“The best we can do is prepare for the worst.”
“Wewillfigure something out,” Sorscha vows, nodding at Serena.
“Here’s something you’ll enjoy, Gronwich,” Eaton says. “My father has agreed to send another ten thousand men to defend your walls.”
“He has?” Sorscha gasps.
“Not yet, but he will.”
I drag my hand down my face.
“Well. Are we done here?” Eaton asks after a moment. “Good. Successful first meeting. You’re all dismissed.”
Before he’s even finished, his mouth is on Sorscha’s with an indecent display of tongue. Everyone promptly makes for the exit before clothes start flying off.
I stop Jace on his way out the door.
“Listen. He’s just power-tripping right now. I’ll talk to him. I don’t want to be Hand of the King.”
“Neither do I. He’s your friend. You deal with him.” He makes to leave, but I hold him in place.
“I’m not going to displace you from the council.”
“My place is not seated at that table, and we all know it. I’m happy to stick to battles and bloodshed.” He gives me a bitter look, rips his arm away, and stalks off.
I glance back as Eaton ushers Sorscha into the hall to join up with Serena and Mar. I step in front of him.
“You cannot just walk in here and flip everything on its head. This is serious, Eaton. Your father did not train you to be king. And you need to rely on those around you who have experience to guide you.”
He claps me on the shoulder. “This. This is exactly why I need you as Hand.”
I hang my head. “I will be emissary, just like I was before.”
“Fine. If that’s what you really want, we can save your true title for behind closed doors.” He gives me a dubious look and slaps me on the ass.
This is going to be a long fucking reign.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s about a quarter past fuck-my-wife o’clock.”
We start to walk, and I can’t help but laugh at the little hearts in his eyes as he stares after his mate.
“I have never seen my friend so pathetically whipped before.” I pull him into a headlock, groaning when he punches me in the gut.
“Sad I won’t be pining for you forever, Rhodesie? I have a feeling you’ll find someone to keep you company. Someone with lavender eyes and kissable lips.” He makes a smooching sound in my face.
“Shut up.” I shove him off. “When you said you knew how it felt, you were referring to Sorscha.”
“Why do you think I was pushing you so hard? You’ve always made yourself responsible for other people’s happiness.” He gives my chest a gentle smack. “It’s time you went after what you want. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”
For my own selfish sake, I hope to gods he’s right.
79
JACE
8 DAYS
“Damn. We demolished this.” Max rattles the near-empty bottle of wine. “One sip left.” He raises his brow at me in question.
