“How did she die?”
“It’s not a pleasant story.”
“Tell me anyway.” I frown.
Callum’s jaw is tense as he nods. “My father met my mother when he was working as an adviser to King Erdem. She was one of the late queen’s maids. They grew close, even though he resisted their relationship at first, knowing he’s always had difficulty with his magic.”
“Trouble wielding it?”
“Trouble containing it.” Callum’s jaw sets. “It’s common with shadow wielders. Remember what I told you about Hazel? Their magics aren’t the same—no two Fae’s are—but they’re similar in that shadows are difficult to control for any wielder. It’s been said they have a mind of their own.”
“I didn’t know magic could be sentient.”
Callum leans his hip against the desk. “Some don’t believe it can be. Many think it’s just an excuse for the destruction the wielder causes. But others say that the shadows whisper.”
“What do you think?”
“I think my father killed his mate in a blackout rage, and that shouldn’t be possible.” His gaze drops to the floor, and my heart hammers. “Fae shouldn’t be able to kill their mate even under duress or manipulation. It’s the one absolute we have—the mating bond.”
My mouth is sand as I try to grasp what he’s saying. “Your father killed your mother?”
“He said the shadows took over. Maybe they did. Whenever he would get like that, the darkness in his eyes wasn’t him.”
“He was like that more than once?”
Callum’s gaze darkens as he slips into his memories. “There’s a reason Alyssium wasn’t a terrible place for me, Elorie. I’d take that frozen, magicless rock over many things.”
I walk over and reach for his hand. A simple offering after what he’s been through, but it’s all I have to give. We stand quietly, and I avoid showing pity, knowing that’s not what he wants. I’m simply here. A pillar of friendship when that’s hard to come by at the Ley Court.
“I don’t understand the laws of the Fae.” My words are nearly a whisper. “Why would they let him get away with that?”
“My father’s magic was indispensable during the war with Tierryn Mor. And then later, he saved Malachi’s life. King Erdem felt he owed him. As terrible as my father was to his family, he has never been anything but a beacon of loyalty to the Crown. That meant more to them than anything.”
“And you serve this Crown?”
“I serve my kingdom.” Callum’s shoulders push back, and he’s careful with his choice of words. “I serve the Fae who will suffer if I don’t look out for them. And for a long time, I served Alyssium and the humans who were without a home because their realm wasn’t reachable. That’s what I serve.”
With a final squeeze, Callum drops my hand. I’ve known him my entire life, yet I never knew this about him. Never understood that Alyssium was more than an obligation. It was an escape.
I’m not the only one who lost something when we left.
Callum clears his throat. “You don’t need to think about that right now. Dinner is soon.”
“As if anyone eats at those miserable things.”
“No, I suppose they don’t. I wanted to check on you, but I need to touch base with the Guard before tonight.”
“Go.” I wave him off. “I’ll be fine.”
He turns to leave, but I call after him before he gets the chance.
“Callum?” He glances over his shoulder. “I didn’t realize all the things you’d given up staying with me at the palace. I shouldn’t have been so hard on you when we firstcame here. I understand why you did it now. Why you kept these secrets, not knowing what would happen if the king found out I existed. I’m sorry for hating you for it.”
“Don’t do that, Elorie.” He shakes his head.
“Don’t do what?”
“Don’t talk to me like you’re saying goodbye.”