“You can’t be married,” he spits out. “Not without a priestess.”
I pull the scroll out of my pocket as I let go of Raelyn and step forward. “We were priestess blessed this morning.”
Father snatches the scroll out of my hand and opens it, his eyes wide. “Ethan!” he screeches, calling his faithful advisor out from the shadows. He hands him the scroll. “Find this priestess and bring her to me immediately.”
I’m thankful Alex is getting her out, even though there’s nothing she could have done to undo this.
I try to keep a casual air and not let my father’s rage rattle me. “As I said, it’s official.” I raise my arm, letting him see the shimmer of the marriage bond.
My father seats himself back on his throne, his nostrils flaring. I step in front of Raelyn in an attempt to protect her.
“What makes you think I’ll allow this to stand?” my father asks in a sinister tone.
“Because I did what you asked—I married before the end of the season—and most importantly, I love her.”
“Love?” my father scoffs. “When did you even have time to get to know the girl?”
I turn back to Rae, noting the nervous smile on her face. My hand cups her cheek, and I stare into her eyes, trying to project to him that she’s my world. “I’ve known her for years, and it’s always been clear she was meant to be mine.” The half-truth feels oddly hollow in my chest.
Raelyn’s body quivers ever so slightly, and there’s something akin to longing in her eyes. She’s a better actress than she gave herself credit for. Her throat bobs, and my hand slides from her cheek, gently encircling her neck as I lean down and press a soft kiss to her forehead. Her sweet scent envelops me, and my heart catches in my chest.
“Is she with child?” Father blurts out.
Rae jumps back in surprise, her hands flying to her mouth as her cheeks turn bright pink.
“Surely that is the only reason to explain your impetuousness,” he continues.
“Father.” I bristle. “Do not insult my wife with false allegations.”
Raelyn appears to have gathered herself as she steps in front of me, dropping into a deep curtsy before the king. “Your Majesty, Prince Kian is more than I could have ever dreamed of. I promise to love and cherish him for the rest of my gods given life.”
My father raises a brow, as if not entirely sure he believes the charade. “Well, Kian, I have to say this news is quite shocking to say the least. I’m not thrilled you went behind my back, but if you’re as infatuated with the girl as you claim, I can perhaps understand a little recklessness.” He flicks a hand toward Raelyn. “You may rise.”
My father is being far too reasonable, what is he trying to play? His switch from anger to this sudden understanding givesme pause. The king’s eyes harden to a steely glint—perhaps he isn’t fully buying our ruse.
“Kian,” he continues, “if I find you have deceived me, there will be consequences. Do you understand?”
I swallow and nod, my father’s stern voice taking me back to the child I used to be, always on the receiving end of his anger.
Rae turns to look at me, a glimpse of fear shining in her eyes. I close the gap between us, pulling her back into my side protectively.
“Well, Father, now that we’ve shared our news, I’d love to take my bride to our rooms. We have a lot of celebrating to do.”
Raelyn blushes again, and I grin at her, my hand possessively gripping her waist.
“You’re dismissed,” the king declares.
We exit through the side door, and I take a deep breath, relieved it didn’t go worse. The murmur of petitioners around the corner fills the air, and I start to lead Raelyn back toward my wing when a disturbance causes her to stiffen and stop in her tracks.
“You’ll let me through to the front of the line immediately,” a shrill female voice commands.
That almost sounds like . . .
“I have urgent news for the king!”
“Stepmother,” Rae whispers.
Kyros help us.
