My brother straightened, giving me a curt nod. “Let’s go.”
We stepped up to the door side by side before pushing it open. The hall stretched before us like the gaping maw of a giant beast. Our footsteps echoed off the stone floors, sending them careening towards the vaulted ceiling that disappeared into the shadows.
My father sat upon his throne, his crown resting on his head. He hardly ever wore it, but when he did, it was to remind everyone who reigned over them.
Everyone but me.
He and I both knew who held the power.
An unfamiliar man stood beside him. His golden hair hung in waves to his shoulders, and his face was the perfect mask of serenity.
The Seelie messenger, I presumed.
My father’s eyes met mine, and his lips curled into what some might mistake for a smile.
“My sons,” he said, his voice carrying across the chamber. “How wonderful it is that you have finally joined us.”
Snickers broke out among the courtiers, but I ignored them.
“Is there a reason you have summoned us, Father? Or do you simply enjoy the sound of your own voice?”
Riordan stiffened beside me. His jaw clenched, and his nostrils flared, but he quickly schooled his features.
The instant the words left my mouth, the entire assembly froze. There was a collective intake of breath as those gathered waited on tenterhooks for my father’s reaction. He wasn’t known for his generosity, especially toward those who disrespected him.
Insulting my father publicly was akin to treason in the Unseelie Court, and it was not something he could afford to let slide. Allowing the insult to stand would make him look weak and undermine his authority.
But we’d been caught off guard by this entire display, and I had to throw him off balance to learn what game he was playing.
My father did not fly into a rage. His eyes narrowed as the lines of his face carved themselves into the mask of amused cruelty he wore in public. He let the silence stretch, building the tension. Then his features broke into a wide grin, and he leaned forward.
“You wound me, my boy. I thought you would have outgrown this rebellious stage by your age, but I guess some creatures never learn.”
His gaze flicked to Riordan, measuring the extent of his discomfort. A vein pulsed at his temple, and he splayed his fingers at his sides. The uncertainty gnawed at him, reminding him of a time when he was small and defenseless.
At that moment, I decided that my father’s end was imminent. Whether it be tomorrow or months from now, he would die by my hand.
Then my father threw his head back, howling with laughter. Nervous titters followed as the crowd sought to appease their king.
“Or is your sour mood because of that lovely wife of yours? Still having difficulties bringing her to heel?” he asked. Turning toward his audience, he said, “To be young and in love. When your greatest challenge is understanding what you have done to offend your woman this time.”
Chuckles rose from the crowd, but my gaze remained fixed on my father.
“No need to fret, Son, she will come around.”
His tone was mocking, and a sharp glint emanated from his narrowed eyes. I didn’t rise to meet his taunts. Let him save face in front of his sycophants. The true battle had yet to begin.
When he’d had his fill, my father clasped his hands together and returned his attention to me. “Now, as for why I’ve summoned you.”
His gaze flicked to the man beside him. “We have a special visitor joining us from the Seelie Court, and I thought it would be…instructiveto show our esteemed guest the fruits of my legacy.”
Shocked gasps erupted all around us, but I kept my expression neutral as my father quieted the crowd.
“I know we have had our fair share of animosity with our brothers and sisters in the Seelie Kingdom,” he said. “But theSeelie King and Queen sent Mathias as their emissary to extend an olive branch.”
His gaze hardened as he turned towards his courtiers.
“The proposed trade accord serves the interests of both crowns, and it would be foolish not to consider it.”
