It was quiet for a few moments.
“I believe you are correct, my heir,” Father muttered in wonder. “That was quite the deduction.”
King Athon’s gaze never left mine. He stated softly, “You have a great father, Princess Trixie.”
My king snapped his mouth shut.
I drew my brows together, muttering, “I am confused.”
“Your father didn’t let royal life—distractions—change him so horribly that he couldn’t focus on you to be a great father.” Hegrowledin slow ticks, almost as chilling as the crypts beneath us. “You should believe my words. I know what it is like to have a father who did not love me.”
I squinted at him. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“Not at all. I am king enough to speak the truth.”
I turned my head to my own king, worry etching my forehead with wrinkles. “Is there a spell in the mist?”
“Fucking Fairy, elf. There is no damned spell,” King Athon snarled at the back of my head. Then he grouched under his breath, “Why does everyone automatically assume there’s a spell happening?”
I waited for my king to speak.
Father’s brows were creased. He opened his mouth, and then he shut it. He scratched at his chin for long moments. Finally, he stated calmly, “No. I believe he is just…talking…to you.”
“Huh.” I turned my head back to my soul mate. “I do not wish to speak on that topic, but I appreciate the thought.”
King Athon flashed his tiger fangs. “You are a very bizarre and perplexing individual. I don’t even know why I try to help you, elf.” The King of Shifters rolled in my direction and shoved his blanket over his head, blocking out the moon’s glow. “I am going to sleep now. Everyone shut the Fae fuck up for a few minutes.”
I slowly put another jerky in my mouth, chewing silently.
Four minutes later…aloudsnore erupted.
“That was a most unusual conversation,” I whispered in confusion, grabbing the last of my food. One piece of dried fruit. I ate it slowly while I continued to think. “Whatever do you think caused him to say all that?”
Father stared up at the stars. “His birthday. He is off-balance around his birthday every year. The King of Shifters would prefer everyone forget it.” He turned his head to face me, his emerald eyes—exactly the same as mine—held my gaze fiercely. “But what he said about me is true, my daughter. I love you dearly.”
I sniffed and yanked my own blanket up over my head. “What I told him, applies to you as well. I really do not want to speak about it.” I was notreadyto speak about our relationship. “Please, leave me be.”
I listened to King Athon snore, closing my eyes.
“All right. Tonight is not the night.” My father cleared his throat hard, his voice gruff. “But one day, you will be ready, my daughter. And I’ll be waiting.”
My lips pinched into the thinnest line. “Thank you, my king.”
