“And I appreciate you feel the same.”
We smiled at each other, and it wasn’t exactly friendly.
I looked over at Dad. “How do you assure someone’s loyalty when they become part of your court?”
Garrett snorted. “You’re finally learning, kid.”
“Blood oaths,” Dad said. “It will feel odd at first, but you’ll get used to them.”
Simone interjected. “The Lords have something similar. We swear one to whatever Alpha or Lord we choose to serve.”
“Are you still under the blood oath?” Moira asked.
Simone nodded. “Until Caelan severs it or we choose another one to serve.”
“Can he compel you through the oath?”
Simone and Garrett exchanged an unreadable glance. “In some ways, yes,” she finally said.
I grimaced. “Is the fae oath similar?”
Dad nodded. “You can make the commands as loose or as strong as you wish. Loosening them allows freedom and choice.But I would recommend ensuring you have a few ironclad commands.”
“Such as?” I couldn’t think of anything I’d want to force Simone and Garrett to do.
“Loyalty to your kingdom and people. Protection of family and loved ones. Things like that.”
I glanced at the two shifters. “Are those similar to what Caelan did?”
Simone shifted. Garrett’s expression was blank. “We are not allowed to tell you of the previously taken oaths.”
“Will those oaths shatter once you are under a new one?”
Garrett nodded.
“Will it be difficult for you to fight against Caelan if ever called to do so?”
My attention jerked to my father. “What kind of question is that?”
He shrugged. “One that needs asking.”
Garret’s nostrils flared. “Even after all of this, he remains my friend. At least on my side. He is unhappy, but I do not think he will strike back. But if he does, if I am under another oath, I will have no choice other than to fight back.”
I looked at Simone. She swallowed hard but nodded.
“Do you want more time to think about this? Even if you can’t find something wrong, that’s not a definitive answer. What would you do if he really was under the influence of something?”
“We’ve already spoken about this. Caelan has been different for many months now, and we have not always agreed with his methods, even before you came into his life. We were already speaking of leaving, but neither of us expected to seek another so soon. As Lords go, he was one of the better ones, but now we’re wondering how far he will go to win.”
Sympathy flooded me. “I’m sorry. For both of you. And the answer is?—”
Moira jumped in. “You haven’t asked me.”
I blinked. “Asked you what?”
“If I wanted to be in your court or whatever the hell this is.” Her dark eyes pinned me to the seat. “I’m supposed to be your best friend, and I didn’t even know you’d claimed the crown until that thing started spinning around on your head!”
I opened my mouth to explain, then closed it. She was right. I’d bargained for myself and my friends and barreled straight ahead without even thinking of consulting Moira.
