Over missing out on years, and moments, and laughter.
Underlying hope strung his every thought—hope that he might do better, hope that Dritan wouldn’t blame him, hope that the news wouldn’t taint the way Aunt Elsedora saw him.
“It’s rude to wander in someone else’s head, Princess. I never enjoyed when your mother did so, either.”
“I’m sorry.” I wasn’t.
His thoughts made clear how welcome Dritan would be in his court, in his life.
“Thank you,” he said.
My brow furrowed. “For what?”
“For being his family—for keeping him safe.”
Fighting swelling tears, I nodded and took his hand, abruptly Shadowing us away, unready to speak of my husband’s wishes.
But my heart sang for the man I loved.
Chapter 44
Elsedora
Bringham was in his worst form—contrary and skeptical of the newly awakened King. He’d greeted us with little more than an expression of distaste before barking at his guards to let us through.
I gritted my teeth as we followed him into Algarnd Castle’s dreary dining hall. West Corridor flags lined the stone walls; the castle was an ancient example of design. It stood in contrast to the ornate domed ceilings and grand architecture of Luz. Each room was a dull square or rectangle, and the only art that graced the walls were portraits of battles during the Great Wars, as though they were to be commemorated.
I’d never seen such an arrogant monument to one’s losses.
“Using dark magic to enter this Corridor... Blasphemy!” Haag grumbled under his breath as he sat at the head of the table.
Apparently, we left ourpleasantriesat the door.
Haag Bringham was a thorn in the foot—painful to deal with but inconsequential.
We’d attained permission for Lark’s use of Shadow-wielding to access his Corridor a day prior. He was on about nothing.Did he not remember?
Lark seated herself, and I settled into the chair at Emmerick’s side.
Prince Regon, Haag’s son, entered the dining hall. “Lady Lamoreaux, a pleasure as always. And, Princess Darvanda, looking lovelier than ever.” To his father’s expression of dismay, Regon reached to shake my hand and then kissed Lark’s. He stopped across from Emmerick, who rose.
The two men exchanged firm handshakes.
“King Mattock, I’m Regon. My father has told me much about you. I’m eager to get to know our dear neighbor’s ruler for myself. Welcome.”
The boy was a few years older than Lark, handsome with a mop of dirty-blonde hair and a kind smile. I often wondered if Haag truly could have fathered the Prince. Regon’s sincerity, however, gave me hope for future relations with the West.
“Pleased to meet you,” Emmerick said before the Prince sat.
A maid wearing gray linen garb set tea on the table. I braced for what was likely to be a taxing conversation.
“I hope you come with news that you will renew your stance that the West and North Corridors should unite against the use of wicked sorcery in our lands. The company you keep concerns me, King Mattock,” Bringham said, turning his gray-streaked beard in my direction.
My leg bounced beneath the table, and Emmerick set his hand on my knee as he said, “I bear no such news. My priority is the good of the realms. I’ve seen the evil our lands may fall to. Source magic can protect my people. It stays.”
I watched the chiseled lines of Emmerick’s face as he stayed remarkably calm.
Haag scoffed.
