I hadn’t thought much of it when I met my Fae soldier, but he had the same hair color as Lady Siria, perhaps even lighter than hers. I wondered if he was related in any way to that horrid king? I shuddered at the very thought.
I subtly glanced over to the king and queen, who seemed to look upon the lady with judgment in their eyes, but not the lord she was married to.
Typical.
“Your Highnesses,” Lord Aibek began as he and Lady Siria bowed before their monarchs. “Our city and lands are the closest to the border of the Night Kingdom. With the increase in attacks, we would humbly ask for your assistance in protecting our borders.” Lord Aibek looked young, but that wasn’t much indication when it came to the never aging Fae. Once they reached maturity, their aging came to an abrupt stop, but this lord had a baby face that made him look even younger than me.
King Astraeus sat forward on his throne, his elbows resting on each arm and his hands steepling in front of him, while Queen Stelara merely lifted a haughty eyebrow at them.
“You request our help? Against the Night Kingdom?” Astraeus asked, his tone skeptical.
Lord Aibek looked a tad uncomfortable, but his wife looked straight ahead at the king and queen, refusing to show an ounce of emotion. She held her head high, unyielding under the scrutiny and pressure of the Dusk royals looking down on them. I found myself jealous of her poise and confidence.
“Yes, my King.” The lord answered. He kept his face still even as he shifted slightly, betraying his unease.
“And yet—” Queen Stelara began, a cruel look in her nearly black eyes. The color turning from mere black into an endless pit with the malevolence radiating from them, “Your wife is of the Night Kingdom. Related to King Calix himself, is she not?” That harshly arched eyebrow of hers rose once more.
“I am, my Queen. He is my cousin.” Lady Siria’s voice was cool and calm. Nothing to indicate the queen’s words bothered her. I was curious, however. Was she married into the House of Acheron for an alliance? Or was it a love match? They must have married prior to the Night Kingdom cutting off access to the rest of Celesterra.
“Hmm. Are we truly your king and queen? Or do your loyalties still lie to the south? How do we know you are not working with him and attempting to sabotage our efforts?” Stelara questioned, with a skeptical brow raised in inquiry. “How do we know you aren’t feeding Calix information?”
Queen Stelara shot every word at Lady Siria like a dagger.
Siria, however, looked the royals down, refusing to cower. “My loyalties are as they ever were, of course, my Queen. I do not bend just because of a blood tie. I would not be here, seeking out help for my people, if my loyalties had shifted.”
The queen hummed with displeasure, but I noticed King Astraeus nodding, seemingly pleased. I thought I might finally be catching on a bit to the doublespeak happening all around me, however. It didn’t escape my notice that Lady Siria did not statewhothat loyalty belonged to. Nor did she refute the claim exactly. She merely stated that blood didn’t sway her. There was nothing in her words that indicated shewasn’tsiding with her blood.
Feeling sufficiently worried, I looked to her husband. Lord Aibek gazed at his wife with a smile before turning back to the monarchs. “As my Lady wife said, our loyalty lies here, your Highnesses. And to our people, who we seek your help to protect.”
There was a rush of approving noises and murmurs in the hall at that. Words still vague enough that they could go either way. Queen Stelara swept her eyes around the hall, her lips tightening and her fingers biting into the edges of her throne. She was displeased, frustrated, that her questioning led to the crowd and king being won over. She hadn’t believed a word, and it was clear she wanted to do something about the lord and lady, but what that was—well, I was happy enough not to have to find out.
“We will provide you with additional soldiers to help protect your lands and people, Lord Aibek.” King Astraeus declared. The queen’s eyes slanting over to him in displeasure, while Cyrus narrowed his eyes in rage at his father.
There was something here, but whatever it was, it was just out of my ability to understand. The division between the king and queen, and Cyrus along with her, were pulling the court in two directions. Peering around at the assembly of lords, ladies, and other nobles that made up this court, they seemed to be split down the middle. Half agreed with the king, and half with the queen.
“Of course, we will, Father. I will send one of our best commanders to lead them. We must ensure the borders are secure.” Cyrus smoothly interjected.
The queen’s face relaxed an inch, a smile finally tilting her lips, though it was hardly convincing. The razor thin line was too cutting and sharp to truly be considered a smile. Queen Stelara was more weapon than woman, made to pierce her enemies with just a look.
My eyes shot back to Lady Siria, and observed the most minuscule movement of her lips, turning down in displeasure. I couldn’t fault her, as anything that made the queen perk up in such a way could not be good.
“Very well.” King Astraeus sighed. He eyed Cyrus with a weary expression, one Lord Aibek also wore before Lady Siria grabbed his hand. He quickly forced his face into a blank slate and squeezed her hand.
I wondered if I could get Cyrus to divulge more information on this situation to me. He thought I was helping him, after all. And I suppose I was in a way—even if it was all to help myself.
Offering the ruse of support for Cyrus did in fact provide me with more knowledge and power to use on my own. But now, I had the sinking feeling that helping him at all would not turn out well. Some innate sixth sense flashed a warning of danger at me. I’d learned long ago to trust myself; there was no one else worthy of it.
Cyrus turned to me at that moment, winking. His beauty struck me like a blow before I grimaced. I hated how he could disarm me with a glance.
I couldn’t afford to become distracted by a pretty face. Cyrus was as beautiful as any Fae, but he was still the one who held my leash.
And I refused to be his dog.
Chapter 10
Isighedin relief as Priscilla got me out of the tightly laced gown I was forced to wear to court. I heard a masculine chuckle from the doorway and gasped, holding the dress up to cover my chest as Cyrus appeared. Eyes lighting up with that strange spark of lightning as he entered.
“It couldn’t be that bad, could it? All the ladies of court wear dresses like this.” His words made me bristle. Priscilla bowed as Cyrus walked closer, though I caught the cautious look on her face.
