Monty turns to me with a deeply earnest expression. Oh heavens. This has got entirely out of hand. I nevershould have started crying. Just look at all the trouble I have caused.
I swallow. “The treaty is important. Mother won’t lead the nobility into helping the fey maintain peace if she is no longer ambassador.”
Jamie sighs heavily. But he is not disagreeing.
Worry fills Monty's eyes. “We can keep you safe. Gray is a very powerful demon. I think he can keep Selwyn away from the house.”
“At what price?” I state, and I am proud of how calm and sensible I sound. “Besides, who will empty me when my magic becomes ripe?”
Monty stares at me for a moment before slumping in defeat. “Taking you away from Prince Selwyn would probably negate our deal to be left alone as a house of sanctuary.”
My brother has made a deal with the fey? That is certainly daring, but I trust Monty knows what he is doing. He is the smartest person I have ever met. As well as the kindest. I am not at all surprised he has set up a sanctuary.
My hand shakes as I bring my cup to my lips. He can’t throw away everything he has built because of me. I’m not worth it.
“I won’t put so many people in danger just because I’m feeling weepy.”
Especially not children. Monty has children who run around a vegetable patch. That has to be protected. At all costs.
Four pairs of eyes stare at me with varying expressions of skepticism and disbelief.
I take in a deep breath. It is useless to try to fight the heat flooding my cheeks, so it’s best to simply ignore it.
“I think it is just my magic being gone that has made me feel wobbly. I’m so sorry I have caused all this drama.”
Silence.
I have to convince them. I cannot have people risking their safety, well-being and happiness for me. I just can’t. I cannot cause political unrest just because I found my wedding night overwhelming.
“Selwyn didn’t hurt me. He wasn’t cruel.”
My words echo around the table. The silence stretches for an uncomfortably long time.
Dyfri frowns. “When you burst into tears at the breakfast table, he did look extremely distraught. I have never seen him like that.”
Monty pulls a face as if he has an unpleasant taste in his mouth. As if he doesn’t want to admit what he is going to say. “When he popped through the portal to demand I come here, he did look rather frantic.”
My heart flutters. Really? Selwyn is worried? He truly was worried enough to run off and fetch my brother?
“See?” I say with my best smile. “It’s all fine.”
A sea of dubious faces stare back at me.
I take in another breath. Time to negotiate. I am my mother’s son, after all. Deals are in my blood.
“Give me a month. If I’m not completely happy by the next full moon, you can all help me to run away.”
Ollie nods as he shoves a cream cake into his mouth. “I caused all sorts of drama when I first got here. Now I couldn’t be happier.”
Monty turns to Dyfri. “Will he be safe?”
Dyfri gives him a long, dark look. “My brother is not intentionally cruel. Careless. Heartless as all fey are. But he doesn’t seek fun in cruelty.”
Monty draws in a shuddering breath. He turns back to me. “A month, are you sure?”
I nod. “I’m sure. In a month I will be settled in and perfectly fine.”
Slowly, one by one, everyone nods. It is agreed.
