Page 57 of Raven's Dawn

“Because they’re all I need,” Rain said. “Our dynamic is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.”

“How sweet.” She looked us over again. “But no women.”

“Nope. No women.”

Caeda propped her chin in her hand, gazing quizzically at Rain. “And why not?”

“I just don’t like women.”

“Well, that’s a shameful thing to say. Especially on a world like ours. Especially coming from a woman.”

With red cheeks, Rain shook her head. “I just mean… sexually. I love women. I’m just, you know, not attracted to them.”

“How do you know? Have you ever tried?”

Warren laughed.

“Why is that funny?” There was genuine confusion in her voice. “Did you know that you liked men before you had sex with one?”

“I mean, valid point honestly,” Warren said. “It did take me a while to admit it, but I think the attraction was always there.”

“Well, it wasn’t for me,” Caeda said. “Not until I did it. It could be the same for you, Rain Carter. We could find out, if you’d like.”

Iliantha snorted. “Stars, Caeda.”

“What? It’s a very reasonable question.”

“It’s intrusive. As is the rest of this conversation,” Iliantha said. “We came here for a purpose, and you’ve abated it since we’ve arrived. Can you not get to the stars damned point already? You’ve gone round and round the table?—”

“I told you. I want to meet them all before I agree to anything.” She waved Iliantha off, then turned back to Rain. “Is that a yes, love?”

Cheeks as bright as apples, Rain opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. My snort matched Iliantha’s, and she managed to direct a pointed glare at me despite her embarrassment. Finally, Rain re-found the power of speech, and began her profuse and polite apology. “I appreciate the offer, but I think I’ll pass. I don’t mean any offense, I just?—”

“You bore me.” Again, she waved her off and turned to me. “Well, come on now, little Fae lad. Tell me about yourself. You’re from here, are you not?”

“I am. Dinora. Born here, migrated to Earth as a teenager, and returned now to help my people.”

“Ah, a journeyman. I do admire that.” She sprawled back in her chair, lifting her legs over the arm on one side. “And what is it that you’re helping us with?”

I hadn’t intended for it to come out so pointed, but… “The ruthless bastards using the magic you possess to live forever.”

Forehead dropping down into her gaze, she clicked her tongue. “I do hope that you are stating that as a fact and not as an insult.”

“I was. Stating it as a fact, I mean.”

“Are you sure about that?” Caeda sat up in her chair, facing me properly, dropping her casual demeanor. “Because I do know how Fae feel about me. About all of my kind. And it’s funny, because a few moments ago, one of your seemingly prominent leaders made certain to point out that we are both Fae folk. Are we not, lad?”

“We are, your Majesty. And I am sure about that. I meant no offense.”

“I believe you did,” she said. “I believe you don’t like me one bit. But if you expect an apology from me, I won’t give it to you. Utilizing the tools in front of me is not shameful. My using the dark spells causes no harm. I kill people who deserve it to attain a longer life. What am I expected to do, lad? Do you think I should wait around for a goddess who may or may never appear until I die? I believe myself fit for eternity. I believe myself a good queen. Do you disagree?”

Shite. This was going to be a problem. “No, your Majesty. I agree with everything you said.”

“Allow me to ask another question.” Rather than that silly, maniacal look in her wide eyes, they were stone cold serious now. Passionate. Nostrils flaring, her cheeks flamed. “Did they ever come when you prayed? Did they ever help you? These gods, who haven’t been seen in thousands of years. The one who promised you eternity, does she answer your prayers? Or did she abandon you, like she abandoned the rest of us? And what of Nix? You’ve surely lost people in this war, the one you’ve come back to fight. Did you pray to him? Did he come? Did he bring them back?”

Tracing my tongue along my teeth, I looked at her, and then I looked at Laila and Jeremy. They wouldn’t meet my gaze. Iliantha, however, shook her head. Still, I heard myself saying, “They did.”

“They did what?”