“No, but he wishes well to all in attendance.” I automatically gave the rehearsed line, but then offered more. “He’s ill, but you might already know that.”
“There are rumors.” She hesitated. “Can a healer mend him?”
I shook my head. “We’ve exhausted every resource. The land gives and the land takes. It’s nothing a healer can fix.”
Whether or not they were ready, if a fae proved unworthy, the land would drag them to their death. The ironic thing was, my father was never worthy enough to live. He’d been a cruel man for as long as I’d known him. If the land truly didn’t allow evil to walk among us, my father had somehow slipped by at birth.
Her eyes dipped down, and while I regretted dampening the mood, it felt good to finally be honest with someone about my father’s prognosis. I was tired of being weighed down by the lies and secrets.
“Do you have Divine Magic?” The question leapt out of my mouth more abruptly than I’d intended. I let my eyes close for a moment, realizing my mistake.
She drew back, stepping out of my reach. “Rude of you to ask such a thing. Do you not have any manners? Are they not required for a prince?”
I moved forward, but she stepped back once more, a dance no longer in each other's arms. “I only ask because I’m looking for my betrothed. You know all royals must be blessed with Divine magic, even those made royal through marriage.” I stepped forward once more, and she didn’t retreat. “I don’t ask to be impolite. It’s a required formality.”
Audryn scoffed. “Your father prevents us all from using magic. Forbids the entire kingdom of our inherited right." Her hostile tone cut sharper than the words she spoke. "Yet you questionmeabout what magic I may possess?”
If she had known he’d done so for my protection, maybe she’d understand. But that wasn’t something I could explain. That wasn’t something anyone could ever know.
“Do you know if you have Divine ability?” I lowered my voice. “If you don’t know, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Her eyes narrowed at me. “Of course I know. I possess the land. I am from this land—part of this land. I am from this kingdom, as are both of my parents.” Her glare was harsh. “Just as you are.”
If only she knew the lie in her statement.
I extended my hand to finish the dance, but she only looked at me with indignation. It was the same look I’d given my father so many times. I never expected to be on the receiving end ofsuch a look. My eyes scanned behind her. People were filing out. The evening had concluded.
“I’ve invited several women to take up residence in the castle for the next month. I’d like to get to know each of you better.” Each of my fingers thrummed against my thumb. “Will you stay?”
Sending her to speak with my sister would’ve been grossly negligent. Especially after Audryn's insistence on my personal invitation to the ball.
“You mean you want me to stay and compete for your attention.” She smirked. “As riveting as that sounds, I must decline. Though I thank you forsuchan appealing invitation. To be wooed among several women is something a girl always dreams of.”
She turned to leave, but I reached out, catching her upper arm in my hand. She turned and pulled from my grip so quickly that the distinct sound of stitches ripping made us both pause.
“I’m sorry,” I said, throwing my hands up. I searched the sleeve of the gown, looking for the tear, but didn’t find one. Knowing how particular women were about their clothing, I could only hope the damage was so minor that she wouldn't notice either. “Stay, even if only for a week.” Fisher moved toward me, but I waved him off.
“I hope your invitation to the others was a bit more chivalrous, perhaps a pull of the hair?” She turned to leave.
“Consider it. I’ll send a carriage to your home tomorrow.” I was trailing her as she stomped toward Benton. Thankfully, the room was empty except for Leanna and a few guards.
“Let’s go!” Audryn shouted to her friend before pivoting toward the door.
The woman wasn’t petite, but the hearty gown was swallowing her whole, impeding the perfect fit she was throwing. I would have laughed at her theatrics if she wasn’t so enraged.
“Audryn!” I shouted, sounding more like my father than I’d ever hoped.
She paused for a moment; her shoulders rose and fell before she turned to face me. Anger simmered behind her mask, and I was grateful she decided against saying whatever was on her mind.
“Think about it?” I asked, almost begged.
“Don’t send a carriage.” The skirts of her gown shimmered as she turned to leave once more. “I don’t need a fucking carriage.”
8
AUDRYN
Even after a full week had passed, I was still the topic of conversation. Benton must’ve talked about the ball dozens of times, each story more ridiculous than the other. One patron asked if I truly slapped Prince Sutton across the face, and another asked if I had thrown a small cake at him. People even assumed I was involved in the slap fight between two of the guests. As luck would have it, I was exploring the hallways attempting to locate the royal chambers and missed the brawl.
