Everything is so conflicting, I don’t know how to behave here. In the Coven, I hid, afraid. Here, I’m tested and pushed. Forced to react.
Zelos brings a chalice to his full, pale lips. It’s not wine I smell, but the heavy metallic tang of blood. Just the aura of this Fae has me reaching for a dagger that doesn’t exist.
“There’s something to be said about the color red on you, my dear.”
Kaden pulls me to the side acting like a blockade between us. But Zelos’ eyes continue to stare, burrowing into my soul. It’s a terrible hook and I want to claw free of it.
“Wanting to start rumors of incest already, Father?” he drawls, holding my hand behind his back. It’s a warning to stay close. But it seems strange that he would be hiding me from the Fae who tasked him with kidnapping me.
Zelos smiles, sipping from his glass. Briefly, I notice how not a single scar lines his fingers. “Would it be incest if it is not my child?”
Kaden’s jaw clenches and I feel his siblings coming close, picking up on his irritation. I’m not sure if it’s to offer support or to prevent the heir from doing something rash.
“Considering you are to begin a campaign that will change the entire world, perhaps not starting with talks of sleeping with your future daughter-in-law would be prudent.” The heir shifts, a practiced bored expression on his face.
Yet, tension leaks from every pore as the hand holding mine crushes my bones together. This goes beyond simply protecting me; no, something deeper, darker. A possessiveness that feels primal in its intensity. He wants to keep me from his father andcompletelyhis.
I’m not the only one who sees the jealousy on his features, hidden by a prince’s casual dismissal. Zelos’ amber eyes shine with unspoken retribution.
Suddenly, he slaps the throne,laughing. “My heir, youare in a jovial mood. It must be this lovely creature who has brought out a new side of you. I approve.” Again, he stares at me, and I refuse to move from Kaden’s shadow.
“Kaden,” Fee interrupts, voice low, pulling both of us from the king. “The doors are opening.”
“And Uncle approaches,” Reid adds. Together, we turn toward the front of the room, the large doors opening once more. Behind a man in black armor stands a crowd of people, various clothing from different places and a mixture of appearance, but all ethereal and young.
Fae. Dozens of different kingdoms.How many are there?
I know the Fae have existed as long as Witches or Humans. But when the Great War broke out over Neevea, the various Fae retreated to the upper northern parts of our land. None have interacted with us in centuries, keeping to themselves, refusing to intercede in our affairs. It was as if they disappeared.
To see them now, alive, my mouth parts in surprise as the fear wavers.
Their uncle, large and intimidating, walks through the crowd with the finesse of water. The court moves, giving him the space and respect his deserves. I see the medals pinned on his black uniform, the aura of honor he wears like a cloak.
He’s important in this world. What he must have done to accomplish such a thing, I’m curious to know.
Bowing deeply to Zelos first, he greets him politely. Thankfully, this draws the king’s attention from me, giving me a slight reprieve and I sigh. Then, he bows deeper, more respectfully to Kaden.
When he stands, he grabs his shoulder in an uncompromising hold, fingers digging deep.
“Prepare, my nephew,” is all he whispers, taking a spot behind the throne like the royal siblings. Only Zelos, Kaden, and I remain at the front.
Taking this as a cue, Zelos stands, hands held high. He scans the crowd, enjoying their adoring glances. I know little about this ruler,but he likes the attention, preens under the lords’ admiration and the ladies’ smiles. He stands taller, his black robes long, and richly made.
“Friends, today begins the beginning of a fruitful future.” He waves his hands, the doors pulling open once more. “Today, we welcome those who would help us, and foster partnerships, but tomorrow? We plan. To take over the continent.”
Chapter
Seven
KADEN
That announcement goes as well as can be expected.
My father goes on a tirade, promising how we will lead the continent into a new order. How our people will be free, no longer hunted like deer in the woods. How all Fae will prosper without a Human threat to their rightful place in this new world.
He doesn’t tell them how, no. My father is great at stringing along his puppets, using pretty words to grow connections. He won’t tell them of Max until the very end. Not until there is no choice but to show them his new weapon.
Beside me, Max shifts, sinking into herself. If not for the dress, for the jewel at her neck, she might have been able to hide. But she can’t—not here, on the royal stage, waiting for dignitaries to come in and pledge their support to our cause.
