Concerning Questions (Dani’s POV)
“So you still haven’t told me much about your trip to Italy,” Kat says from across the room.
I look up from the book I had been pouring over for the last hour to meet her gaze. “There isn’t much more to tell. It was a lot of fun. I did a lot of shopping and gained almost ten pounds from all the delicious food I ate.”
“Yeah but…” Kat was cut off as Tessa handed her a handful of papers.
“These need your attention. Your brother expects you to handle diplomacy and trade negotiations while you’re here. King Naelym wants to know if these terms are acceptable?” Tessa pointed to the relevant paragraph on the page. Our mysterious Banshee had fallen into the role of Kat’s assistant almost without meaning to. I wasn’t sure if it was out of boredom, a need to help, or if she genuinely enjoyed it. Tessa didn’t talk much to me so I still wasn’t sure.
Kat flipped through the pages before looking back up at me. “Yeah but what about his family? More to the point, what about his mother? Is she scary? I noticed you wearing new jewelry sporting the family crest. Details, lady, I need details. Did he propose?”
I shook my head. “No, luckily he didn’t.”
“What do you mean luckily? Are you not in love with him?” she asked.
“I love him,” I found myself quickly reassuring her. “It’s just complicated. I would give up a lot to be with Oliver, but I’m not sure I am ready to make those sacrifices. I’m still really young for a Fae and I’m wondering if there aren’t other people out there I’m supposed to be with or meet.”
Kat and Tessa exchanged glances and sighed. “Fine, fine…” Kat said, dropping the conversation.
“I would think your own binding and ceremony would be enough to keep you busy.” Kat shrugged at my question and looked back down at her pile of papers. “You do love Hue, don’t you?” I teased.
“Of course. Things aren’t that simple for me.” She quickly changed subjects. “Can you believe that Morgan goaded Tallyn and I into a duel?”
I laughed. “Yes, after watching it I can. Vallen has his hands full with his new mate. I won’t lie either, I am ridiculously excited to see baby Fae Dragons.” I hugged in anticipation of cuteness overload.
“Do you think I stand a chance?” Kat asked.
Before I could answer Tessa cut in. “Nope, not if you are unable to use your magic. You may have some training and a lot of raw talent, but he’s been using a sword for over two hundred years. Just do me a favor. I would rather not go Banshee mode, so try not to kill each other.”
Kat offered her toothy grin that always sent tremors down my spine. She was going to do something brave, and most likely a little foolish. “How bad can it be? I mean as long as I’m using magic, what could possibly go wrong?”
“Famous last words,” I mumbled as I pictured exactly that.
