Was Gideon a friend or foe? I still wasn’t sure.
Once we were alone, Gideon came closer. “I know what you want and it’s the same as me. Freedom, but that will never happen with Kane as king. Once you are wed, you will have access to royal areas of the castle—ones only allowed in with the royal rune.”
“What are you suggesting?”
“I know what he did, Deirdre. Whispers have spread through court about how he murdered your husband. He never wanted a bride, nor a human one, and once he and his pixies have had their fun, no fae will care if you disappear, but I would.”
“You don’t even know me.”
“No, but I don’t need to. All I need to know is if you’ll work with me. I know how we can free my kingdom, you, and save the world.”
“That is a very big statement.”
“It is, and one I stand by, if you agree.”
Could I trust him? It was obvious he and Kane were not close, but I didn’t know Gideon.
“Kane already said I’d have my magic back after the wedding. If there will even be a wedding.”
I should be grateful the wedding was delayed, but the fact Kane wasn't even here after everything that had happened confused me. “I don’t understand why he went through so much trouble to get me and he isn’t even here.”
“I might.” Gideon’s face softened, and he brushed a gloved hand across the top of the nearby settee. “It was late, another night of long revelry, and the moon was full and for us that can be a mischievous thing.”
Hanging on his every word, I waited for him to continue.
“Things had been calm in our kingdom and I may have challenged His Majesty to fulfill the prophecy.”
“You did what?” My voice rose and he shushed me.
“Keep your voice down,” he said in a low tone. “It was more of a dare, actually.”
No. This was ridiculous. “You can’t be serious. He only came because you dared him to?”
Gideon stepped back, holding his hands up in defense. “It’s not what you think. I was joking. If you haven’t noticed, my cousin and I aren’t exactly close and I was trying to goad him, knowing he would never agree, but then the pixies.”
Shaking my head, I could not believe what I was hearing. “This is a joke. You’re lying.”
“The pixies loved the idea. Olivia thought it would be fun, but Anna and Ella truly believed in the prophecy just like manyof our kind do. None of that matters now. The moment the unicorn blessed you, you became the rightful queen. Even Kane has to admit there is some truth to the prophecy.”
“But you don’t want me as queen. You’re all using me for something.”
The pity in Gideon’s gaze made me want to crawl back to the spire and never face anyone ever again. “Yes, but I know what your heart desires. Freedom, and I can help you get it, but you must trust me.”
“I need more than a promise. I’ll have my freedom once I’m queen.”
“No, the fae will never accept you. They will plot to destroy you, and Kane will do nothing to stop it.”
Gideon held out his palm, and a blurry image filled the room.
“What is that?” I asked as the image cleared.
“A memory,” he replied. “I am a moon mage. Not only can we create powerful illusions, but some of us, like me, can recall memories.”
Kane sat at the head of the table, his court surrounding him.
“If she does become queen? What will happen to your decree?” The Master of Coin sat near Kane, pouring wine as he spoke. “The humans will expect an alliance.”
“Never!” Olivia shouted, landing on the table, tiny hands on her hips.
