Being Gaia’s progeny…
Of course he wouldn’t want eyes on him.
“Did your father know?”
With a smile, he shifts onto his back to stare up at the sky and I curl myself into him.
“He knew. Thalion and my stepmother didn’t,” he replies. “I think if she knew, she would’ve hated me more. I was a sore reminder of her husband’s infidelity.”
Before I can ask further on his stepmother, Ryc continues.
“Thalion’s death changed everything.” He lays a hand over mine in the center of his chest. “My life. Lilith’s life. The life of Erus.” He takes a long pause, his lips working into a line. “It was a change I was reluctant to accept. It felt easier to stick with what I knew, and leading a country was not something I knew.”
He wasn’t lying when he said he’s stood where I am.
“It came as no shock when the council decided Lilith could not remain Sovereign Queen,” he says.
My brows furrow. “Is she incapable of leading?”
He shakes his head. “Quite the opposite. She was much better forErus than Thalion ever was or I could ever be. Politically, she’s gifted. Can foster alliances unlike anyone I’ve seen.”
“Why remove her?” I ask.
Wouldn’t the fae want the best for their people?
If the best is Lilith, why deny that?
“On the account she didn’t produce a Witherhorn heir,” he sounds disgusted. “I fought it. For as long as I could. Then the council threatened to remove the Witherhorn family from power,” he says with a scoff. “In the same manner the Grayflame family faces now.”
My breath hitches.
Ryc’s decision to ascend wasn’t much of a decision at all.
Just as mine isn’t.
“The personal importance of my life aside, I couldn’t let that happen to Lilith. Not after everything she’s endured. Not when stepping forward is all it would take to ensure she’s protected,” he says, braiding his fingers through mine.
He ascended to protect Lilith.
He’s too good a creature to be Fated to a demon like me.
“Your heart is showing, my light,” I say softly and he gives me a small smile. “Will it be Lilith who assumes Erus once we’ve ascended?”
“No,” he replies. “I promised Lilith a life free from the council and I plan on keeping it. A successor will have to be chosen.”
“Who?” My mind whirls through all the faceless lords I’ve seen come and go through the castle.
“I have someone in mind, but it’s not something we need consider right now,” he says softly. “I think you’ll agree come time.”
He’s right.
We’ve plenty to consider before then.
?????????????
As I approach the top of the second floor stairs, a voice—anangry, hushed voice—floats up from the grand foyer. Slowing to astop, I peer around the corner and down the stairs. Whomever it is, they lie out of view. With a few silent steps, I perch myself near the top of the stairs.
And listen.
