“Seindra, he’s not that bad,” Viljan said. I couldn’t not be grateful for it, even though he only did it because of his guilt. “He’s… I think he cares enough for her to keep her alive. He took two daggers to save her life today.”
“Also, only the shaman can break the bond, and the king already blessed it,” I snarled. “Besides, Darcke didn’t tell me. I figured it out myself.”
Her scoff wrangled through my skin, her fingers tightening until they bruised. “Sure you did.”
Anger licked up my spine, painting my vision crimson.
“I know you think little of me,Mother,” I spat as I ripped my arm away. “But I’ve proved you wrong so far. I’ve survived, and I intend to continue to do so. Perhaps you wish I wouldn’t, but Iwillbe taking my father’s throne, and the day I do, youwillbow to me.”
She struck me so hard that any conversation that had continued around us went silent. Even the king and Guner whirled our way, while the shaman shook his head behind them.
My face blazed with heat when the heirs backed up. Ivren and Rakkel turned their gazes down, granting me the privacy they could, while Geord stared with his mouth open—as if he couldn’t get enough of me being disgraced. Ottoh was the only one who moved forward, something tightening around his eyes.
Viljan stood frozen, his face paling with every second that passed.
“Did that feel good?” I hissed. “Bet you’ve wanted to do that my entire life.”
Seindra lifted her hand again. “Ever since your father brought you back with him. I can’t believe?—”
“You better get those hands far away from my heir.” Darcke was calm as he strolled up to us, but the undertone of violence sent shivers over my skin. “Now.”
Seindra laughed as she took in his bandaged torso. “Or what?”
Darcke took a step closer, his voice going even softer. “Try me and find out.”
“Seindra, I don’t know what’s happening here, but I think you should leave.” Ivren walked up to stand beside me while Ottoh inched forward as well. “Elvara is your heir, and she will soon ascend your husband’s throne.”
“I know, and I’m here to ensure she doesn’t fuck it up.” She laughed again. “You all arechildren, and I will leave when it pleases me.”
My spine tingled, and I went rigid as the king came to join us, Guner following.
“What’s the issue here?” the king asked.
Seindra’s lips were still lifted, and as another wave of worry washed over me, Darcke moved closer, his fingers ghosting over the back of my hand.
I waited for her to reveal me to the king, but as her lips thinned, mine curled.
A low chuckle that made Guner glare at me wrestled through my throat. She couldn’t tell him what would surely ensure my disqualification as an heir. Because if she did, that meant her death too.
My chin lifted an inch.
My mother’s eyes narrowed, harsh lines working over her features.
“Well?” the king demanded. “What is happening?”
“Your king asked you a question,” Guner snarled at Seindra. “Has your heir dishonored you?”
“We had a disagreement,” I said when Seindra remained quiet, my pulse thundering through my veins. “But it is all resolved now. Isn’t it, Mother?”
I gave Darcke a quick smile over my shoulder when his chest brushed my back. As she watched us, Seindra’s face changed again. I didn’t like the look she shot me at all.
“It is.” Her features softened so much I almost believed her myself. “But my king, I still have some concerns.”
I was grateful Darcke was standing right behind me, because his hand found my waist to steady me when I swayed.
What was the woman’s plan now? If she outed me, that meant Darcke would take over immediately. We’d already bonded—there was no return from this.
The shaman came up behind Guner. “The ships should arrive any moment.”
