I didn’t like the sound of that one bit.
Kieran’s jaw tightened. “And what consensus is that?”
“A ball will be held this weekend,” he said. “To settle this fully in our minds, we propose that you and Queen Cyrene perform the Shadow Rite before the assembled nobility.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“That is unnecessary,” Kieran said flatly. “I’ve already told you that we’re married. You saw us kiss. We’ve acted as the couple we truly are. Why do you need more proof than that?”
“It would settle the matter,” Lord Broadworthy said, sending a sharp look the others’ way.
Lady Aragorn flashed her fangs. “Either you prove your marriage is real, or…” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
The room fell silent. I could feel every eye on me, measuring my reaction.
“This is an ultimatum,” Kieran said quietly.
“Call it what you wish,” Lord Rathley said with a snort. “But the council is united on this matter. You will perform the Shadow Rite at the ball, or the joywitch must leave and return to her own people, nullifying the treaty.”
Kieran’s gaze found mine across the chamber, his expression unreadable.
In that moment, I realized how precarious my position truly was.
And how much depended on our next move.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
KIERAN
The ultimatum hung in the air. I felt every eye in the council room watching, waiting for my response, but I couldn’t look away from Cyrene.
She’d moved over to stand beside me, and despite being covered in dirt, she was more beautiful than any queen in our history. Her chin remained high. My wife was defiant. Ready to fight.
Fates, I loved that about her.
“Very well,” I said, not breaking eye contact with my wife. “We’ll perform the Shadow Rite at the ball.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Cyrene’s face before she schooled her features. Several nobles exchanged glances, clearly not expecting me to agree so readily.
Rathley recovered first. “Excellent. The ball will be held three nights from now. That should give LadyCyrene adequate time to prepare.” His emphasis on the last word made his meaning clear. He expected her to fail.
“This meeting is adjourned,” I said.
Lady Aragorn shifted in her chair. “But Your Majesty, there are other matters?—”
“I said we’re finished.” If I could fire them all this instant, I would, but that would cause unrest among my people. A king’s power only extended so far.
I held out my hand to Cyrene. “My queen?”
Her fingers were cool on my palm. The touch sent a current of awareness through me, an echo of the magical connection we’d shared in the crypt.
“Lords and ladies,” she said with a graceful nod that countered our ragged appearance.
We left the chamber together, maintaining a dignified silence until we were well out of earshot. As soon as we turned the corner, Cyrene rounded on me.
“The Shadow Rite?” Her voice came out high-pitched. “I don’t know the first thing about vampire dances.”
“I know.” I gently pulled her along beside me.
