Skadi’s grandfather poured Gerard a flute of wine. “It is no secret Skadinia was once meant to unite the Dokkalfar and Ljosalfar clans.”
“Yes,” I said, casting a cautious look toward Gerard. “Until they attacked your palace and threatened to overrun the fae realms. Did you forget?”
Eldirard took another sip, chuckling.
So did Gerard.
The hair lifted on my arms.
King Gerard leaned onto his forearms on his knees. “You are a young prince. There are many court politics of elven clans that have been traditions since long before you were even a thought in this world.”
I met his stare. “I do not need to be aged to know I signed an agreement with my blood that united the Dokkalfar with the alver clans. Eldirard agreed.”
“I did.” Skadi’s grandfather returned his glass to the table and laced his fingers over his chest. “The legacy of being the first elven alliance with fae, it was more than I anticipated when Skadinia was found and brought to the palace.” The king sighed with a touch of whimsy. “I wanted fae lands, I received them by this agreement, but there was always the option of an alliance of the two elven clans. I told you of the condition of choice.”
“She has made her choice,” I snapped.
“And I am glad for it.” Eldirard gave me a look like I was a damn child. “Alas, I cannot deny the Ljosalfar not to attempt to reinstate the first alliance. Whichever way the Norns see fit to secure the legacy of House Naganeen, I must accept. Which is why I wanted to discuss whether you would be willing to sell your marital contract to King Gerard for his son? To simply avoid contention, of course. Don’t mistakeme, we will still be allies, but this way you will not be required to be vowed.”
The king looked at me as though I ought to be gasping in awe. “Listen to me, King. I don’t give a shit what legacy is left behind for your house if the price is Skadi. She is my wife, and not chattel to be sold. If you allow anything to interfere with our vows, you will not only lose your coveted alliance with fae realms, but we will destroy you. There will be no House Naganeen.”
How could a man who had the opportunity to spend his days with Skadi think of her so callously? How could he not see that beautiful fire that burned in her eyes when her temper flared, when she laughed, when she teased?
King Gerard’s lip curled. “You forget yourself, young prince.”
“I do not. Your son’s mistreatment of Skadi forfeited his right to even breathe near her.” I looked at Eldirard. “Why are you allowing this?”
The king tilted his head. “I have no preference toward either alliance. Skadinia is welcome to choose, and you or the Crown Prince Arion are welcome to influence that choice. I would say you have a fine start since you are her husband.”
I bared my teeth. “And I will never break my oath to her.”
Gerard’s eyes darkened. “She is elven and belongs with her folk. She will become a queen of worlds, and you will get your peace. You cannot tell me you love the woman after so short a time.”
“I have no plans to tell you anything. Skadi is a queen of worlds as the alliance stands now. I am the heir to my kingdom, but she is now the heir apparent for the Dokkalfar.” I shot a look to Eldirard, daring him to refute the truth of our vow. “The light elves would force her to use her affinity in ways she despises. With us, that will never be a concern for her, so piss off.”
Gerard didn’t deny it. “I suppose we will merely wait until the princess returns on her own accord, or you fail to meet the terms of the agreement and the vows are dissolved naturally.”
“I will never give her reason to want to leave.”
“But you have a cruelty about you, don’t you, Prince?” The Ljosalfarking pinned me in a sneer. “It is only a matter of time before it forces your hand. I hoped it might’ve ended when poor Villi found his way to you. Unfortunate that the man sent himself to the gods.”
It felt as though a dozen fists pummeled my ribs. “Villi? The elven poisoner?”
Eldirard frowned at Gerard. “He was mad, and that act was not sanctioned. It might’ve harmed my granddaughter.”
“You sent one of your men to slaughter a royal household?” My blood felt heavy. Feverish.
“Of course not.” Gerard waved the notion away like it was foolish. “Villi was always infatuated with my son. He took it upon himself to retrieve the princess he viewed as stolen from the Ljosalfar. It was simply that no one discouraged him. If you’d have killed him, well, this would already be ended.”
Thoughts spun in a cobweb of hate and panic. I was clear-thinking, plotting the deaths of two kings, in one breath. In the next, I could not fashion the next moves.
Eldirard sighed. “I did not wish for such tensions.”
“Then you should not have allowed him into your palace. You will need to kill me before I will ever let the Ljosalfar near Skadi.”
“Take the land, Eldirard,” Gerard said, voice low. “Then tell the girl to return. She’s always listened to you.”
“Skadinia must choose for herself.” The Dokkalfar king sniffed. “So much was taken from her, it was my one demand—when it came to her future house, she would have a consideration.”
