“What?” Drostan gaped at me. “Why would you do that?”
“So that he doesn't start a war.” I lifted my gaze to his steadily.
Drostan stared at me for a few minutes and then nodded crisply. He escorted me back into the castle and through the halls, to a room I hadn't been in before. It was long and narrow, with a single throne set upon a dais at the end of it. The walls were black, high, and imposing with their glossy polish and wide arches. Trenton stood with a few of his knights before the throne; his bright looks making him stand out against all that black like a beacon in the night. He turned when the doors were opened for Drostan and me, and set his gaze unerringly on me. I wasn't prepared for that amethyst stare, and I didn't school my expression in time. Trenton got a glimpse of my true feelings, but I was hoping it wasn't enough to give me away. I settled my face into a blank stare and walked slowly beside Drostan down the hall.
Drostan went to the dais, took his seat, and gestured for me to stand behind the throne. Trenton sought my stare again, but I lowered mine quickly; staring determinedly at the hem of my crimson, velvet gown.
“Prince Trenton,” Drostan said, “welcome to the Dark Court.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Trenton said stiffly. “You may not be so amicable after you hear what I have to say.”
“Before you continue,” Drostan stopped him, “my concubine has requested an audience with you if you would permit it?”
“Your...” Trenton looked over at me in shock. “Yes; I would permit it.”
“Good.” Drostan nodded and waved his hand to a door to the left of the throne. “You may use my private sitting room to converse.”
Trenton nodded crisply and stepped up the dais stairs; straight to me. He bowed to me and held out his hand. I glanced at Drostan before I took Trenton's hand, and Drostan narrowed his eyes on that chaste touch. I pulled away quickly, and Trenton inhaled sharply but calmly followed me into the sitting room.
Trenton closed the door behind us, and immediately pulled me into an embrace. He was kissing me before I could react, and I couldn't help responding to it. I wrapped my arms around Trenton and pressed myself into the hard angles of his chest; fitting my body perfectly to his. I kissed him with all of the emotions I'd been storing up for him; threading my fingers through his hair and moaning into the passion that always rose between us. But then I remembered what I had to do, and I pulled away.
“Riley, what's happened to you?” Trenton cried. “I searched for you, but I lost your trail. Finally, a messenger found me in the forest and informed me that Drostan had you again. I immediately headed to Unseelie.”
“Thank you for coming for me,” I whispered. “But I can't leave with you, Prince Trenton.”
“Riley.” Trenton took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I know you can't walk out of here with me now, but we can form a plan. If you can get out of the castle, I can take you somewhere safe. We could—”
“No; we can't,” I said crisply.
“Yes, we can!” Trenton snarled. “I'm not leaving here without you, Riley! I won't! I'll—”
“I don't love you, Trenton!”
Trenton stopped and stared at me in horror. I tried to keep my expression stern, but I could feel it cracking around the edges. My eyes were wincing and my lips were trembling. I was going to cry if I had to stare at his hurt expression much longer. I needed to say something else; something to convince him to leave before I broke down and fucked this all up.
“I never loved you,” I whispered. “I just wanted to be safe, and you offered me the best option.”
“That's a fucking lie!” Trenton growled. “Remember when I told you that I've never seen lies in your eyes? Well, I see them now, Riley. You can't deceive a prince of Tirne!”
I lifted my chin stubbornly. Maybe not, but I was going to damn well try.
“You don't have to do this,” Trenton softened. “We can figure this out. We can still be together.”
“It's the truth, Your Highness,” I said firmly. “I'm sorry that I deceived you. I wanted to tell you before you made a fool of yourself in front of the Unseelie.”
“If it's true that you never cared for me, I've already made a fool of myself in front of my own court; and that is far worse,” he snarled. “But I don't believe it's true; not for one fucking second.”
“It is.”
“No, it isn't,” he said simply. “You want to stop a war. I know you, Riley. I know your mind, and I know your heart... and that heart is mine.”
“Trenton, please just go,” I whispered brokenly.
“No, my love.” He pulled me into his arms. “I cannot. I refuse to live without you. I will tear this castle down with my bare hands before I allow it to keep you from me.”
I closed my eyes and held him tightly for one brief moment.
“Drostan saved my sister's life.” I played my last card. “He bargained for my life in exchange for my sister's health. I am bound to him, Trenton.”
