He sighs deeply. “There is still much to tell you. And I will, Ipromise.” He pulls me closer, lowering his head. “But first, you must understand the Jaydian family tree.” He cuts a quick look to Mal, compelling me to follow. “Mal is not Aoife’s son.”
Eyes widening, I trip over a small branch, but my father keeps me upright. “How do you know?”
He taps his ear. “I know many things, little one. Just as I know the sky is blue, Malvolio is the king’s favorite through another female Fae. Aoife was forced to raise him.”
My heart breaks for Mal and how he’s come to be in this world. “Does he know?”
My father shrugs. “I doubt it. If the kingdom knew he was only half-blood of the royal line, there would be strife. The Woodland Kingdom prides itself on a clear line of ascension. And because Mal is so well liked, the only thing keeping others following Fenrir as heir, is due to birth order. I don’t know if you realize it, but no one actually likes him. But if they find out Mal isn’t second son, but of another mother?”
“It gives them a chance to put him on the throne.” It would lead to a coup.
“Is that why she treats him so poorly, but favors Fenrir?”
He grunts. “Aoife is not a good person. She rarely likes anyone.”
“She likes Kaden.”
“Another thing to be wary of,” he mutters. Clearing his throat, he keeps us just one step away from the others. “The book is still spelled. But it has been changed. You can read it. As such, I would take care with what you see. Aoife doesn’t know you can see it, and it’s best if you don’t tell her.” He looks at Fee. “Or of her magic. Aoife doesn’t like to be threatened.”
“One day, Baris,” I mumble, keeping my face blank, “when we’re not trying to save my mate, or the world, or evade a treacherous queen, you’re going to tell me all your secrets. Because I think there is more to it than just I can read a spell book.”
My father grins. It’s so stark, it lightens his face and adds a youthful touch to his cheeks. Strangely, I can’t help but to search, to see if it’s the same smile we share.
“I will tell you everything, I promise.” He holds back a branch and the dark path surrounding the barrier appears. “When the time is right, you will know all.”
