I didn't want to think about Crispin. I tried hard not to thinkof his face in our last moments together because if I did, I would crumble right in front of the entire court.
Part of me wondered if I should just accept my fate and allow the numbness to take over.
But Crispin would never want that. He would want me to fight for my freedom.
The only way I could do that is if I played the role of the good queen. Kane said once I was queen, he wouldn't put the collar back on. How much freedom would he grant me? Would I be allowed to leave the castle?
No. I would have to prove that I accepted this new reality of mine. No matter how much it made my skin crawl.
Thankfully, Kane made no move to touch or kiss me. There was an invisible wall between us that sometimes we bumped against, the wall shifting into this malleable thing that bent, and other times it was as hard and tall as the stone around this castle.
I didn't feel any differently toward him, even with this strange tattoo etched on my skin.
The hate didn’t diminish. It was simmering under the surface, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Nustul took Kane's attention for most of the night, along with the dancing fae and nobles.
I sat quietly, sipping the wine, but not too much. I didn't want to be in a drunken stupor tonight.
Every so often, I would glance over at Kane, wondering what was going through his mind. Did he loathe what was going to happen tonight? He’d shown no interest in me at all. Having him want me would make things more awkward, but knowing he found me disgusting made it so much worse.
It doesn’t matter. None of this does.
This isn’t my home.
It can’t be.
The spindle fae left, taking the lighter melody with them.The dancing fauns had pulled more guests into the center of the room as the music shifted into a deep, primal beat that made my head swim.
Fauns with baby’s breath wreaths on their heads and cymbals in their hands danced between the tables, stomping their hooves and making various fae clap and spin with them.
“Your Majesty.” Gideon’s three sisters bowed before me. I nodded at them, unable to think of anything coherent.
My thoughts were a loud drum in my ears.
They continued on, then more came, each guest congratulating me.
The entire time, Kane said nothing.
Not. One. Word.
Grabbing one of the flaky potato pastries, I pulled apart the food, taking small bites and gazing at the court.
Gideon stood with Riddik, the two deep in conversation. Gideon glanced at me, giving me a smile and raising his glass. Riddik followed Gideon’s gaze and gave a slight bow.
At least I had a few friends here.
But could he be trusted?
What would he gain from overthrowing the king?
If that were even possible. If so, someone would have done it already.
Leaning back on the throne, I replayed the conversation wehad earlier.
Only areas I could get into…
Kane’s hand bumped mine and I flinched.
