His family. Some by blood and some by shared torment. These were the people he cared about. The only creatures he cared about other than Gisela and Candara.
And a few other Outlaws.
He would give his life for any of them, but especially Gisela.
They would do the same for him.
Without hesitation.
“I’ve sent word for Dove.” Dash gestured at the contract that was laid out on the table before them. “Given that it’s elfin, I know he’ll want to return it home and let his people deal with those who are responsible for this travesty.”
“It’s grisly,” Ryper agreed. “How could anyone do such a thing?”
Masakage sighed heavily. “Fairies write spell books on human skin…anthropodermics…a lot more than anyone should be comfortable with.”
Dash nodded. “Don’t get me started on those who collect unicorn horns.” Especially since his sister had lost hers to such a bastard.
Xaydin felt for his friend. He could only imagine the horror. Personally, he’d rip the heart from the chest of anyone who did that to Gisela. “I don’t understand trophy hunters.”
“If only,” Ronan scoffed. “These are mercenary bastards who do it for profit.”
Mischief poured more wine into her cup. “So what are we to do with Meara now? The contract’s broken, right?”
“I still have a contract with her. It’s just unenforceable in this state.”
“Meaning we can invade her lands?” There was way too much eagerness in Ryper’s tone.
Dash nodded. “And thanks to Xaydin, we have someone we can put in power who won’t be so quick to war.”
Xaydin shook his head. “I doubt Gisela would accept such an offer. She wasn’t raised to be queen, and from what I know of her, she won’t relish the idea of it.”
“Can you talk her into taking the throne?”
Xaydin stared at his friend. “Are you out of your mind, Dash? Can you talk Tanis into something she doesn’t want to do?”
He had an amused smirk that said he might be able to accomplish that miracle. “The alternative is to put one of Meara’s sons on the throne. They’ll be right back, attacking us.”
“And if you put Gisela on the throne, they’ll be after her as an imposter. Not to mention the fact that she’s part unicorn. All their people will hate her for her paternity. I won’t subject her to that.”
“Maybe you should ask her?” Mischief gave him a pointed glare. “You’re making assumptions about what she wants. I say we pitch the idea to her and see what she says. Let her make up her own mind.”
“I would prefer that.”
They all turned to see Gisela in the doorway with Candara and Tanis.
Xaydin rose to his feet. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
She offered him a smile. “I know you didn’t. I’d never accuse you of imposing your will on me. But it would be nice to be consulted about my future.”
As Gisela neared him, he held his chair out for her and let her sit down. Then, he went after a spare chair that he pulled in beside hers.
While he did that, Tanis took a chair next to Dash and Candara moved to sit between Masakage and Mischief.
With a heavy sigh, she looked at Dash. “I don’t want to be queen…but what you said about my brothers is correct. There’s not a one of them who could be a decent king. They’ll exact revenge on any and everyone around them. For any small slightor whim. Real or imagined. They’re as cruel if not worse than my mother.”
“Is there anyone else you’d put in power?”
Gisela tried her best to think of someone.
