Her son?Not so much.
“She sends her regrets.” Fenrir frowns, glancing to Max quizzically and my threatening magic swirling around us. “When she heard you took a mate, she sent us both to this meeting. We were surprised to hear of your claiming. We only wanted to wish you a congratulations and offer our lasting alliance.”
His world and mine have been in an alliance since my mother’s coronation. It’s only because of her that we have any allies.
Narrowing my eyes, I notice how he glances once more to Max. If it were anyone else, I’d understand their surprise. After Sose, I swore to never marry. But Fenrir doesn’t get that compassion.
“It was sudden,” I declare, ignoring Max’s eye roll. If it was a different time, I’d taunt her more—it’s better than her wallowing. “But when one knows, they must act.”
Including claiming someone against their will.
He nods, sagely. “I wholeheartedly agree. I felt the same with Sose.” He taps his chest, as if he can still feel her presence.
The entire room halts and my beast yowls in my head, a painful, mourning noise full of anger.
This fuckingprick.
Stiffly, I smile, tongue tapping the edge of my teeth, regretting not bringing my sword. I’d like to plunge it into the male’s chest. “You know, Fenrir, I’m surprised Aoife would send you in her place. You’ve never been thesmartestof her children.”
There’s a flicker of rage at my dismissal of his intelligence as well as his place with his mother. It’s common knowledge that Aoife did not choose Fenrir to be her heir. He was given the title by his now-deceased father. For her to go against her king’s last request would be court suicide.
My eyes look to the presence behind him. “We both know who would have been the better choice.”
Mal, Fenrir’s younger brother, stands there, dressed in black clothing, his locks dusting his shoulders, two rings hanging from his exposed ear. A sign of the second in line to the throne.
“My mother knows my father was wise in his decision.” Fenrir now turns fully to Max, no longer shy, and smiles charmingly at my mate. I want to rip his smile off, and hang it on the wall as a trophy. “Let’s not let the past taint the future. After all, Sose was years ago.”
“And yet, you continue to bring it up.”
“Fenrir,” Mal calls, stepping forward as if to intercept. “It’s been a long journey. We should adjourn until when everyone is rested.”
“Yes, you should.” My eyes glint under the darkness, my shadows rising. “After all, you all need your beauty rest. Woodland Fae are so…delicate.”
Fenrir’s smile edges into something dangerous and I laugh. Hewon’t be able to fight me but it’s cute to see him riled. After all, the night is where the Dark Fae are strongest. “Heir Kaden, a pleasure as always.”
“I’m sure.” I can’t help but wink, irritating him further, soothing my savageness.
On Bel’s name, I’m going to cut out his tongue and feed it to the bear-wolves.
Chapter
Eight
MAX
Kaden pulls us from the throne room as soon as the Woodland Fae depart.
The energy coming off of him is harsh, biting, and his shadows react like physical whips. They wrap around our joined hands, latching us together as another tendril winds around my waist as if to keep me close.
We hurry through the halls, the guards further back, his siblings behind them.
“So, Fenrir seems great,” I quip, tripping over the heels he forced me to wear. “Very handsome. Charming. He must be fun during parties.”
Kaden curses under his breath, pulling me further, long legs eating up the distance. I can barely keep up.
“Stay away from him,” he commands, eyes searching the corridors. I half expect someone to jump from the dark corners.
Raising an eyebrow, I feel his jealousy like burning match. Is he this worked up over the idea of a Fae, whom I’ve never met before?
