I fix the mage with a stare, but he looks toward the entrance gates. Black stones larger than houses pile high, forging the outer wall of Blackthorn’s entrance markets. The stone is so thick it swallows the clamor of the merchant stands. Rose bushessoar along the walls. The image is hauntingly beautiful until you look deeper and see the massive, thick thorns waiting to slice into an enemy’s greedy hands.
Dozens of guards form a protective path for us to walk. Their slight sway creates an aching echo of tight leather and armor stretching. My eyes drag further; the soldiers line the path all the way up to the castle. Proof Galen is worried about his perception.
If he were loved, he’d walk his kingdom freely.
“Fancy a walk?” I bark at Galen.
He chuckles to himself.
Something is up. He’s got a double-edged dagger to poke me with today. Not just the farm. Here comes the next blow.
Movement catches my eye; a woman emerges from the line of guards. Gold thread embellishes the seams of her rich velvet cloak. That’s a ridiculous number of amethyst necklaces on her neck. Only a mage would be caught dead wearing the entire jewelry store. They have no sense of fashion editing.
I know her; she and Sable fancy themselves friends. Therefore, I consider her my enemy.
She smiles at Galen. That’s an ‘I fucked you recently’ smile.
I don’t care. This marriage is over. I’m just playing my part until the show ends.
Magic begins to dance between her fingers. Seriously, how does she move her hands with that many rings?
She stops in front of us and bows. Before I can speak, I spot the most dangerous predator in the castle. Sable.
Great. She’s all I need. My twin has been hiding since Titus threw her out of my chambers. It’s not unusual. She doesn’t strike fast. She’s methodical.
Unbeknownst to her, she was giving me the time I needed to help Titus, before I needed to decipher what her plans of attack were.
Instead of wearing the latest vampire fashion, which she loves, she’s dressed in her royal fae garb. A long yellow dress made of silk, with a matching silk cloak that covers her shoulders. The dress is simple. The embellishment is evident in the belt around her hips, adorned with gold and gems.
I don’t miss the dagger strapped to her side. The hilt is adorned with emeralds set in white-gold. Yellow gold is generally preferred by Fae. My gaze drifts to Galen’s crown, which is the same white.
What did she do to earn a gift from him?
Her hair hangs long, with braids holding half of it back, covered with golden cuffs and clips.
I hate that she wears my face. I’ve thought about changing it.
Myface, not hers.
I almost did once, but Everett stopped me from inflicting the scar. He needed us to remain alike.
I sacrificed a great deal for my brother. He did the same for me, but I have these moments of grief so deep, I free fall into them. I hit bottom and feel so much resentment towards everyone—mostly myself.
“King Galen,” Sable’s smiles is all mischief. Two fae guards join her. I know them, Erik and Victor. They were tasked with protecting the nobles.
Wait... I understand now. My toes curl. Erik and Victor work for Galen. They must be if they didn’t die defending the nobles.
“Sister,” Sable flashes me a smug grin.
“Is there a tea party I was unaware of?” I jeer at Galen, growing more suspicious by the second.
“Oh,” Sable snickers, “there is much tea to spill, sister. Be careful; it burns.”
I have no choice but to ask, “What is the meaning of this?” I study Galen.
“Sable is returning home.” Galen steps closer and touches my shoulder. That news would have brought me great joy months ago. I hated that Sable was sent here when I was married.
When the war finished, Father realized he couldn’t control Sable. She was too unpredictable to keep close, so he marketed her as my companion to help me adjust to married life, a lady-in-waiting. Bullshit Galen allowed.
