If the Crown Prince had bonded with Raewyn, he’d never be able to bond with another woman. She would be his eternal mate, even if she was executed.
“This had better not be true,” Father said through gritted teeth. “If it is, I will be forced to make your brother my heir… and no one wants that.”
A flush of blood heated my face, and a dull pain compressed my ribs.
One would think I’d be immune to his verbal barbs by now, but apparently my father still possessed the ability to wound me. I’d never envied my brother his role as Crown Prince, but still, our sire’s lack of faith in me sliced deep.
I would make a fine king someday if it ever came to it.
Clearly, my father disagreed. He was looking Raewyn over now, evaluating her, considering his options.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t bring a truthsayer with me on this expedition, so I don’t know if you’re lying,” he said to Stellon.
The Earthwife, who’d left her horse, stepped forward.
“I can help with that, Your Majesty.”
“How?” the King demanded. “You have a truth potion?”
“A kiss will tell me whether your son is still a virgin,” she said.
Her shrewd eyes slid over to me, and she gave me a wicked grin. “I’ll test both of them if you like.”
A shudder of revulsion went through me. For a moment our eyes locked, and I read a hint of fear in hers.
She hadn’t expected to find me here. I knew the truth about her and her plot. Obviously I wouldn’t out her here and now—the situation was too volatile, and it would mean outing Raewyn as well. Her life already hung in the balance.
But I could see Sorcha trying to get a read on me the same way I was studying her. For the moment at least, we’d keep each other’s secrets.
My father flipped his hand in a never mind gesture.
“All I care about is the Crown Prince,” he said.
Truer words had never been spoken. The pain in my rib cage moved higher, crowding my heart.
He motioned for her to approach Stellon.
“Test him.”
“With pleasure, Your Majesty.”
Sorcha stood right in front of Stellon. Going up on her tiptoes and grabbing the back of his neck, she yanked his head down and pushed her lips against his.
When she stomped on his foot, his jaw unclenched involuntarily. She took advantage of the momentary opportunity to sweep her tongue through his mouth.
Stellon made a noise of protest, recoiling and staggering back a step. He spat on the grass, literally gagging.
The Earthwife turned to Father with a smile. “He’s lying. He’s still a virgin.”
She licked her lips, smacking them vulgarly. “Sweet.”
“You’re sure?” the King asked.
“Positive. Your heir is still fully eligible for an advantageous marriage.”
My shoulders relaxed a fraction, and I let out the breath I’d been holding. My chest expanded fully, and the sting of my father’s public rejection dulled, no longer bothering me.
“It doesn’t matter that we haven’t slept together,” Stellon said furiously. “I am bonded to her in my heart.”
