Page 32 of To Fight and To Fold

"I thought you were pretty."

Aaryn snapped her lips shut, the statement filled with such innocence, such longing, perhaps for that alternate reality where none of this had happened and they truly were just two women who'd met in an orchard.

I miss her too.

Had that been real? When Thea had whispered such a confession to Starspark?

Then, as if Thea hadn't dropped such a revelation and made something like regret and want stir within Aaryn, she held her hand out and stepped away. "I can take you to him, if you come with me."

Even in the swirl of confusing emotions, Aaryn knew that was a bad idea.

"No. Bring him back to me, where he belongs. At least then he'll eat," she responded.

Thea's eyes narrowed, her head cocked to the side like a curious puppy. Ready to bite. It made her hood fall, and Aaryn gulped at the sight of the newly shorn pieces of hair that brushed the curve of her chin, the freckle beneath her jaw. She had cut it since the night, since Aaryn’s vision. "How do you know he won't eat?"

Aaryn felt victorious then, holding knowledge that surprised Thea. And in its shadow, a sense of mourning, too, because once upon a time Thea would have been the first person she'd tell a secret like this to. Even now, she rolled her lips to keep the information within.

She couldn't reveal what she knew, not to Thea. The enemy. Right? She should hold her cards close to her chest, like her father had once taught her.

Then again, her father had lost their entire savings at a table of crooks and been chased from the house upon delivering the news. Maybe his advice was not to be followed after all.

Aaryn swallowed under that shrewd gaze and told the truth. Or part of it. "He's my dragon. I know him. I know he wants to come home, where he's safe."

"It's not his safety I'm worried about," Thea muttered.

Aaryn's first thought was likely due to their proximity, the cursed lingering feelings in her chest.

Me?

Why would Thea be worried about Aaryn’s safety? Evergale had been nothing but kind to her.

She let something like a plea drip into her voice, thick as honey. "Bring him back, Thea, and I can ask the prince for leniency. If you helped me, perhaps you wouldn’t face punishment at all.”

For just a moment, Aaryn thought she looked disappointed.

Thea’s expression shuttered, and she spun away, raking her hands through her short hair. It was a good look for her, Aaryn thought absently, uselessly, foolishly.

"The crown is the enemy, Aaryn, not an ally. You're so blind to them," she practically spat, frustration lining her words.

It made her chest sting, and indignation burned. If anyone had a right to be frustrated with this situation, it was Aaryn.

"They have done nothing but provide me with a home, and a community, and a purpose! You're the one that stole it from me!" she snapped, pointing a finger at her chest.

At least Thea looked surprised by her outburst. Maybe too surprised, as her cheeks deepened, a flush of anger or annoyance, and not the shy but pleased blush Aaryn had become acquainted with.

"They do that on purpose! To distract you," she seethed, "so you don't ask questions! Which I suppose doesn't matter, since you've never asked a single question a day in your life, Aaryn!" The venom in Thea's words ate away at her. "You've got to think past the castle walls."

The hurt landed like a clap, Aaryn's cheeks flaming, and it shifted to anger. "I have a question, alright," Aaryn practically growled, and leaned in close. "Where is my fucking dragon, Thea?"

A mix of emotions flashed across Thea's face, and Aaryn had a front row seat to each one, fleeting as they were. Sadness. Resignation.

Even, and perhaps the most devastating of all, the flash of heat in her gaze as it dipped to Aaryn's lips.

"Maybe the next time I find you, you'll be ready," Thea said, shaking her head. She backed up a step.

“What?” Aaryn asked, reaching out, because she sensed Thea’s departure. “What do you⁠—“

Her hand closed around nothing but air as Thea disappeared. “Thea!” She registered the sparkles dancing in the air, the remnants of magic sweet on her tongue.