Uncertainty was no longer something I feared. I had made my choice.
The sun climbed into my chambers earlier than I wanted. Eva trailed in after it. “Rise. You’ve been summoned and I have little time to ready you.”
“Summoned by whom?”
“The royal family has asked for your presence immediately. They were most displeased to find that you’re not ready yet.” Eva pressed the stark white apron down over her black skirt.
“Do they all rise before the sun?” I forced myself out of bed.
She peeled my nightgown back and pulled out the blue gown I wore the day before. “This will have to do.” There was a rushed cadence in her tone as she tugged part of my hair back. Her fingers caught on a knot that had formed.
“I will just wear it down.” I combed the strands of blue over the fabric—I loved the way they glowed to match it.
The warmth of Fyn’s gaze held me as I met him in the hall.
“Are you ready to make your decision?” he asked.
“I am. I know exactly what I want.” My confidence in it wouldn’t waver.
Eva led us to where they were all waiting. Soren glared at me as I came up the final step. He wore a cerulean tunic that nearly matched. “Where have you been?”
“Sleeping.” I couldn’t believe we were having this conversation. It mattered little. Soon I’d never have to contend with him again.
“Learn to rise earlier,” he snapped. “It is required of you.”
Kilan stepped outside the door. “Are you two done arguing? We can all hear you in there. Father is unamused.”
I peered around the room, where a slender man sat across from the king. The silver streaks in his hair—the way his shoulders sagged from age was too familiar.
He was someone I very much didn’t want to see at that table.
“Princess Ashlyn. I am pleased to see you looking so well,” Lord Vaden, my brother’s advisor, turned toward me.
“Lord Vaden. I wasn’t made aware that you were visiting Estlen.” I glanced back at Fyn. There was no way to warn him of everything this man represented. No way for him to know how doomed I was by Vaden’s presence.
“King Agan wanted to ensure everything went smoothly with your nuptials.” Lord Vaden guided me to sit beside him. “He has been very worried about you, Your Highness. We all have been.”
“You aren’t needed here. Prince Soren and I will handleeverything.” I looked to Soren, desperate for him to intervene, but he wouldn’t look at me.
“Sit, Ashlyn,” King Harlan commanded.
“The fae lord’s presence is no longer required,” Lord Vaden said.
“The Lord Chancellor of Nythrel may stay for now.” Harlan gestured for Fyn to sit beside Vaden.
“I’m sure we can all be civil, as we all want what’s best for the princess,” Fyn said as his eye began to twitch. “She’s ready to decide.”
“I find it interesting that Nythrel thinks they have a say in anything to do with the Princess of Bailoc.” Lord Vaden leaned back in his chair.
“I have made my choice. I don’t wish to proceed with the marriage pact and will be returning to Nythrel.” I wouldn’t let my brother have a say in any of this. “Your assistance is no longer needed.”
“I am disappointed to hear it, especially after we’ve finalized the pact with Bailoc this morning.” Harlan looked at Soren. “Your permission wasn’t what we needed.”
As I rose, Soren placed his hand on mine. “Ashlyn, we will wed next week.”
I pulled my hand out from under his. “You invited me here—said we both could decide it.”
“King Lioran and I had an understanding. When you crossed you were to reside in the human realm,” Harlan said.
