine. For now, I was going to get some fresh air if it killed me.
I should have known better.
