Eldirard took his enchanted scroll and tucked it away beneath his fine tunic. “I see your people do not see much use in celebrating this historic alliance.”
My jaw flexed. “It is not personal. This is all rather new for our clans. We do not arrange vows if we can help it.”
The elven king rose, a grin of delight on his face. “Different cultures, I suppose. Elven clans value alliances, agreements, and trade like we value our own life. Our legacies are built on our expansion in power and lands.”
“No doubt that is the reason the prince attacked your isle.”
Eldirard frowned. “Arion came to Natthaven for Skadinia’s influence, but his sights were to overtake your lands.”
I looped my thumbs through my belt. “Good thing he never can now, wouldn’t you say?”
There wasn’t an immediate agreement, and it set my instincts on edge. Truth be told, the Dokkalfar king even shifted where he stood for a breath. “Deals and contracts are voided all the time, Prince Jonas.”
Sharp dread struck like a fist to the heart. I wasn’t the only one.
From the dais, Bloodsinger let out a low sort of growl. “I’d speak clearer, elven. I don’t care much for what you’re insinuating.”
Eldirard cast a wary glance toward the sea king. “I do not mean this alliance will be voided.” Once more, the elven king faced me. “So long as the prince gives my granddaughter no reason to accept another offer.”
“There are no other offers.” I ground my teeth. “You made that clear.”
“I made it clear there was one offer.”
“Prince Arion has no claim here.”
The king sighed and pressed a palm to his chest. “Do not mistake me, Prince Jonas. My desire remains for Skadinia to align our lands with yours. I merely feel it is prudent to tell you that the Ljosalfar are hesitant over this new contract.”
“I care nothing for their tender feelings.” With a heavy step closer, I nearly stood chest to chest with the king. “They should’ve thought of all that when they tried to attack the sea fae and overtake earth fae lands.”
“Agreed.” Eldirard lowered his voice. “But be wary, Highness. They may not give up so quickly. Legacies, sagas, histories, they are what elven crave. King Gerard and his son desire to be the first house to rule both clans in centuries.”
“I’ve signed my name in blood. Your granddaughter agreed. They have no claim on the Dokkalfar, nor fae.”
“But they could, that is what I’m trying to tell you.” With a knowing smile, Eldirard clapped a hand on my shoulder. “As I mentioned, every contract comes with a bit of choice. Within the first turn, should Skadinia decide she might have more peace elsewhere, she can re-enter into her betrothal with Arion.”
“You’re saying if the princess is miserable in our lands, she can . . . null this vow?” Sander approached my shoulder, a groove of worry over his brow.
“Within the first turn, yes. She has so few choices,” the king said, “she deserves to have one. Arion knows of this clause, Prince Jonas.”
“Yet you felt it wise to keep it from us.”
“I made it clear, choice, desire, it was all part of this alliance. I am telling you the finer points now.”
“After I signed in blood.”
“I can have him killed, Prince.” Bloodsinger’s eyes burned like dark flames. The Ever King wasn’t a man of idle threats. He meant what he said.
I held up one hand before Erik started slaughtering. “We did this to avoid bloodshed.”
“Well spoken,” Eldirard said with a touch of slyness in his tone. “I desire the Dokkalfar to keep this alliance. I was not under any obligation to warn you, but I am. Take that to mean something, Highness. But I would not be surprised if Arion took it upon himself to make amends with my granddaughter.”
“He’s not touching her.” My words came rough, harsh. Gods, I hardly knew the woman, but I did not want that bastard to put his cruel hands anywhere near her.
Eldirard held up his beringed fingers. “As I said, I am hopeful you are the victor here, but they were once close, being raised together, and all. I think you are a wise man and will do what is necessary to keep Skadinia satisfied.”
I wasn’t certain if I’d been played or not. The Dokkalfar did not need to confess the truth, he could’ve watched me destroy the alliance on my own, but he spoke.
“I will take your warning in good faith, King Eldirard.”
