For as long as I could remember, he’d made it known he'd only married my mother after she’d become pregnant with me. It was the first time a royal had married from another kingdom. The public never discovered the treasonous detail, since he claimed she was from Rivale all along. He’d paid a family to claim her as their daughter, and the two promptly died in a house fire the day after the marriage was complete.
When the magic of my mother’s kingdom came to me instead of my father’s, I was the only proof of his poor judgment. It was for that reason he’d forced me to find my mate. Accepting a bond allowed each person to entangle and share their magic with one another. For generations, the kings of Rivale had possessed Divine magic, and nothing less was expected of me.
“Tell me about the others.” My mother pushed. “Since I don’t have the privilege of meeting the women myself, I must rely only on what you give to me, which I must say has been dismal.”
“Maris has hair as golden as the sunrise.” I smiled, recalling the time we spent down at the cliffs watching the sun crest. “She’s polite, understands the position and its requirements. And I think father would approve.”
“Do you approve?”
I shrugged. “Does it matter at this point? If I don’t make a choice soon, well—I refuse to consider the alternative.” My gaze turned to my father. “It’s my right to take the throne, you know? Why can’t I do so unmarried when he broke protocol just to marry you?” My tone was more hostile than I’d expected, and by the look on my mother’s face, I’d struck the wrong target with my anger.
“I’m sorry,” I started, “I didn’t mean to?—”
“It’s fine.” She took a sip from a cup. “I know you meant no harm. There’s one more currently in residence, is there not?”
I nodded and looked at the floor, ashamed of my sharp insult. She’d stood up for me time and time again, while I rebuked her heritage just as my father had done so often. He was the last person I’d ever want to become, and yet there were so many times I’d behaved in the same way he had. Maybe he’d finally be proud of me.
“Continue, Son,” my mother requested.
I shifted in the chair. “Audryn is … interesting.” Explaining my intrigue wasn’t easy. I’d thought about it repeatedly and tried to convince myself why I’d been so drawn to her, yet I couldn’t articulate my own feelings.
“What pleases you about her?” My mother’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
“I can tell you what doesn’t.” I snickered. “Her etiquette leaves a lot to be desired—she’s stubborn, crass, and it would take a lot of work to integrate her into the expectations of the crown.” My thoughts drifted to the night before. “She lacks discipline, but doesn’t allow others to trample her. The fire in her is something the other two don’t have. And though I’m challenged by her strong spirit, it would be useful to have her seated next to the throne. I feel most?—”
“Who’s this you speak of?” My father’s voice was hoarse, but demanding.
My eyes shifted to the bed, where he lay with drooping lids. I’d seen him the evening before, and yet he seemed to have weakened overnight. Regardless of the strain between us, he was as much a part of me as I was of him, and I wasn’t ready for the connection to be severed.
“Boy!” my father snapped. “Who is this you speak of? Did you finally find someone to marry who will deal with your inadequacies?”
Maybe Iwasready for him to die. “Her name is Audryn.” I lifted my chin to meet his harsh tone. Even with death knocking,he still knew how to cut me down. “She’s one of the three women I’m courting.”
“Do you feel a bond with her or not?” My father’s eyes narrowed on me.
“I’m not sure.” I shifted. “I suppose with some time I?—”
“You’re nearly out of time—do you not see my end is near?” my father grumbled and stifled a cough. “Will you force my hand in the decision or are you capable of determining it for yourself?”
My eyes moved to my mother, who immediately found something interesting to focus on outside the window, despite the curtain partly blocking her view. I couldn’t expect either of them to understand the difficulty of determining a bond; they hadn’t had to do it themselves. It was rare for two strangers to feel the match immediately. More often than not, it took several meetings before two fae felt the connection.
“There are more pressing matters to discuss,” I redirected. “Several ships were lost to the sea, the castle is in disrepair, and attacks from the witches continue.” I pushed, “The attack could have been mitigated if those aboard hadn’t feared the consequences of using their Divine abilities, but?—”
“Find your mate and I will lift the ban, lest you risk being discovered as incompetent,” my father interrupted, a snarl curving his lips.
“Edric,” my mother snapped, “you will not speak to our son as if he is inferior. His ability will outmatch Rivale’s offerings every time.”
“Enough! This does not involve you.” My father lashed out. “Either sit quietly or leave—you are not needed.” He snapped his attention back to me. “Work down the list of issues so I may sort out a solution for you.”
My mother’s brows knitted together as she drew in a breath. If she’d had a dagger in her hand, she might’ve been tempted toend him before the land took him. I’d probably assist her in the matter—definitely wouldn’t impede her.
“A guard died from spalling a few days ago,” I breathed.
“Death happens, some sooner while others much later.” He pushed back in the bed, uncomfortable with the fact that his own death would happen much sooner than he’d like.
“Sure, however, the work Elowen has done with the bitumen is not holding in its new form. We either need to make repairs in its primary form and do our best to cover the sealed cracks or?—”
“That is unacceptable.” My father turned to my mother. “Send a request for a meeting with the woman as soon as she is available.”
