If that’s supposed to make me feel better about the situation, it doesn’t. My dread sinks deeper. These fae are itching for a fight which may lead to inciting a war—exactly what Vaelyn would want.
My hand curls over my heart.
Fenryn’s eyes widen as a smile sweeps across his face.
“I see congratulations are in order,” he laughs. He glances at Ryc. “I told you she would accept.”
I peer up at the dark-haired fae beside me as he laughs.
“I wasn’t concerned she wouldn’t,” Ryc says and Fenryn scoffs.
“I’ve never seen you more nervous, don’t lie,” he taunts, folding his arms across his chest. His ocean blue eyes meet mine. “Don’t let him lie, Ves. He wasterrified. You were all he could talk about yesterday morning. Should’ve heard him.”
Reaching over, Fenryn gives Ryc a friendly clap on the shoulder as Ryc laughs.
“It seems my sage advice worked,” Fenryn smiles. “You can thank me later. I hear Fenryn makes an excellent firstborn name. Maleor female.”
I freeze.
Firstborn?
As inoffspring?
As inchildren?
No.
I can barely manage myself, and I’m to be responsible for a newborn creature? Who in the hells would carry it? Birth it? Certainly not me. The difference between mortal births and demon births are worlds apart and I’m not interested in either.
Laughing, Ryc shakes his head. “Not going to happen,” he replies.
Oh, thank the gods, Ryc agrees.
My chest deflates with relief.
What in the nine hells kind of damned creature would Fenryn want to see unleashed upon the realm? Part demon, part nyraphim?
“Well, I suppose we have to live through today first,” Fenryn says with a shrug. “I’ll convince you yet. Watch.”
“If you wish for offspring, I suggest having them yourself,” I counter and Fenryn roars with laughter.
“If I don’t, it won’t be for lack of trying,” he muses with an impish grin.
“I look forward to when it’s your turn to stand before the council,” Ryc says and Fenryn scoffs.
“Things are much more entertaining when it’s you, friend,” Fenryn counters. He glances at me. “Ryc give you details on handling Ganus and Eloric?”
I nod, more than happy to venturefarfrom the subject ofoffspring. “He did,” I answer.
No eye contact with Ganus. He can’t read my thoughts without it.
Brief answers with Eloric. Fewer words means less chance to trigger his truthtelling innate.
Either way, this has significant potential to go horribly wrong. Eloric will be the easier of the two to handle. I’ve handled him and his truthtelling ability once already. Dancing around the truth is second nature to a demon. It’s Ganus that leaves me nervous.If he’s observant, he’s bound to notice my reluctance to meet his gaze when I hadn’t hesitated at our first meeting.
If Vaelyn has visited him, my actions could be enough to confirm what he’s been told—ifVaelyn has told him the same as Rowen.
I don’t like it.
