Eve sinks back in her seat, shaking her head. “That’swhat you wanted to discuss?”
“Why would Rowen’s news bear any weight on what you and Fenryn choose to do?” I ask.
“She can’t marry him untilafteryou and Ryc ascend,” Eve returns, her tone less than kind. “And since you’re going to be presenting yourself to the council, they’re going to want to know when you plan on ascending.”
“We don’t have a date for that,” I reply, trying to understand.
“Date doesn’t matter,” Eve says. “What matters is earningyourapproval. She’s going to ask you to override the High Council.”
Lilith releases a small sigh. “Unfortunately, Eve is right. The High Council will deny a marriage between Fenryn and me because we’re not mates.”
“But… Ryc and Tanila,” I say, leaning back in my seat.
“A different situation,” Lilith says. “Somehow the council was able to prove Ryc believed his mate to be dead.”
Well, he wasn’t wrong.
I certainly wasn’tliving.
Rather than admit Fate paired a Sovereign King with aDeath Bringerto the High Council, Ryc did what he needed to protect himself. With all the hassle surrounding Rowen and his involvement with the hells, I can’t imagine what Ryc would endure.
“Alright, but why approach me?” I ask. “Why not Ryc?”
She’s known him centuries longer.
“Fenryn has approached Ryc,” Lilith answers and there’s reluctance in her tone. “He’s hesitant—and I know it’s because of me. He’s protecting me. I don’t blame him. Fenryn hasn’t made an honest effort in searching for his mate.”
“I’m all for begrudging the whole Nektos-chosen system, but he’s a Sovereign King, Lilith,” Eve says. “It’s hisdutyto find his mate. I have to agree with the King Killjoy on this.”
Of course she means Ryc.
I stare at Eve.
Blinking.
Mark this as one of the exceedingly rare times Evesideswith Ryc.
“Then it’s a good thing you’re not the one becoming High Empress,” Lilith counters, sending a cool glare across the table.
“You’re setting yourself up for failure,” Eve sighs.
“I’m aware,” she replies with a sad smile. “I love him. And if his mate were to walk into his life today and he forgets me and everything between us, I’ll love him still.”
Eve’s stern expression softens as Lilith’s words twist my feeble little heart.
“I hope we’ll have the support of the High Empress when the time comes.” She rises from her seat, returning her half-empty glass to the table. “We’re both fully aware of how it may end, but that’s not enough to keep us from trying.”
Flashing a well-practiced smile, Lilith retreats from the room, leaving her breakfast untouched and the lingering scent of carnations and peaches in her wake.
?????????????
Not yet High Empress, let alone Sovereign Queen, and already people are clamoring for favors, support, and power.
I hate it.
Is this what it’s going to be like to rule?
Surely it can’t be the same here as it is in the hells. Right?
