“I—”
“Youwillrespect her.” My voice was came out firmer with a warning that told him not to fuck with me today, or any other. “She is my mate and the new lady of House Nightblade.”
That wasn’t reliant on me being the king.
“I just can’t believe the words falling from your lips. Ever have you desired to do right by the kingdom, and you didn’teven marry one of our own.Andyou married her in the mortal realm.”
"That was strategic." My voice carried the same controlled tone he’d used. "We got married under Veil Law which takes precedent over all unions. The marriage gives me jurisdiction in the mortal realm now. Direct legal standing that I didn't have before."
“Don’t pretend you did it for Galaythia.”
“I wasn’t. But I am now the first being in the magical realm to claim land in the mortal realm. That’s power we’ve never possessed.” Let them call it overreach. I’d already moved the line.
“I care not for mortal lands. I can’t believe the Judges agreed to this madness. But of course, you had her soul. Theyhadto agree. Why would you need her soul, Wolfe?”
"Do not question me on the matter. The Judges accepted my word and blessed our union. You will do the same.”
The Judges’ involvement infuriated him most. Once they’d blessed a Fae marriage, there was no undoing it. Dreynthor was powerless here.
He cursed under his breath. “Very well.” He was only agreeing because he knew we’d go around in circles and he’d still lose. “Just remember,nephew—marriages can unite realms. They can also destroy them.”
“I’m aware.”
“I take it you will at least have a celebration.”
“Tonight. Here at the palace.” It was incredibly short notice but it was best to do it sooner rather than later.
“I’ll make the announcement,” Dreynthor replied in a stiff tone.
“You do that.” I turned on my heel and headed back toward the door.
“Is that it? The kingdom is on the brink of war, there is strange magic in the air, and you have nothing more to say to me?”
I stopped and faced him. “I have nothing more to say to you because there isnothingmore. I’m still working on it.”
His jaw tightened and I tried to see beyond the mask he wore. I found nothing. Just like always.
I still couldn’t fucking tell if he was guilty or innocent.
“We have to figure this out, Wolfe. Before war really does make its way to our doorstep.”
That was one thing we could agree on.
I dipped my head and left.
It seemed like I was always fighting for one thing or another.
Like I may never have peace.
But I’d die trying to find it.
For her.
Elariya.
Chapter 41
Elariya
