That’s it. Surely Aeron will be willing to help out. After all, he does owe me.
“I have a plan.”
“Do you remember what happened the last time you had a plan?”
By the gods… “I know you’re not making light of me leaving you in the human realm.” Her lips twitch into an almost-smile. “Careful now, minx. I’m not above putting you back on your knees to keep that smart mouth of yours occupied.”
Her hand grips me, and I feel myself twitch. “You say that as if it’s a punishment.”
If she keeps talking like that, neither of us will make it to dinner, and then I’ll be in even more shit than I already am. “You can pretend to be one of my brother’s courtiers.”
Allette’s brow knits and hand stills. “But won’t the king know I’m not a courtier?”
“Not a courtier from Kumulus. From Stratiss.” I’m not that much of a fool. Boris has an uncanny memory, being able to recall names and faces of people he has only met once a decade ago.
“You have far too many brothers,” she murmurs with a roll of her eyes. “Which one is Stratiss again?”
“Aeron.”
“And have you spoken to Aeron about this lie you wish for me to tell?”
“Not yet. But he will agree. I’m sure of it.”
I really didn’t thinkthis through.
Not only am I dripping wet, but I have no clothes to change into. Either I fly back to my room soaked or wrapped in a towel. At this point, I’m not sure which is worse. Of course, Allette thinks my predicament is hilarious. Her laughter makes the awkwardness worthwhile. When I suggest she take the servants’ stairs to my room to retrieve my clothes, she tells me that I got myself into this mess and that I need to get myself out.
After some deliberation, I decide to err on the side of caution and keep my clothes on.
Bilson is sitting on the edge of the balustrade, swinging his feet as he munches on what looks like a turkey leg. I don’t ask him where the hell he got it, and he doesn’t ask why the hell I look like a drowned rat.
I change as quickly as possible and run a towel over my damp hair before heading to Aeron’s room. He is already dressed for dinner and fastening the final buckle on his tall black boots. The look he gives me oozes wariness, which, to be fair, I deserve after the welcome gift I left for him.
I step inside, closing the door behind me. “I need a favor.”
He stands and adjusts his trousers before stalking toward the balcony. “Probably should’ve thought of that before you covered my bed in poisonous leaves.”
He can’t be that upset. It was only a prank. “It’s important.”
His shoulders rise and fall with his sigh. “What is it?”
“Come to the solar, and I’ll tell you.” Allette is meeting us there once she finishes getting ready.
“It better not be another ‘surprise.’”
“It isn’t. I swear.”
We fly down together, but there is no sign of Allette yet. Which is good. I need a bit of time to explain some things to my brother without the circling guards overhearing us. If they catch wind of this, I won’t be able to bribe my way out.
The moment we step into the room, Aeron grabs my hand. In my haste to get to him before dinner, I completely forgot about pulling my glamour.
“Dammit, Senan. You said you’d stopped.”
I tear out his grasp, tucking my hands into my pockets so he doesn’t keep staring at them. “I did stop.”
“Oh, really? How long has it been since you touched the stars?”
This isn’t how our conversation is meant to start. I need him in a good mood. “I don’t know? A week?”