I caught Cyrus looking over at me with a small frown. Old Gods, he’d obviously caught that little interaction. I prayed to the Old Gods that he wouldn’t think too much of it. I couldn’t handle his temper today.
I forced myself to look elsewhere, finding Princess Zerlina, the eldest child and the potential betrothed of Cyrus, who followed her younger brother. I wondered if that fact bothered her—that she’d have to marry outside her kingdom, to a Crown Prince, if she wanted to be queen. Was she like Princess Daneiris, who plotted against her brother to try to open a spot for herself?
I suppose I’d find out.
Even by Fae standards, I had to admit she was gorgeous, with chestnut brown hair streaked with blonde, light blue eyes, and sharp cheekbones that alone had to be the envy of many women.Her younger sister, Princess Sybella, could be mistaken as her twin, they looked so similar.
Both wore elegant dresses that showed off their wealth, with Princess Zerlina wearing a light pink in a clear nod to Dusk. She clearly thought it wise to show her willingness to become a member of Dusk through her clothing. Considering Cyrus dressed me in the colors of Dusk as well, I was sure she was correct. Despite how many courtiers wore a similar color to herself, the princess managed to ensnare the court as she walked forward.
The youngest sister couldn’t be more opposite to the elder two. The twin of Prince Sulien, Princess Danique wore breeches and light armor instead of a dress, shocking the court and leaving a trail of furious whispers behind her. Her slight smirk indicating she couldn’t care less. With identical blonde hair and citrine eyes to her brother, she had the cheekbones of Zerlina with the button nose of Sybella, along with full, plump lips and dramatically arched eyebrows. Her hair was pulled back into a tie at the back of head, falling like a waterfall from it.
Apparently, Dawn Kingdom didn’t force their ladies to conform to the same standard that Dusk, and even Sunrise, did. I’d never heard of a female warrior before, but the sword strapped to her side and the knives across the baldric she wore told me she was absolutely a warrior.
The party reached the base of the dais, and King Tariq and Queen Oriana nodded their heads in respect, while their children bowed and curtsied. King Astraeus and Queen Stelara nodded back while Cyrus and his siblings bowed and curtsied in turn to the foreign monarchs.
“King Tariq, my friend, welcome to Dusk Kingdom!” King Astraeus smiled wider than I’d realized he was capable. “Queen Oriana, you look lovelier every time I see you.”
“It’s good to see you too, my friend, but please don’t encourage her.” King Tariq replied with a laugh, King Astraeus joining him as their queens seemed to simultaneously roll their eyes. “And Queen Stelara, you are truly a vision of beauty. I hope Astraeus knows what a treasure he has truly found in you.”
“If you think so, Tariq, you should have married me before he could.” Queen Stelara gave Dawn’s king a sharp smile.
Astraeus turned to her, his eyes narrowing slightly, but Tariq laughed, “Oh, if only! Unfortunately, our parents had other plans.” He winked at her, and I was surprised to see Stelara actually smile in return.
“Surely, it is a shame.” Oriana cut into the conversation, her voice a sarcastic drawl. “I imagine Astraeus and I could have had quite the time.”
“Oh, my dear friend, everyone knows that much like your husband, my own prefers redheads.” Queen Stelara smiled widely as she winked at the blonde queen.
“Oh, who can choose!” Tariq said. “I do love a blonde, especially my gorgeous wife.” He smiled as he turned to his wife, uncaring that he was just flirting with another queen in front of her. She smiled back at him, but I could see now why the two queens competed over such a silly thing as a garden—they were truly competing over something else. Old hurts and grudges were buried under years of peaceful coexistence, but resentment still simmered, nonetheless.
I had to refrain from rolling my eyes at the petty games being played. It was all just sotedious.
“Ah, there is truly a plethora to choose from, my friend.” King Astraeus said as he spread his hands, palms facing upward, as if to indicate all the choices before them. “In fact, I have a new blonde find I’m sure you’ll make the acquaintance of while here!” My heart seemed to freeze in my chest as King Astraeus’s words sunk in. Emmie. He was talking about Emmie.
“Oh? Well, I cannot wait to sample what you have to offer, Astraeus.” Old Gods. Was he…was he talking about sharing Emmie between the two of them? By the Otherworld, these Fae were so messed up. They thought they could just share us around, make us have sex with whoever they wanted? And—they could. Emmie would have no choice in the matter. I wanted to be sick, or perhaps curl up into a ball under my covers once more.
“I’m sure!” King Astraeus replied with a laugh, and I’d seriously never heard him so jolly. “Now, let me reintroduce my son and heir to you.”
By his tone, he surely fooled everyone into thinking that he was proud to show off his heir. Many here knew better, but I wondered if Dawn’s royals were aware. I couldn’t believe King Tariq would be eager to marry off his daughter to a man who may be killed and usurped. I wondered at King Astraeus’s intentions behind aligning the heir he despised with his friend’s daughter. Was he just willing to toss her away should Cyrus fail to secure his position? Silly question on my part, of course he was. But I also wondered if maybe…maybe he wasn’t as intent on getting rid of Cyrus as he made it appear. Astraeus could disagree with Cyrus, want him to change, but could all of his machinations truly be intended to mold Cyrus into the heir he desired?
“Prince Cyrus!” King Tariq greeted the crown prince as he stepped up to the two kings.
“King Tariq, a pleasure.” Cyrus said as he bowed, lifting back up with a charming smile. The kind of smile that made one not realize there was a monster hiding behind it. But that was true of all of them, wasn’t it? All these men seemed to have a monster inside them. They were predators, hiding their sharp claws and teeth behind charming smiles and compliments, until it was time to tear you to pieces—then they’d leave you bleeding out onthe floor. Your heart and dignity torn apart in their destructive wakes.
I wasn’t sure the women of this court were any better, in truth.
“Allow me to reintroduce my eldest daughter, Princess Zerlina.” King Tariq directed his words to Cyrus, but his eyes went to his daughter as he held out a hand for her to join them.
The princess walked over sedately, taking her father’s hand before she curtsied, directing a coy smile to Cyrus. He took her other hand when she offered it to him, pressing a kiss to the back.
“Prince Cyrus.” Princess Zerlina breathed out, her voice reminiscent of wind chimes, the tinkling harmony coming through in her voice.
“Princess Zerlina,” Cyrus’s tone was layered with charm and invitation, a purr and a caress rolled into one. “You are more beautiful than I remembered. Truly, it is an honor you and your family have graced our halls with your presence.”
“Of course, Prince Cyrus. Dawn and Dusk Kingdoms have long been allied, being one another’s balance as we are.” Princess Zerlina said, subtly reminding those present that Dawn was equal in power. “Those bonds cannot be broken, but they can always be reinforced. I’m looking forward to ensuring the strength of our kingdoms for many more centuries to come.”
I blinked in shock as a cheer rose up from the courtiers at her words. Were people truly buying this, or was this just the court recognizing when to appease the royals?
“I concur, Princess.” Cyrus purred at Princess Zerlina, whose eyes lit up in response. “I’m very much looking forward to getting to know you better while our fathers sort out the terms of our betrothal. I’m anxious to begin courting you, in truth.”
