For a second, I saw the King of Crybabies. He was the same midnight black as Raza, but without the hints of color that brought Raza to life—the blush of rose on his lips, the whites and gold of his eyes, and the red in his hair. Even without those spots of color, Raza oozed passion. He was every good emotion there was, wrapped up in a delicious package slabbed with muscles and studded with claws. The King of Regret was lifeless. Dead.
Raza's passion came roaring out as he snarled, “If you had told us about the dreams, we could have protected you. But instead, you assumed that since you couldn't keep Astaroth away, we had no chance of it. You see us as weaker than you, Seren. I've finally realized it.”
I gaped at him. This was so not where I thought our conversation would go. “No, I don't!”
“Yes, you do. You run off to face threats without us all the time, scoffing when we urge you to take backup. You think your Light and Darkness are the most powerful magics in all the worlds, that they exceed any magic of Fairy.”
“I don't think that.”
“Then why is it that they are the first weapons you turn to when you're in need of defense?”
“They just happen to be the fastest. Firethorns can take a while to form, and they don't blast through things like Light.”
“Seren, you use Light for everything. You fucking clothe yourself in it.”
“I didn't realize it offended you, Raza.” I straightened. “Just because I turn to Anu's magic more than Danu's, it doesn'tmean I'm rejecting Fairy. It certainly doesn't mean I'm rejecting you or that I think you're less powerful than I am.”
Raza stared at me. “I have watched you gain power, Seren. I know you're strong. But I am the King of Unseelie. My power is no small thing.”
“Raza, you don't have to remind me of that.” I leaned closer. “I was at the battle for your throne. I can still see you standing over me in your dragon form, guarding me while I held Cat in my arms.” My eyes filled with tears. “Raza,youare my strength. How do you not see that? When I falter, you hold me up. When I crumble, you watch over me. I cannot be strong without you.”
Raza let out a breath, his shoulders falling along with his wings. “It feels different now, Seren. As if we are beneath you, but with Astaroth, you've found someone who is your equal.”
I snorted a laugh.
Raza scowled.
“Raza, the King of Hell has nothing on you. You'd beat his ass into Demon mush.”
His lips twitched. “He is rather small.”
“Scrawny, really.”
“And he lacks my intellect.”
I made a face. “Obviously.”
“Yes, you're right. He has nothing on me.” Raza paused and held my gaze. “In addition, I have you.”
“Always, Raza. You have me forever.”
“You come to me in the flesh, not just dreams.”
“Exactly.”
“You deny him for me.”
“I do. I have for a very long time.”
Raza cracked his neck. “Except in those dreams, Seren. You don't deny him in your dreams.”
I sighed. “I shouldn't have kept them from you.”
“If this had been the first time, I would forgive you instantly. But it is not even the second time you have withheld something about Astaroth.”
“I know.”
“I can't trust you with him, mo shíorghrá.”
