“Courtly betrothals can change in an instant.” Thane frowned and cocked his head. “I know things are different up north, but our two courts are alike enough that you should understand that much at least. Our betrothal has been secure solely because of the alliance. Neither of us want to see it fail. However, as your sister is here, we can call off our ridiculous charade of a betrothal and form an alliance that will not make both of us miserable.”
Reyna’s fisted hands trembled. Lorcan watched her reaction, frowning. He had understood their affair to be nothing more than a flighting fancy. One that drifted away on the wind as easily as it had come. However, her pain and frustration at Thane’s decision made little sense. She clearly had no love for the prince. The only reason Reyna had agreed to the betrothal in the first place was because Eislyn had turned him down. And now her younger sister had warmed to Thane, very much so. Reyna should be happy.
“There was a reason I volunteered,” she said. “That reason has not changed. I fear for my younger sister to marry a prince who once killed our people on the battlefield.”
He arched a brow. “Oh, I remember very clearly. You agreed because you were worried that I would act cruel and vicious toward your sister. And you still believe that, even now? You know me, Reyna. Do you not? Have you not seen how well I treat her?”
Reyna glared at him. “However kind you have been to Eislyn, that does not change the past. It doesn’t change what you have done. I know what happened on your way to see us. I know the truth about The Sapphire Axe.”
Shock flickered through Lorcan. He stared at Reyna, seeing the vengeance in her eyes for the first time. No wonder she had tossed aside her Shieldmaiden duties to marry the prince. She hadn’t done it to protect the alliance. She’d done it to protect her sister from Thane. He’d always wondered at the distance she’d kept between herself and the prince since arriving at court. Now, he knew why.
His mark pulsed happily.
This wasn’t good. This wasn’t good at all.
Thane braced his hands on the desk and leaned across it. “I am sorry for that, Reyna. I truly am. It was a terrible mistake, one I wish I could take back. But I have made my decision, and it isn’t going to change. Do not mistake me, Reyna. I care for you. But you will not be my queen. Your sister will.”
46
Reyna
Reyna stood before the mirror, scowling at herself. Her plan to take control of the Air Court had been up and ruined, and it was entirely her fault. She had intended to play the part of the betrothed princess: dignified, calm, and measured. Dutiful. Happy.
Normal.
Unfortunately for Reyna, those personality traits were in total opposition to her true nature. She had blown it, and it hadn’t even taken a year. By being brash and reckless, she had convinced the prince that she would be the worst possible Darragh to sit on the throne beside him. She knew that she wasn’t perfect. Many of his complaints were founded. That didn’t mean that she would not be better at ruling than he. At least she wouldn’t go around killing innocent allies.
Reyna pressed down the front of her long and flowing black gown. Today, Thane would be crowned. He would finally sit on the Seat of Power and take his rightful place as the High King. A week later, he would wed her sister. And there was little Reyna could do to stop it.
Thane had not yet told Eislyn of his plans. Reyna had requested for him to wait until after the coronation to inform her. Her sister had been a mess of emotions when Reyna had returned from the wood fae. She’d even mentioned having strange visions again. Eislyn needed time to breathe before the next issue came hurtling straight toward her.
And Reyna needed time to think.
There might still be a way to turn things around, but...she didn’t know how just yet.
With a heavy sigh, she turned to the side. Her hair had been pulled up into a curling mass of silver that cascaded in a single line down her back. The ebony gown dipped low to her hips, the trim elaborately embroidered with silver-spun hoarfrost. On the gown itself, she had requested an embroidered pattern of dark wings trapped within spinning circles, and a pair of silver hip pads that looked like armor. Her waist had been further cinched with a silver belt made from linked chains. The sleeves were long and flared out at the ends. Inside one, she’d hidden her ice dagger.
And, of course, she had topped off the look with her mother’s ice ring, and the silver circlet that she had begun to forget was even there. It almost felt like a part of her now.
A light knock sounded on the outer door of her chambers.
“Come in,” she called out, turning away from the mirror.
The door cracked open, and Lorcan strode inside. He had exchanged his worn leather armor for a much more refined set. He wore a glinting hand-beaten metal breastplate adorned with the Air Court’s crown sigil, right above his heart. His hair had been pulled back away from his face, highlighting the sharp point of his ears and the strong line of his jaw. Reyna flushed and swallowed hard, finding it impossible to think of anything but the way his lips had felt trailing across her skin.
“Hello,” she said quietly.
“Princess Reyna.” He lowered his head slightly before raising his eyes to hers. That same strange darkness flickered inside of them. Now, she knew what that was. His shadow magic pulsing deep inside of his soul.
“I...” She stumbled on her words. “What are you doing here?”
“Our new High King has requested that I escort you to the coronation.”
“Oh. I see.” Her heart sank, just a little. In the days following their return to the castle, Lorcan had not sought her out, nor had he taken up his usual post outside of her chamber doors. It had disappointed her far more than she had wanted to admit. After everything they’d shared, she hadn’t expected him to avoid her.
“Are you ready? The coronation will begin soon.”
“Lorcan,” she said, taking a step toward him. “Tell me about The Sapphire Axe.”
