“Like you said, there’s a lot to catch up on.” I turn to face the dining table. “I apologize for the interruption, but I must leave. I appreciate you coming to show your respect for our former queen and those who lost their lives in the attack.”
“This is unacceptable.” Queen Anwyn stands from the table. “You can’t leave halfway through the meal.”
“Now, Mother, it’s been a very long night. Let the princess rest,” Alivar urges, taking a sip of his wine.
Queen Anwyn’s face hardens as she turns to her son. “If you’d have found her first, then we wouldn’t even be here.”
“No, it would probably be you that was dead.” Alivar downs the last of his wine and stands. He shoots me a wink that has my stomach fluttering before staring at his mother. “Everly is exactly where she needs to be. If it were I she was destined to meet, then I have no doubt we would have.”
My heart melts at his words, and for some unexplainable reason, I want to throw my arms around him.
Nolan also stands, straightening out his coat, his cool gaze landing on the Seelie Queen. “After the stunt you pulled in the human realm, sending your nephew to kidnap that young girl, you have no right to criticize anyone, Your Majesty.”
Nolan’s words send a gasp through everyone gathered, and my attention goes to Alivar, but by the look on his face, he had no idea about this.
“I don’t answer to you or anyone else in this room. I’m leaving!” Queen Anwyn declares.
“Don’t let the door hit you on your way out,” Scarlett mutters under her breath, unaware that the fae have extremely good hearing.
Queen Anwyn’s sneer deepens, her lip curling as she looks over my friends with barely concealed disgust. There’s a glint in her eyes, something cold and calculating, and though I have no idea what her magic can do, I can tell she’s weighing her options. My instincts kick in—I take a smooth, measured step forward, cutting off her view, drawing her attention away from my friends.
“I would leave now while you’re still in my good graces,” I warn, my voice calm but filled with warning.
The room goes still at my words, tension tightening in the air. Everyone is frozen except Nolan, who, unfazed, steps forward with a formal bow. “Let me escort you out, Queen Anwyn,” he urges, his tone polite but firm.
Queen Anwyn’s violet eyes flash with spite, her gaze flickering over us one last time, cutting and scornful, before she turns to follow Nolan, her entourage trailing behind her. My heart races, though I keep my face impassive. I know better than to think this is over; Queen Anwyn doesn’t seem like the kind to take defeat easily. The look she gave me as she left made one thing clear—I’ll need to stay vigilant.
Alivar saunters over, the amusement clear in his gaze, his smirk unmistakably smug. “I’m proud of you,” he murmurs, voice laced with a lazy drawl. “Not many would stand their ground against my mother.”
My cheeks flush, but I manage a small smile. “Like you said, it’s been a trying day. I’m done with drama for now.”
Alivar’s expression softens, and, to my surprise, he reaches for my hand. His fingers curl around mine as he lifts it to his mouth,his lips brushing my skin with a teasing gentleness. My pulse skips at the low growl from Raiden, who steps closer, his expression thunderous. “Don’t test me, Alivar.”
Alivar’s smirk widens, a wicked gleam in his eye. I can see he’s reveling in riling up my friends, enjoying the tension he’s stirring. With a sigh, I slip my hand from his and step back, putting some space between us. Alivar doesn’t miss a beat, his attention moving to my friends.
“These must be your friends from the human world I was told about.” Alivar’s tone is smooth but laced with intrigue. A knot tightens in my stomach as his attention shifts from me to the others.
“Yes, this is Mia,” I reply, gesturing toward her, “and Scarlett.”
Alivar inclines his head in acknowledgment, but his gaze lingers on Scarlett, a glint of curiosity sparking in his eyes. He takes a step closer, hand slowly reaching toward her fiery red hair. Scarlett’s eyes narrow, and before his fingers get close, she jerks back. “Don’t even think about touching me.”
A slow, deliberate smile spreads across Alivar’s face, dark and appreciative. “Such lovely creatures,” he murmurs, the words almost a purr.
I step forward, narrowing the gap between us. “Will I see you tomorrow at training?”
“Why the rush, Princess?” he responds, tilting his head.
“You know why, Alivar,” I growl, the heat of my temper rising, flushing my face. “I will not leave Maxon in the hands of that demon.”
“SOOO much to talk about,” Mia notes, her eyes flicking between me and Alivar.
A lump forms in my throat. God, I am tired. Mia and Scarlett—they’re my safe space, a connection to something good and untouched by this world. But bringing them here feels like exposing them to dangers they don’t even know exist.
Alivar stares at me for a moment longer, something unreadable in his gaze, then he turns on his heel.
“I will be back when I can,” he says over his shoulder. “Though I have a feeling my mother will make things difficult for me. But I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it.” With that, he strides out of the tent.
Kian leans closer, his lips quirking up. “Things have certainly turned interesting since you arrived, Princess,” he muses with a hint of humor.
