“I helped Theodore find this forbidden book, and in return, she gave me information. The Woman of the Woods, the prophet who can speak to the gods, can break the curse. Or at least, tell us how to.”

I rub my forehead. Indeed, Teddy’s tonic does produce a madness, albeit one where I don’t suffer from headache or nausea.

“You and Teddy… found a book?”

He strides closer, stopping mere inches from the bed.

“Not just any book, Idalia. The book of all books, apparently. Theodore says it was written by the first people, or something like that. Though, that’s not as great a concern to us. The Woman of the Woods knows all about the gods, Idalia. How to see them, how to communicate with them. If we can find her, we can–”

“You found a book?”

“If we find her,” Braizen continues without a hitch, “We can learn how to speak to the gods ourselves. We can ask them to revoke the curse.”

“Why would we want to revoke the curse?” I slowly tilt my head to face him.

Braizen lurches back, his eyes dark, the excitement on his face gone.

“I mean, does it matter now?” I ask. “You’re setting off for The Wood, and I’m going to marry Lachlan. We don’t need to touch or fear being too close. All Baellilean affairs can go through my husband. Truthfully, we needn’t ever see each other again after I marry.”

His jaw clenches. “Is that truly how you feel, Sparrow?” He asks quietly. I only nod in response, remembering how quickly he left me in that tavern.

He stands inhumanely still for a heartbeat, then says, “Fine. If that’s really what you want, I’ll leave you with your decision.”

Heat streaks through my fingers as he walks towards the door.

“How dare you,” I spit. He doesn’t look back as I add, “That’s the entire reason I’m here!”

His shoulders lift, and he gives a weak laugh. “Of course, it is. Whatever brings you happiness, Idalia.” His voice is dry and cynical.

“Happiness? Is that why you think I was sent here? Is that why you think I’m marrying him? For my happiness? How ignorant can you be? I must marry him, Braizen. My Kingdom is dying! I haven’t gone through all this just to smile and play someone’s wife. My duty is to my people, and they need me to marry Lachlan!”

He’s too quiet; his stiff back gives me no indication if he’ll turn to face me. A sharp pain impales my chest, but I’ll take the discomfort this time. The last I obeyed it, I was abandoned in a dingy cellar. I’ll not be so foolish as to repeat my mistakes.