He nods. “I know you’re Princess Dahlia. Everyone’s been talking about you since you arrived. Even Tibalt was?—”
“Would you be able to help me with one more thing?” I cut him off, turning my head. The clouds have parted outside, and moonlight spills through the huge windows. I feel a sudden urge to bask in it.
“Depends what you need help with,” he asks warily.
I can’t hide my grin. “Do demons ride horses?”
Tauren,
It disappoints me that you have delayed my bride’s arrival. Return Princess Dahlia to me and I will forgive you for this foolish mistake.
You have two days.
Should two days pass without my princess’s arrival, I will have to escalate this matter. I assure you, that would be unfortunate foreveryoneinvolved. I’m warning you.
Sweet Maeve is currently enjoying her time in my palace and will not be returning to your barbaric court. I trust you will not make a choice that may alter the circumstances of her stay.
Lord Elheart
9
TAUREN
Igrip the letter so hard it tears straight down the middle. “‘Alter the circumstances of her stay’ – what’s the bastard implying?” I crumple the paper in my fists.
“He knows how important she is to you.” Kennix scrubs a hand over his stubble. “Either he’s hoping you’ll hand over Dahlia at the mere possibility of harm coming to your sister or there’s some other reason Maeve cannot leave his palace.”
“Or he’s just a prideful evil git,” I snarl.
Kennix leans back against a pillar. “That is also true.”
We’re stood on a small balcony nestled into the high walls above the banquet hall. Below us, demons feast from long tables full of fresh breads, steaming meats, and sauces, chatting and laughing amongst themselves. I was on my way to join them when the letter arrived.
Now, I couldn’t stomach a bite.
Just the thought of Maeve locked away somewhere in Elheart’s palace, crying out for help for all these years…
My knuckles turn white on the balcony rail.
“I know you’ve rejected the idea before… many, many times,” Kennix clears his throat, “but it may be time to seriously consider a more drastic course of action.”
Jaw tight, I turn away from the banquet hall.
Uneasiness pulls at Kennix’s brow. I already know what he’s going to say before he speaks. “The salt barrier is merely salt-infused rock. While we cannot pass it in its current state, if we were to use our cannons and create an opening?—”
“No,” I cut him off. “I will not risk harming Maeve.”
“But if we were to target a specific section of the wall, near the palace entrance, where there are only ever guards?—”
“It’s still too much of a risk.”
“Then let me hire human spies to scout the palace and find out where he’s keeping her.”
“I said NO!” The feast below quietens at the volume of my shout. I wait until the clinking of cutlery and chatter resumes before I let myself continue through gritted teeth. “We are not barbarians. There is no need for us to destroy the wall. Elheart will create an opening himself when he returns Maeve to us.”
Kennix’s jaw hardens, but he knows better than to argue. He may be the closest thing I have to a friend in this castle, but he’s stillmychief adviser, and I can choose another just like that.
“Write to Elheart and inform him we will not be returning his bride without a fair trade. A princess for Maeve is generous enough.” I clasp my hands behind my back.
