LOUDLY.
My fury reignites with a freaking passion.
“What do you want me to do?!” I snap before I can think better of it.
The collective disdain in the room almost gains physical form.
“My Lady,” General says, attracting my attention.
“If I can offer advice…” he says, still bowing, a hint of a smile on his decadent lips. Yesterday’s connection flickers at the edge of my mind. “…you can take your throne back.”
I stare at him. Another smart-ass chump.
If those males won’t stop infuriating me, I will take the throne back, only to reopen the Fools Festival and throw them in it as the main attraction.
Yeah, lock us in the arena to fight for your own amusement, a naked duel with our swords dangling for all Rhodria to admire?Aidon taunts in my head.
“Oh, of course not!” I snap out, fucking loud, and from the looks around, I reckon I’ve just answered to something more than his ridiculousness.
“You won’t take your throne back?” Aidon adds, leaning against the chair with a mocking brow, helping me catch the topic outside our mental connection.
“Most of the courts would support you, mine would,” Jestin adds, studying the amusement on Aidon’s face.
I look at him. Really look at him. No hidden smiles under those green depths. He looks as serious as General Smartass.
Does Jestin think I should? Does he believe I can? The thoughts pour water on my emotions.
“I thought I was too self-centred to be a High Queen.” My words ooze with sarcasm while I fish for compliments like a pathetic melted candle.
Jestin levels me with a stare. “You are an infuriating, self-centred female, but in a High Queen, this is a great strength. The Queen’s self extends to the borders of her Queendom. That’s a great trait indeed.
Because that Queen would fight for her subjects with her bare claws, like she would fight for herself.”
I am stunned. It is the nicest thing I have heard in years. Even before I made myself an orphan.
So encouraging.
“Of course, you would need to renew the oaths with the ruling Vikan, upon other impediments,” Aidon adds, always bringing me to earth, not letting me grow feathers. As if his whole purpose in life was to bring me down.
Right.
“Fae have it in their blood to serve you, vikans can refuse,” Jestin chimes in as if I didn’t know that.
“What is this meeting supposed to be? War meeting or fucking royal campaign?” I snap and watch as Jestin turns his head away in disappointment. With a hint of remorse, I turn to Aidon, only to find true disgust etched across his face.
“I read reports about villagers brutally whipped because they were late with their taxes, “ General says.
A whine of pain escapes me. Those poor Fae…
The General sizes me up, as if reading every broken fragment of me. “My warriors would fight for you, My Lady.” He holds my gaze, and I surrender. My shoulders slump in defeat.
“I can only promise you to think about that.”
“What is your biggest worry?” the General asks.
I glance at the other Fae. Jestin notices and dismisses them. Finally, we are alone, just the four of us. I straighten my back, chewing over my reply.
“I am not worthy.” There. I’ve said it. Vulnerable. Who would have thought? These males break me. I won’t be able to glue the shattered pieces again. Some parts are already lost. I don’t even know why they affect me so deeply. “I don’t deserve the honour.” The words slip out as a whisper.
