“It is my honor,” he went on, “to present a magnificent woman, a true beauty, and tomorrow—my queen.” His hand tightened at my waist as he turned me fully to face him.“I am the luckiest man in all the realms,” he proclaimed with false sincerity.
Then he kissed me.
In front of everyone.
I fought the instinct to scream.
His mouth pressed like a brand. I pulled back, breath shallow. His smile was all teeth.
“To the king and queen!” someone cried.
“To the king and queen!” the chorus rose. Goblets lifted.
“Pick up your drink,” Edric ordered through a forced smile.
My limbs were unwilling to move.
“Now!” he hissed.
My fingers found the stem. I raised the goblet, a marionette allowing fear to pull the strings. The rim trembled against my lip. The wine tasted of iron and ash.
Beside me, Mav remained unmoving. His fists clenched until the tendons jumped. A fork bent nearly in half in his hand.
And the tether?—
Saints, itsearedwith an anguish deep enough to shake the edges of my magic.
“You’ll be radiant tomorrow, my betrothed,” Edric murmured loudly for the benefit of the nearest ears. “We’ll give them a wedding they’ll never forget.”
My skin crawled. “Indeed,” I said, forcibly sweet. I sat and angled my body toward Mav. I whispered, “Are you all right?”
“No.”
One word.
All he had to give.
Conversation ebbed and flowed—praise for the king’s charm, my “fortitude,” the glorious union. Platters paraded past, allgleam and gilt. Mav’s untouched plate was a quiet rebellion in a room built of performance.
Edric’s hand found mine under the table, folding possessively over my fingers, reminding me what he believed he owned. I could not bear another moment of this farce.
I leaped to my feet.
“Pardon me,” I managed. “I…need air.”
Edric rose too. Performative concern painted neat lines across his face. “Shall I join you, my bride?”
“No.” The word was sharp enough to wound. I gentled my tone. “I need a moment alone.”
“Iwillbe joining you,” he said, voice sugar-dusted venom.
The room wavered then resumed its buzzing as we moved into the corridor. The tether avulsed, compelling Mav to stand and follow.
“Are you well, Quinnie?” Edric asked.
“It is all quite…”
“Ah, of course.” His expression played at sympathy. “It must be very overwhelming for you. You’ll get used to it.” Edric brushed his knuckles down my cheek. “Shall we take a turn about the gardens?”
