Here, it is the males who are left behind.
Except for the Chieftain’s mate and the young males who were killed by falling and flaming debris. A tragedy, but one that was not meant to happen.
I am given many gifts, from unique shells to polished stones to an entire flank of venison. None of these gifts I keep.
Still, it is difficult not to wonder if I would have been content to remain here if Nia and I had not met.
Perhaps.
The fact is, Ididmeet her.
I met her and fell in love as deeply as I fell into this canyon.
Although the terrible voice inside my head whispers that I am a fool, I shall remain a fool until I know for certain Nia has chosen someone else.
Maybe even beyond.
42
“Have care when choosing a mate. Life is too long to tie yourself to unhappiness.”
— A Seelie Guide to Matrimony
Boisterous conversation fills the hall, deep voices echoing off marble walls. Everett returned with a group of Unseelie men at dawn. Their hair is all black, gazes dark, skin ranging from gray-green like Everett’s to a darker, richer green like Maddox’s.
While I appreciate how quickly the king rallied his kinsmen, there is one very big problem.
There are only five.
The Chieftain clearly stated that I must return with six men willing to remain at the bottom of the canyon or else she would not release the hostages. Even if she made an even exchange, I already know for a fact the one man she will insist on keeping.
Mine.
“There aren’t enough,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper as panic grips my chest. They’re going to keep Maddox. He’s going to be stuck down in Riverglade forever.
Everett scowls at his kinsmen, his hands braced at his hips and crown nowhere to be seen. “I am afraid the other unmated males are on a hunt in the western forests. They will be gone for many weeks.”
“Are there any Seelie willing to venture into the canyon?”
Kerris shakes her head. “No one has come forward.”
Maybe the Chieftain will be reasonable, believe us when we promise to send more upon their return. These Unseelie came running to answer the call. Surely the others will as well.
The Chieftain. Reasonable. Ha.
What am I thinking? She took hostages expecting them to want to mate with her clan. There probably isn’t a reasonable bone in her body.
“What other choice do we have?” Kerris lifts her gaze toward her husband as he contemplates from his perch on the corner of the dais. “If we had more time . . .”
“No. We’re not leaving Maddox down there any longer.” There’s no telling what’s happening in Riverglade.
Everett’s fingers drum against his thighs. “They will not harm him.”
Harming him isn’t what I’m worried about. Maddox is surrounded by beautiful women morning, noon, and bloody night. I’m worried he’ll realize what all the other men I’ve been with seemed to conclude: That I’m not enough to hold his attention. Then I’ll be forced to return to Rosehill alone and without my heart.
“When do we leave?” an Unseelie named Thorne asks, bouncing on his toes like he cannot keep still.
Everett’s frown deepens as he turns back to me. “How many hours did you say it took you to reach the top?”
