“Franco, the Alpha Council will never agree to human extermination on any scale.”
“We don’t have to kill them to end them. We can banish them from the isle. Whatever we do, we cannot let their power grow. However,” my tone softens, “I’m willing to believe Brother Marus might not define Saint Lazaro. Perhaps if we get to know others from the church, we can learn what they’re really about. What it is they truly want. Their zealots may have preached that fae are demons, but we can change how the brotherhood and the humans see us going forward. And if they refuse to change their misguided perceptions and continue to view us as sinful demons, then…well, they don’t belong in Faerwyvae.”
“You’ve thought a lot about this.”
I nod. “If I’m going to be king someday, I need to start thinking about the hard questions and the even harder answers.”
“You’ve accepted it, then. Being my heir.”
“Yes, but I’m not ready to take your place yet. You were right to have me interact with the humans, but I must go about it in my own way. There’s more I need to do before I can gain their respect. And before they can gain mine. Just like with Saint Lazaro, I want to learn more about them. I want to understand what troubles they face, their plights and concerns, not just entertain the elite once a year. Can you give me time? And the freedom to choose what I do with it?”
She watches me for a few silent moments, then reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Yes, Franco. I can give you that. As difficult as it is for me to turn over control, it’s something I need to work on. Perhaps I too need more time.”
“Will Lorelei be all right with that?”
Her lips pull up in a small smile. “I think so. She’s the most patient female when it comes to love. Although…” She pushes off the balustrade. “I better return to my mate before she bites my head off for leaving so long. She may be patient, but she’s no gentle dove when she’s annoyed.”
“Go on,” I say. “I can handle the rest of the season on my own.”
“I know you can.” Her words hold conviction, but there’s a wariness to her energy. She glances at the balcony doors. “She’s the one? You’re sure of it?”
I swallow hard. “Yes, she’s the one.”
My sister’s eyes crinkle at the corners. “Good, Franco. I’m happy for you. If you love her, I’ll learn to love her too.” With that, she shifts into her unseelie form and flies away.
* * *
EMBER
I wake in an unfamiliar room. No, not unfamiliar. Just unexpected. I sit up in the bed, eyes lighting on the piano I played just days ago. But why am I here? How did I get here? Then something snags my attention.
An elegant shoe with a broken glass heel, resting on the piano bench.
My memories awaken in a whirl of color and sound. I remember being taken by Marus. I recall the confrontation I had with my stepmother. I remember her dark confession. Then the vortex that burst around us, one I’d somehow managed to conjure.
Then Franco.
Franco.
My raging heart begins to slow, and I take in a few heavy breaths to calm myself.
“You’re awake.” Franco enters the room and comes straight to me. He moves stiffly as he lowers onto the bed, and there’s trepidation in his eyes. I’m not sure what it means, but my first instinct says he’s…afraid of me. Nausea turns my stomach. After what he saw me do, of course he’s afraid.
“Whatever you’re thinking, stop.” His voice comes out firm. “Say it out loud instead.”
Part of me wants to close up, say something to keep him at arm’s length, but I stop myself. The impulse may be strong, but it’s the response of a frightened girl, not the woman I want to be. The woman I’ve become. I take a deep breath. “Do you feel differently about me? Now that you’ve seen what I’m capable of?”
He furrows his brow. “No, Ember. My love is as whole as it was this morning.”
“Then why are you acting so distant? So hesitant?”
Worry creases his forehead, and it seems to take him a while to find his words. “I was afraid perhapsyourfeelings had changed. It was my fault you were taken by Marus. You must have realized that.”
I recall the sense of betrayal I felt when Marus first found me and Nyxia mentioned Franco’s promise. “What happened?”
“It was at the opera,” he says quickly, as if eager to explain. “After you left the box, Marus talked about his missing fiancée. I had no idea it was you. He asked me to promise him that if I became aware of your presence in the palace, I’d turn you over to him. I added the caveat that it was only so he could talk to you. As soon as you told me who you are and what your stepfamily was making you do, I knew I couldn’t trust him with you. I tried to break my promise but…it almost killed me. I’m so sorry, Em. I never would have made that promise if—”
“It’s all right,” I say. Relief floods me. All the missing pieces surrounding his betrayal now fall into place. “I don’t blame you.”
