I nod, unsure where this is leading.
“When this Kingdom was more bountiful and the Earthbound Fae numbered in the thousands, our Gifts were strong.” His expression darkens. “As The Corruption spread and our numbers dwindled, so too did our Gifts. Now, we are weaker than ever.”
He stands and moves to the window, hands clasped behind his back.
“If we are to survive, we must endure. Our Amplifier Gifts become more important than ever to enhance the weaker Gifts.” He turns back to face me. “Though my son inherited his mother’s Gift, his Amplifier is weak. Such a disappointment.”
The venom in his voice makes me flinch.
“To become the leader and King he needs to be, he needs to marry.” He returns to his desk, looming over it. “And the Marriage Bond will make him stronger.”
“The Marriage Bond makes Gifts stronger?” I ask. I’ve not heard this before.
“I suppose your mother didn’t have time to teach you all of our history or customs,” he sneers. My chest tightens at the mention of my mother, but I force myself to remain still. “The Marriage Bond creates a unique connection, enhancing the Gifts amongst other things. Aside from a stronger Gift, Kiernan needs a dutiful wife and a trusted confidante that supports without interfering.” He points at me across the desk. “You understand?”
“So, a loyal lapdog to look pretty on his arm but not ask questions?” I quip, temper rising.
“Careful, Princess,” he says. “I like your fire, but you must keep it under control.” He tilts his head, studying me. “He needs that too, you know. You seem to temper his strong will somewhat. Though I’m not oblivious to how he rails against this match, as I know you do too.”
He sits again, settling into his chair—rooted, immovable—searching my face for a reaction.
“A Royal marriage is not about love, my dear. It’s about mutual benefit. So, your responsibility is to be his wife, and his is to keep you alive, despite your weakness.”
“I understand my responsibilities, Your Majesty.”
Despite my 'weakness'.
The words echo in my mind, bitter and sharp. I bite my cheek until the metallic taste of blood floods my mouth.
“Splendid. Wedding plans are progressing, just continue to be the compliant little pet I know you to be, and we shall have no problems.” He picks up one of the papers on his desk, already dismissing me. “And it wouldn’t hurt to at least try to create an illusion oflovewhile in public.”
He spits out the word ‘love’ like it’s a disease.
“You may leave. I’m sure we shall meet again before the wedding.” He glances up at me one last time. “I want to know at once if the situation with your Gift, or lack of, changes.”
He waves a dismissive hand towards the door.
I rise and leave. As the door shuts behind me, I let out a long breath, as if I had been holding it in the whole time. That was a surreal conversation.
I walk through the darkened hallway, my mind churning. His words replay themselves over and over, but one phrase lodges itself in my thoughts like a thorn I can’t extract:‘if the situation with your Gift, or lack of, changes.’
I was born a Desolate. Why would that change?
And yet, the way he said it—as if he expected something. As if he knew something I didn’t.
When I get back to my suite, I am feeling overwhelmed. The scene in the Throne Room and Prince Kiernan’s words was aterrifying reminder of my tentative situation at this Court, and the conversation with King Malaxor only reminded me about the future that always seemed so far away but is now rushing towards me all too fast.
The chaos in my head demands silence. I need noise, bodies, anything to drown it out and I remember someone saying I needed to‘let my hair down and live a little.’
I quickly change into a more comfortable clean dress, something plain, and rush towards the Western Pasture, hoping I am not too late. When the stables come in sight, I am relieved to see some lights still on.
I push open the side door, and I am immediately assaulted by the smells from within: fresh straw, the earthy tang of manure and the musky sweetness of the horses themselves. I breathe in deep, and a sense of relief instantly envelopes me.
My happy place.
I spot Heller at the end of the building, sweeping. I creep up behind him. I lean in, and as I put my hands on his broad shoulders, I shout, “Guess who!”
He spins, his look of shock quickly broadening into a huge grin.
