“Congratulations, you have been promoted as the new Growth Gift Leader. I suggest you do better than your predecessor,” he says and looks at the red liquid seeping between the stone floor with disgust. “Take this back to all your workers as a warning that I will not be taken for a fool.”
He spins, his robes billowing around him, and strides purposefully down the centre of the room, the huge woodendoors being opened for him as he approaches. He disappears into the shadows of the hall outside.
The moment he’s gone, my knees buckle. I hold onto Prince Kiernan’s arm, fingers clenching his forearm as bile surges up my throat. My whole body shakes—violent, uncontrollable tremors that rattle my teeth. The image is seared into my mind: thorns erupting through flesh, blood pooling on stone, the wet, choking sounds as life was squeezed out.
I can’t breathe.
Can’t think past the horror of it. Cold sweat slicks my skin as I press my palm over my mouth, fighting the scream clawing up my throat. The metallic scent of blood hangs in the air, and I can’t—I can’t look away from where the body lies crumpled and broken.
The Prince places his strong hand over mine where he must feel it trembling. “Now you understand what he’s capable of.” His voice is low, and I finally look up to see something cold flickering in his green eyes. “This is the reality, Alaya. The sooner you accept that, the better your chances of surviving it.”
Chapter Five
Alaya
I’m still in shock about what happened in the Throne Room later that evening as I make my way through the dark halls of the castle towards King Malaxor’s personal office. With each step I can feel my panic rising, a vice-like crush of anxiety squeezing my lungs, making it hard to breathe.
As I reach the ominous wooden door, intricately carved with thorns and roses, I take a minute to compose myself. I’m not sure what he wants with me, but I know I must stay calm.
I knock, and a muffled voice grants me permission to enter.
The room is all dark wood and the smell of musty books that line the wall at one end. A narrow window lets in limited moonlight, and a small Faelight lamp is the only other light source—shadows creeping where the light doesn’t touch.
King Malaxor sits behind a large, solid-looking desk, a few papers spread on the surface. He is quietly studying me as I enter. He motions to the chair across from him, and I sit as instructed.
“I thought it was about time we had a more formal chat about your future here at the castle,” he says, relaxing back into his chair. His gaze is intrigued, assessing.
“My future as your son’s wife?”
“Yes, that and what it entails for you. I’m fully aware there are many that have questioned why I chose you.”
“Me included, Your Majesty.”
He lets out a small laugh at that and shifts to lean forwards, elbows resting on the desk.
“You have always interested me, your Desolate state, that is. Have you ever felt any hint of a Gift?”
I cock my head curiously at his question.
“Never. I have, as you know, been instructed by the Healing Fae to try and cultivate a Gift, but there’s nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“It’s like a void when I try to reach for it, just an emptiness in the pit of my stomach.” A feeling of uselessness sweeps me. I’ve known my whole life that I was different—empty. It doesn’t make talking about it any easier.
“The answer to why I chose you for my son is quite simple, really.” He pauses, and his eyes travel over me with deliberate slowness. “Other than your obvious, quite pleasing assets …”
He leers at me then. I feel his eyes rove over me, and goosebumps of revulsion prickle my skin. He smirks as if his gaze could strip away my flimsy dress and caress what lies beneath.
“However, more importantly, you were the simpler option for the Marriage Bond.” He leans back again, fingers steepled. “Much easier, without a Gift, to sculpt into the Princess this kingdom needs for its future.”
I must look confused as he continues.
“You know about the Goddess’ Gifts, I presume?”
“I have been taught well about our Gifts,” I reply, a little indignant. I’m not some ignorant fool.
“Good.” He waves a hand dismissively. “Then you know the Goddess bestowed her Gifts to the Earthbound Fae to keep the Kingdom alive and flourishing. Growth, Healing, Amplifier, Nourish.” He ticks them off on his fingers. “For defence, Warrior, Thorns and Shadows.”
