Fuck, she wouldn’t be able to hide even if that were the case. She’s too stunning, with all the lords drawn toward her. I’ve bared my fangs more times than I can count since entering this room, staving off their lustful gazes. Their hunger is palpable.
I expected Zelos’ ire, his hits,like his comments when we first arrived. After all, my mother’s crown sits around Max’s neck and he’s feeling threatened.
My mother detested wearing a real crown. Born from a wealthy family, she was the second born, never meant to lead her country. When she was arranged to my father, she decided to change how a queen would rule, starting with the crown. She had the one given to her on her wedding day, melted into the necklace. The gem was a family favorite, gifted to her from her mother. When she died, I kept it for my queen.
It’s a shield for Max. In our realm, the queen is to be protected. No lord would touch her with that necklace on. No lady would dare speak disrespectfully. The punishment—death—is too great for a small slight.
Unfortunately, my father is not most Fae. In protecting Max, giving her this necklace, I’ve made her a bigger target.
Growling, I restrain the beast inside my soul with a tighter leash. He’s not thrilled with this situation, his mate possibly being hurt, or used. It’s another being inside my skull, two personas trying to control one body. And I can’t find fault in its reasoning.
But I can’t give into the panic, the paranoia. I have to remain in control—of it, myself, this entire situation.
Control means I can protect Max from my father and from this whole ordeal. If I don’t, then we’re both in trouble.
Finally, Zelos sits, allowing the other Fae kingdoms to grace us with their presence.
Uncle was right to remind me to prepare. Here, I would be gazed upon by allies and not, Fae coming to see what we have, who we have become. It’s been some time since all the kingdoms have come together and this is not a time to let my control fall.
I hold tighter to Max, seeing her wince under the pressure.
Dignitary, after dignitary comes to greet us, bowing to Zelos and then to myself. Some I’ve known since I was a child, always coming to make trade agreements. Others, are children from a newer generation, looking to be on the cusp of something great. All are curious toknow of my father’s claims, to see what he’s procured. Because of my father’s lust for power and grandeur, he’s boasted enough. They’re here, playing right into his vanity.
I don’t mistake how their eyes linger on my mate.
Fighting the urge to rip their faces from their heads, I simmer with rage at their boldness to look at her with such lust.
She’s a vision to these nobles, a goddess among simple creatures. Her scar sits prominently, catching everyone’s attention. A few nod, reverently.
In the forest, she always hid it, afraid of what it would mean to those around her, and she was right to do so. Humans see scars as a weakness, the Covens see it as a mark of failure. Here, scars are a symbol of strength. For a woman to show off something so vicious, it proves to everyone that she is not one to test. That they cannot hurt her.
That, combined with my mother’s necklace?She’s untouchable.
I’ve done all I can to protect her.
Would it be easier to allow her magic to be free? Perhaps. But the destruction, the lack of control, would level the palace. Her emotions still control her magic and that, coupled with her anger?No. It’d be foolish to allow it.
Zelos is looking for any chance to take her. If she were to falter, he would lock her into the dungeon, and force her into a submission that even I would have difficulty ending.
I won’t let him harm her. Not like he did to Sose. Not like he did to Fee.
The night grows long, Max’s exhaustion evident from her constant shifting. I can’t imagine she’s slept peacefully in her cell. I’m ready to excuse us when the final dignitaries come through the crowd. Instantly, my nose detects the sickly-sweet scent of nectar, a golden substance all Woodland Fae must ingest, much like Dark Fae must ingest animal blood.
A displeased growl slips through my lips as Reid curses under his breath. Fee sighs, annoyed but it’s ignored. All the lords turn towardthe newcomers, ladies fanning their faces to dispel the sweetness. It’s overpowering to our senses.
When they stop before us, two males, my shadows slip out, anchoring to Max as if to physically keep her beside me. So,hecannot take her from me.
I don’t bother stopping the animalistic growl, my beast coming to the forefront as the oldest steps forward. Bright grassy green eyes look up at me, the stark white-blond hair long and wild like ruffled wheat. The typical braids along the left side of his head are close to his scalp like most of his people wear.
Other than a white tunic and leather riding pants, he’s unassuming, simple. A short sword sits on his hip, but I know he’s not very good with it. He’s never been a fighter, choosing to have others fight his battles for him.
He and my father have that in common.
“Fenrir,” I mutter, keeping my body slightly blocking Max.
“Heir Kaden,” the Woodland Fae nods once. It’s condescending and my hands clench, ready to dig into his chest and eat his bloody heart.
“I didn’t expect you. I was told your mother would be joining us.” I specifically checked because of our past. His mother, Aoife, was a good friend to my mother, who’s guidance I often sought when things were dark. I trusted her.
