I blink. Is it to be in two days? What if there are still some of Mrath’s women here and they attack the ceremony?
Agreement follows like a tide. No one dares be the last to nod.
It’s so strange to see them all bow before him, eager for his approval.
He squeezes my fingers. “Let us proceed and finish this meeting quickly.”
I bow my head. The motion hurts less than words might.
The meeting continues—lists of repairs, the redistribution of guards, and which noble houses lost their sons. I drift somewhere just behind the conversation, hearing it as if through glass. When a servant refills my cup, I notice his hands shaking.
I wonder if he was there during the attack. If he saw the blood and rotting bodies. It would be enough to make anyone tremble.
Then the doors to the hall open again. Lords shift, and I try to angle my head against the rub of the collar to see who approaches.
The servant bows, then calls out, “Announcing His Grace, Lord Castien of the Obsidian Court. The Living Shadow.”
The air changes, and several of the lords around the table frown. I have never heard of this person before, but the name is intriguing. Even the darkness inside of me stirs a fraction.
Lord Castien strolls in a second later. Everything immediately around him dims slightly. He wears all black, from the fit of his leather riding pants to the fine shirt and black jewels that hang from his ears, neck, and even one eyebrow. He is a contrast to the rest of the elves in the room, and I can feel something dangerous roll off him in waves. His hair is black, shot with a few meager streaks of silver, some strands hiding his eyes. When he bows, his cloak pools around him like ink spilling across the wooden floor and plush carpets.
He’s powerful. And old. I think I recognize him, Cursed One says.
Arion stands to greet him, the motion practiced and regal. “Castien. You grace us.”
“I would not miss the dawn of a new reign,” the Living Shadow replies, his voice low, measured. “My king, the throne suits you well. You look resplendent in power.”
I wonder if they know that Arion is looking for the elven artifact. I wonder if they know he has less power than his sister currently. Surely they would not follow him if they did.
How did he explain his attack on Mrath’s Enclave?
The Living Shadow steps closer to where we sit, and I catch the faintest scent of smoke and cold metal. “My king, I come with news regarding last night’s unrest.”
A flicker of interest passes through the room.
“Already? You’ve hardly been here a day, and you are already seeking to please your ruler? Such respect should be commended.” Arion looks pointedly at the rest of the room and then gestures for him to continue.
“One of your consort’s attendants,” Castien says, “was found to be in correspondence with the Sisterhood. Her goal was not the crown, but the consort herself. She sought to stain your union and give information to our enemies. She was even behind the attempt on the human’s life.”
The room stirs. Arion’s hand stills over mine. “Speak plainly.”
Castien inclines his head. “She spread a lie—that the human girl is barren. That she could not bear the heir the kingdom expects. Mrath was planning to use that lie to topple you.”
The air leaves my lungs. How could she know that? I thought the meetings with the royal physician were going well. I’ve been drinking that disgusting tea every night.
My eyes snap straight onto my future husband. Does he believe any part of this? If he does, then today will be my last day living.
Arion’s tone remains almost pleasant, but he doesn’t look at me. He doesn’t even look worried. “And this traitor?”
“One Kiala Fereleaf. She was dealt with at first light,” Castien says.
One of the lords stands, bowing to Arion, then says, “Am I tounderstand that Mrath’s terrorists believe that the human cannot bear children?”
“That is what I said,” Lord Castien retorts blandly, clearly unimpressed with being interrupted.
“And we are sure there is absolutely no validity in this statement?” the man continues. “Because the whole godsdamned purpose of this little experiment is that humans can bear us children. We know from thePeredhelsthat this could be true, but if it is rare or less effective than breeding with our own kind…then why in the name of Doros’s teeth are we putting a human alongside the king? Why create a new law that protects fuckingPeredhelsat all?”
My cheeks burn, and it takes every ounce of practiced decorum not to flinch.
