I tried to keep my mind off that Fae soldier—along with the other slaves, particularly the female ones who glared at me from across the room. Theywantedto be known as the prince’swhore? I nearly snorted; they could have it for all I cared—I couldn’t even imagine why they would want that dubious honor.
Desperate people, I reminded myself. Ones with no concept of what it meant to be free, who tried to claw back a measure of control in their lives. And that, I could well understand.
Cyrus had explained to me that during court sessions, his place would be beside his father’s throne. As he sat down, I stood back by the side of the dais, against the wall and out of the way. I was supposed to be nothing more than a piece of furniture, another layer of the wall.
King Astraeus and Queen Stelara weren’t here yet. but Prince Weylin was standing next to Princess Daneiris, and I could see Prince Kian and Prince Vikal on the other side of them. While Princess Twyla hid slightly behind them.
I didn’t blame her.
They were all lined up to the left of the dais. Only Cyrus got to be seated beside his parents as the heir. I could practically feel resentment dripping off his siblings. Before I could look around the ostentatiously decorated throne room any further, the king and queen were announced by the herald.
The large, dark, wooden double doors opened, and King Astraeus and Queen Stelara swept into the room. Like the rest of the hall, I dropped to my knees before them. They looked as regal as ever, with the queen dressed in an elaborate gown and the king standing tall beside her. The queen’s dress was made of the finest emerald silk. It trailed behind her as she walked arm in arm with her husband to their thrones. The emerald green complemented her wine-red hair perfectly and slightly brightened her nearly black eyes.
The king was in a dark gray doublet that boasted a pegasus on the breast in the darkest pink. Gold chains crossed the front in rows, a way to showcase his station. As he turned to sit on his throne, I noticed the sleeves had the sigil of Dusk Kingdom, anupside-down crescent moon entwined with scrollwork, and two pegasuses on either side, rearing up toward one another.
As soon as they sat down, the members of the hall rose from their knees. I slunk back against the wall, hoping to go unnoticed. I needed to learn more of this court, and more of Cyrus, if I had any hope of matching him in his game. I nearly snorted at myself. Ididn’thave any hope. But I couldn’t just give into Cyrus because of bad odds. I had my own plans now, and I would see it through to freedom. I would gladly die trying. Some ideals were worth the risk.
“We have called you all here today to discuss the recent attack from the Night Kingdom.” The king pronounced sourly, his mouth forming a hard line of bitterness. “The increasing number of attacks are a matter of concern. Prince Cyrus, please inform the court of what you’ve told me.”
Cyrus stepped forward, only cool confidence radiating from him as he moved with the grace of a jungle cat. “As you know, my King, we made preparations in case of another attack. Weylin was in charge of the Gloam Gate, where the Night Kingdom broke through. When they breached that gate, they took what we estimate to be fifteen to twenty humans, killing many Fae in their path. Somehow, they knew our defenses had changed, and were prepared for the new magical shields we’d put in place.”
He turned on his heel and looked at Prince Weylin. “Brother, you were in charge of the defenses at the fallen gate. Why don’t you tell us what happened to create such a failure?”
I had yet to hear Cyrus sound so cruel, gloating over his brother’s failure. He’d told me he wanted his brother to fail in his duty to defend them, so it would make him seem like a bad choice of heir. But there was no way he’d done this, right? I hadn’t heard any more of the plan and had hoped he’d realized its folly. Did Cyrus know the Night Kingdom would attack on the day Weylin was expected to man that gate? Would Cyrus trulygo so far as to sacrifice his own people to make his brother look incompetent?
I didn’t know nearly enough about him to answer that question, I realized. Only what he wanted me to see, and the few tidbits I’d picked up otherwise. Hardly a comprehensive analysis. A chill swept up my spine as Weylin stepped forward with a distinct limp to his gait, clearly injured from the battle. A look at Cyrus showed a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes that further set off my unease.
“The shield barrier we had in place was targeted by the Night Kingdom immediately. They had to know it was in place somehow.” Weylin began, his composure barely maintained. “There was no hesitation from the Night Kingdom’s armies. They were already prepared to take it down. I’d tested that defense myself, and it was sturdy. King Calix is more powerful than any of us, but I thought the shield would be able to stand up to his power. Instead, his magic pierced the shield and ripped it in half.” Weylin growled, his resentment of King Calix all too clear.
“Once it was down, they came in a wave of darkness. None of us could even see to defend ourselves. The king himself tore across the city with his warriors, drenching every corner in darkness and slaying our warriors.” He finished, shooting a glare at his elder brother in the process.
“So, what you’re saying is that your magic wasn’t up to snuff, little brother. Is that right?” Cyrus taunted. Weylin snarled and made to move forward.
“Enough!” The king shouted. Both brothers stilled, but I caught the horrible grin Cyrus sent Weylin, and the glare Weylin sent Cyrus in return.
“This cannot happen again! If our shields cannot keep Calix out now, reinforce them until they can! I will not accept defeat.”The king turned to his second eldest with a sneer. “Weylin, you wanted to lead this defense, and at the first attack, you failed.”
Weylin looked down, anger, shame, and frustration a swirling cocktail of emotions on his face. Cyrus stood taller, his face blanking as he turned to the king.
“Cyrus, you will fix the defenses and ensure this does not happen again.” King Astraeus finished, a growl underlining his voice. His disdain for his son was clear despite his order.
“Of course, Father.” Cyrus bowed, taking a moment after to whisper in his father’s ear. Weylin watched with a glower, but I was focused on the glint in Cyrus’s eyes as the king ground his jaw back and forth in response to Cyrus’s words, nodding but staying silent.
I watched the queen sit up straighter in her throne while her husband was focused on his heir. She championed Cyrus over Weylin, and the look on her face only proved how pleased she was at this decree.
I would never understand how these royals could be so satisfied with their wins over one another, especially when it resulted in the deaths of their people. The court wanted to play their games and claim victory, no matter the cost to others. Had I been in their position, my first priority would have been to help and protect my people.
But power was the only commodity they sought, and I felt sick to my stomach knowing that the loss of their people would not even be a thought when it came to their own priorities.
I looked around the room and saw a range of emotions. Some looked pleased, others angry or worried, and some showed no emotion at all. It was Kian and Daneiris who caught my attention, however, as they looked at Cyrus and Weylin with calculation.
After discussion of the attack, some of the lords and ladies came forward with other issues, or related ones. I listened in,trying to parse any information I could. Each Fae was called before the king and queen in turn. I stood still, listening to the herald announce each one, filing away every name and city in my mind.
“Lord Aibek and Lady Siria Acheron of Alfheim.” The herald called next.
I didn’t think much when a Fae with light curly brown hair, baby blue eyes, and pale skin stepped forward, but I paid extra attention when I saw his wife. She had the silvery white hair that was more common in the Night Kingdom, and especially its royal family, the House of Erebus. Her dark pink eyes were usually only seen in the south as well, and her skin was even paler than her husband’s.
Everything about this Lady screamedNight Kingdomwith just a look.
