31
KADEN
It takes two more days of harsh riding through acidic lands. We stick close to the path, keeping an eye behind us. The Woodland Kingdom is without a ruler, and therefore, a made enemy.
But they’re a hungry bunch, looking for power when they can get it. With Aoife gone and Fenrir dead, Mal with us, lords will fight over the throne. Eventually, one will prevail and then come after us, but we’ve got time. We can cross that bridge when it comes.
Right now, my kingdom is the main concern.
The Black Palace appears in the distance. Zeke and a few trusted guards go off to scout the area, looking for our enemies.
After the last hawk, we know to be wary of Griffin.
Max rests in my arms, as exhausted as I feel. The journey has been long and full of anxious tension. Neither of us have slept well, nor have stopped long enough to do anything more than discuss routes or to give a brief touch.
She risked her life—gave her life, for me. And I’ve yet to show my appreciation. If I could, I’d take a long trip back to the summer palace on the Summus Mountain, far away from anyone, and show her my devotion daily. But that is not what can happen.
It doesn’t help that the memories still plague me, hindering any other thought. I can see smell the traces of Aoife’s perfume, clinging to me like a ghost that won’t rest.
The dreams are the worst. Two nights full of phantom hands touching me, the laugh of pure delight and my insane disgust, yet inability to resist. It still turns my stomach even though I know in my heart Aoife is gone. I killed her. She’s never coming back.
The front bridge appears, a cascading black arch leading into my home. It’s the only way in, though the rest of the palace backs up to the desert mounds. High black walls protect us from unsavory visitors and the gardens my mother once adored.
A few lords see us from the gates, calling for their soldiers in apparent shock. Their surprise slaps me in the face and I inhale. They didn’t expect me to come back.What a shame.
“Look at that, brother,” Reid mutters, one hand keeping Layla from falling off behind him. That girl has never ridden a horse before. “They’ve missed you.”
“Vultures.” Fee sneers. “All of them. They thought you wouldn’t return and they’d be able to have the pick of the throne.”
“Which one would you marry, Max?” Reid gallops to our side. “You know, if Kaden had remained all beasty. I think Lord Xavier is quite handsome.”
“Be careful with how you speak,” I murmur into her ear, fang nipping at her lobe. “I might kill him for crossing your mind.”
A smile plays on her lips. Gods, I’ve missed it. “None of them. I’d abdicate for Fee. Let her rule and whip them all into shape.”
My sister nods, pleased. At least we know who would take the throne if I hadn’t made it back.
“Good answer.”
We cross to great applause, dismounting in front of the doors. My soldiers bow, the lord’s kneel and a few servants jump excitedly.
I didn’t expect the welcome.
Last they saw of me, I had let my curse consume me and killed my father in a fit of rage and grief. Now, I’m Fae again, standing before them. Their king.
Will they hate me—defer to me? My mind races, but my face remains neutral.
Fee was trained to be the ruler far before I was. I was expected to be a threat until I learned control. Then I became a weapon. I was never truly taught how to rule—only that maybe, one day, if I could hold out, I might.
Now I am. And it’s not the first time I’ve felt outside my element.
Max holds my hand, both of us tired and dirty. She’s taken to leadership much better than I. She was born from it—Baris being a Fairy prince was a strange shock—and her mother led her Coven. Leading, inspiring, and helping is in her blood.
Only destruction is in mine.
“You’ve returned to us,” one lord greets, slapping me on the shoulder. Glaring at him, he steps away, the smile less dim. “We didn’t think you would. We’ve been so worried?—”
“We left only days ago, Zander.For Bel’s ballssake, grow a pair.” Fee rolls her eyes. “As if my brother and sister wouldn’t have returned.”
