Chapter 72: Hollow Tree

"You realize the King won't recognize you."

His statement tore at my heartstrings, or with my literalness, my chordae tendineae, and lodged my heart into my throat. I swallowed hard to force it back down. "I know. I'm not going back for him." I lied not just to him, but to myself. "I'm going back to find my best friend." At least I told a half truth.

"At least be honest with yourself. You're not hurting anyone here. I'm just stating the obvious."

"Is it really that obvious?" I mumbled.

"To me it is. Only because I know most of the situation."

"Does Lady Syn know?" I clenched my eyes and held my breath.

"No."

I sighed in relief. "Please make sure she doesn't. I don't want her to think I took him from her or anything."

"Don't worry, she doesn't know. She thinks you like Aeron."

"Why does she think that?!" But memories of his elegance and gracefulness flew across my mind and I quickly shook it away. "He's just my best friend."