Page 22 of Infernal Bonds

I’d already wrestled enough with the idea that there might be more secrets. It wouldn’t help to plant a seed of doubt in her mind as well. It was the biggest reason I still tolerated Cyn’s distrust.

In any other situation, I’d write someone off if they didn’t believe me after all we went through. But when it turned out I wasn’t even human and my family was built on a lie, what could I say? Anyone would be wary of that—even if I were a victim in it too.

“I knew you were his Nyrith the moment I looked into your eyes in Cholian.”

That got my attention.

“Do what?”

“I’m not a seer like Zeke, but through someone’s aura I can not only speak to them but ‘see’ their truth. When you said you’d never hurt our boys, I saw the truth in your words through your eyes. But your aura revealed so much more.”

I glanced up as a woman in a powder-blue dress walked by, staring at me.

Lymsrana watched her continue down the hall before speaking again. “Your time here won’t be easy, but I believe your very presence will shake the foundation of everything Cornaith believes will come to pass.”

I didn’t want to shake anything. I wanted stability instead of chaos. I certainly didn’t want to give Ezra’s father any additional reasons to target me.

“While our boys will protect you, I want you to remain on your guard around Cornaith. His power makes it difficult to work through his aura without his detection, and even then I can only glean pieces of information.” She shook her head. “While I’ve never trusted him after what he did twenty years ago, I suspect there’s something more we need to be wary of.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

She didn’t know me, but here she was committing what I’d assume was treason. At least if Cornaith believed I was their enemy.

“Because I ‘see’ you, Raelynn. I believe your existence in our world is a blessing. And I believe you’re going to do more for those boys than anyone else. Not because you’re their Nyrith, but because I saw it in their eyes in Cholian. They need you. All of them.”

I clasped my hands tighter as I stared down at them.

She seemed so sure of me—of the guys with me. I didn’t know what to make of Cyn’s mother. After hearing about what happened in Cholian, I believed I could trust her, but I didn’t understand what she saw in me.

I’d overheard Ezra and Ash discussing how she and Ezra’s mother, Amra, hadn’t participated in the execution, casting magic only to appear compliant with Cornaith’s orders but not directing it at me.

“I’d like to believe you’ll be good for Zeke and Cyn as well,” she said, pulling me from my thoughts. At my blank stare, she laughed. “I know all about them.”

“I… see.”

I wasn’t about to confirm or deny what she knew. I wasn’t going to betray Zeke’s confidence or the fragile common ground Cyn and I shared.

Her smile widened, and she shook her head. “Come now. I know my son. I don’t have to possess the power of aura sight to see when his infatuation turned into a love I’d only seen in his father’s eyes.” She placed her hand over mine. “But don’t worry, I haven’t told anyone. Until they take the throne, Cornaith’s rules hold them back.”

I stared at her hand, still not comfortable speaking about their relationship—even though it sounded like Lymsrana knew.

“I want grandchildren, of course. Ardvaen hopes that Cyn will have a child to continue the Brakeal line. With your arrival and the revelation of your connection to both Cyn and Zeke… well, it’s now possible to have both.”

My gaze snapped to hers. “Hold up. I never agreed to babies with anyone—and I’m tethered to Ash. I am not ready for children. I can’t even be in the same room with Cyn most of the time without it turning into a fight.” I huffed. “This isn’t a conversation I’m ready to have with anyone.”

She removed her hand, placing it in her lap. “I’m sorry if it seems like I’m pushing my son on you and wanting you to get pregnant. That isn’t the case.”

Sure sounded like it.

“I merely mean that should you complete your tether with both Zeke and Cyn, they can fulfill their duty to the royal line while also being together.” She angled her head. “That is, if you’re not opposed?”

“To what?”

“To their relationship.”

I leaned forward, rested my elbow on my thigh, and pressed my fingers into my eyes. Were all Shyrlivi so open about discussing each other’s personal business?

“I only ask because I don’t know your upbringing. Different cultures on Earth approach multiple partners and sexuality differently.”