Twenty-Nine
MAX
Leaning against the dining room wall, I watch the cordial feast turn into a debauchery of drunken Fae lords and ladies, most of which have decided to use the palace as a brothel.
As most of the events go, this turned quickly. With wine, blood, nectar, and other substances flowing, the Fae turned from discussing war to what colored undergarments one particular lady was wearing. From there, it grew rather untamed.
Swirling the wine in my glass, I ignore the calls and screams, watching as partners pair off. Reid is in the corner, one male’s head in his lap, a woman rubbing his shoulders, and another kissing him.
So much for always being together.
I can’t help but grin at his happiness, his ease, though. It lightens the fear that’s threatening to drown me.
Zelos is making plays for me while Kaden is gone, but I don’t think he counted on me being so resistant. Not with Fee, Reid, and Oslo preparing me. Not under their watchful eyes.
As much as this is brazen, it’s all calculated. Everyone makes a move on the board, hoping to surprise their opponent. Only I’m the prize.
Fee leans against another wall, lips curled in disgust, watching the events unfold. Her silken gown is as black as mine, with a forgotten glass of wine in her other hand. Her hair is pulled high, sharp eyes scanning the crowd, looking for a threat.
I know because I’m here, she’s watching for me. Pushing through the crowd, I ignore one lord who looks at me like I’m a dessert he wants to lick.
“See anything important?”
“Besides fornicating lords and ladies?” There’s a few breathless laughs and moans coming from the back corner, an orgy beginning.“Servants are stealing the silverware.”
“Is that normal?” I drink from my glass, the dry, red wine painting my lips the same color.
“Unfortunately,” she mutters. “The Shadowlands are not as wealthy as one believes. Zelos tends to use the allocated funds for the villages, here.” She lowers her voice. “Another reason for Kaden’s plan. The people are suffering.”
It’s clear that Kaden cares for his people. Why else plan for a coup, against his father, a ruthless tyrant, if there wasn’t an important reason?
He moved up his timetable for me. He’s doing this all for me.
My heart pangs as adoration rises up in my belly.
If I didn’t already admit to being in love with Kaden, I would now.
“You’re quiet,” Fee whispers after a stretch of silence, the room turning even more depraved. Clothing is tossed aside, piles growing at our feet. Two lords come close, smiling something obscene before Fee growls at them to leave.
“What do you know of Heartbonds?” I ask suddenly, mind spinning. At Fee’s confused gaze, I shrug. “Taylay and Cully were said to be Heartbonds. They’re meant to marry soon. But I’m not sure if the Dark Fae believe in the myth.”
“Kaden asked me the same,” she muses to herself, shoulders digging into the wall. “I told him the same that I’ll tell you. DarkFae don’t get Heartbonds. We’re a violent people, selfish, and the Gods forsake us long ago. Having the hope of a Heartbond when it doesn’t exist, is just cruel.” She shifts, staring at me. “Why?”
I wrestle with my secret, and decide on keeping it. It wouldn’t be fair to tell her and not Kaden.
“Just curious.”
She cuts me a hard look. “Right.”
Fee scans again and sighs, mouth pinched. I elbow her, drawing her attention. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t see Uncle,” she answers, looking again. “He should be here.”
“Is he busy elsewhere? Something with Kaden?”
She shakes her head. “No. He wouldn’t have chosen him over leaving you defenseless in this room. This was too important.”
I hear the worry in her voice as my heart warms. It still never amazes me how these people, enemies of the Coven, are choosing to protect me.
