Chapter 17
"How did it go?" Rafail asked Aidoneus through the mind-link they had established. The god had gone to inform the merfolk about Sybil's return.
"It went well," Aidoneus replied immediately. "I'm staying here for a couple of days to go over some preparations and strategies."
"Sounds good."
"We'll be in touch. Take care of your mate," Aidoneus said before shutting off the link.
"Will do," Rafail whispered to himself as he stared at the slowly drying forget-me-not on top of the open page of his journal.
"Sarin?" Rafail linked the kind witch. "Can you come to my office, please?"
"On my way," Her soft voice appeared on his head. "Is it a problem if mom joins? She's with me now."
Rafail contemplated her request. "No, bring her too," He finally replied when he realized Blynn's opinion on the matter would be quite valuable.
"Hello," Blynn greeted him cheerfully but her smile dropped when she noticed his face. "Is something the matter?" She asked as she made way for her daughter to get in.
"I need some advice," Rafail admitted. "Close the door and take a seat, please."
They did as he requested before looking at him with eyes full of questions. Rafail took the forget-me-not in his hand and twirled it, trying to buy time to gather his thoughts. He didn't know how to bring up the matter that had been haunting his days. It didn't help that Thalia had noticed a change in him and he had to constantly lie to her, telling her he was just tired.
"So?" Blynn raised her brow when his mouth remained shut and he didn't move his eyes from the flower.
"Is that from Aine's braid?" Sarin suddenly asked through surprised blue eyes, recognizing the flower.
"Yes," Rafail sighed.
"Why do you have it?" Blynn asked cautiously, not liking the situation. She knew Rafail had done nothing wrong, or else Thalia would've immediately known, but his silence and the way he stared at the flower made her uncomfortable.
"The flower doesn't matter," Rafail placed it back on top of his journal. "It is just a token of friendship and goodwill."
Blynn raised a brow at him but he paid no heed to her silent accusation.
"Is everything okay, Raf?" Sarin asked with worry.
"No," He whispered and both witches frowned, glancing at each other.
"Tell us then," Blynn softly urged him, twirling one of her rings around her finger in nervousness.
"Aine wanted to meet me after the dinner," Rafail slowly said.
"Yeah, I heard her request," Blynn nodded at him.
"She had an offer to make," Rafail raised his eyes to look at the silver-haired witch. "She had heard about..."
"About what?" Sarin inquired when he didn't continue.
Tiredly, Rafail rubbed his temples, shutting his eyes close forcefully, as if trying to push away some bad memory. Sarin glanced at her mother warily.
"Rafail?" Blynn whispered his name with care.
"About Thalia," He managed to blurt out. "And her... condition."
"Her condition?" Blynn furrowed her brows in confusion before gasping in understanding when Sarin kicked her heel.
"Yeah," Rafail's sad eyes fell on the flower again.
VOUS LISEZ
Crowned King (Throne of Thorns #2)
Fantasy'Heavy is the head who wears the crown.' Rafail knew the words to be true as he weighed the gold piece in his hands. He had finally managed to avenge his father and take back a kingdom that was rightfully his. But at what cost? As a new threat cam...
