“He did not understand it that way.” Fyn’s jaw clenched. “He will not take kindly to this news.”
“She’s not a member of your court so I don’t expect him to act rashly—it would be unwise for both realms. Princess Ashlyn of Bailoc was wrongfully taken in the war. Was she not Lord Vaden?” King Harlan looked to my brother’s advisor.
“She was, Your Majesty,” Lord Vaden said. “A most devastating loss for our king and people.”
Rage clouded every thought—my words trailing in a way I could barely process them. “They pulled me out of a war. One that my brother?—”
“The war must have been very traumatic for her with her having been where it started. I apologize for this outburst, Your Majesty.” Vaden’s words struck me. I was accustomed to being spoken to that way, but time and distance allowed me to forget it.
“We no longer have need for your assistance, Lord Fyn. You will still receive shipments of ore. I believe the new arrangement was confirmed by my seneschal.” The king acted as if my value was the same as the ore.
A room of men would define my fate. If I spoke out against Fyn leaving, I risked him.
“I will remain in this court until she weds, per King Lioran’s command,” Fyn said.
“Let the fae lord stay for the wedding. His dancing skills will amuse the guests.” Soren’s laughter tore through me.
“What a wise choice, brother.” Kilan rolled his eyes. “We were terribly concerned with how amused our guests would be.”
“You may stay if you wish it. We expect your departure the following morning. Lord Vaden and I have a few lingering matters to discuss. The rest of you may go,” King Harlan said.
My voice was silenced. I wondered if I would ever hear it again.
I would have dealt with the door that didn’t properly latch—with every fae that stared—if only I had time to be with Fyn again.
“I didn’t know it,” Soren uttered under his breath as wecrossed over the thick dark marble line that divided the King’s council room from the hall.
I felt his lie. “You can’t expect me to believe that.” My breath raced faster than my words until I grew lightheaded. I forced it to slow as I watched the light glow fade from Fyn’s eyes. A helpless, silent stare held between us, before I looked back at Soren. “You lied to me. Did you think it would better my opinion of you if I thought you ever cared about me?”
The future Fyn and I had hoped for—the life we could have had was gone. Everything I wanted was taken from me.
“That is enough,” Soren hissed. “You will say nothing more.”
“Good luck to you, brother.” Kilan cocked his head to the side, his eyes widening as he watched us both. “I can only imagine what the wedding night will be like.”
“Where is your wife?” I hadn’t seen, or heard, from Novena since the marketplace. He flaunted his control, but maybe he had little of it. Maybe she hid from this world as much as she could. “You’re so concerned about me, but I don’t see her anywhere.”
Kilan’s arrogant grin didn’t waver. “She’s been fulfilling her wifely duties and requires a bit more rest. You will learn it in time too.”
I fought the urge to question him further and say yet another thing I’d soon regret.
Kilan gestured down the hall. “Come, Lord Fyn, we should leave them as they contemplate their seemingly joyful union.”
“Lord Fyn stays,” I said.
“Leave, Kilan.” Soren raked his hands through his hair, waiting for Kilan to leave. “Lord Fyn, surely you know how to handle her when she’s like this.”
Fyn shook his head as his glare sharpened on Soren.
“I am right here. You will speak to me directly.” Anger fueled my every pointed word.
“I won’t tolerate your disrespect.” Soren leaned over me. His words threatened me in a way they never had before. “You were caught off guard. I will excuse this behavior as your shock, but if you speak this way to me again, you will not find me forgiving of it.”
My heart fractured with each word.
I had condemned myself.
“I would like to?—”
