“Oh, I don’t believe that.” Morvenna’s grip tightened enough to make her wince. “Who wouldn’t adore my Calla? You are always freshly washed, reeking of lavender. It makes me wonder if you simply do not wish me to know whose scent clings to you.” Her red eyes gleamed, tongue licking her lips. “Because if you do have a mate, you know the rules of my Court.”
Calla’s softly glowing gaze lifted, coolly meeting Morvenna’s. “I have no eternal mate to share with you, my lady.”
At the words, Alora glanced instinctively to Hadeon.
His attention remained locked on the crowd, arms casually crossed. But his jaw was clenched so tight, veins strained in his neck.
His quiet fury was unmistakable to anyone who thought to look.
Morvenna giggled and released Calla. “Well, when you do, be sure to bring him to my bed. Go on now.”
The rigidity left Calla’s body, and she stepped back as if nothing had happened at all. Such was the extent of their command?
It’s not merely command,Rune’s voice slid into her mind.It is absolute obedience. When a Dominion speaks, those in their factions are compelled to obey.
Alora swallowed, fury and understanding twisting together in her chest.
This was what Hadeon had meant.
Loyalty without choice.
But she hadn’t seen Rune use compulsion on anyone.
I have no need to compel,he said evenly.Those who stand with me do so by choice.
There was some dignity in that.
The conversation at the Dominions table caught Alora’s attention at the mention of Argyle.
Ira sat back in his chair, antlers flickering with flame. “The raid on Calveron’s ships wasinvigorating. The screams reminded me of the Dark Wars.”
Nexia chuckled, swirling her goblet lazily. “One of the fae tried to cast a warding circle. His hands were shaking too badly to finish the last sigil. Pity. I quite like it when they fight back.”
“The ones who run taste sweeter,” Balgor said though a mouthful of food. “The adrenaline adds a certain spice.”
Alora’s stomach churned, losing her appetite.
Morvenna stretched like a cat with a soft moan, sighing dramatically. “I find war boring. I rather bed a mortal. But their delicate bodies are fragile, they break too quickly.” She pouted at Rune. “May I play with the mortal who ventured in here, sire? He’s pretty.”
Worry and outrage made Alora clench her teeth.
Rune took a drink of his wine. “That one belongs to my queen, Morvenna. You will need to seduce another tonight.”
She whined with a huff, crossing her arms over her bulging breasts.
“The mountain grows… stale,” Sal’vathar mused, his spider limbs twitching. “It is time we returned to true conquest.”
Rune leaned back in his chair. “What are you suggesting?”
“Spread your shadow veil as you have over Azure. Free us from this mountain so we may conquer Argyle then the rest of the world as we planned.” Sal’vathar’s eyes shifted to her. “Unless your attention is now elsewhere.”
Alora’s heart pounded, her head spinning with confusion.What is he talking about? Why would you conquer my kingdom?
Rune didn’t answer either of them for a moment, merely examining his long claws. “Far be it from you to question your king.”
“Forgive him, sire,” said Segrith mused idly. She did not eat but play with a pile of small bones and sticks on her plate. “We are merely … fretful. Perhaps you do not act for you know we are not meant to stay in this realm for much longer when the Gate is beginning to wake.” Those listening within closer range quieted and Segrith’s dark lips curved in the semblance of a smile. “The Nether stirs.”
Alora had not realized the structure was meant to stay a secret until she caught the slight physical reactions in Rune in his Harbingers, the flicker of surprise tightening in their expressions.
