Page 85 of The Fox Heir

In front of us, the mirrors sway in the draft, shining light into far corners of the courtyard.

My mind is whirling. “How long do fae live?”

“That depends,” she shrugs. “How powerful are they? A simple cellar fae might live a century. Two at most. But something like him? Or the fae kings and queens of old? Thousands of years.”

“And somehow, we’ve managed to kill them all off.”

She actually laughs. Her shoulders shake and her eyes grow bright. “You think they’re all dead?”

I sputter. “Well, obviously there are some still hanging around. The dungeon fae for one.”

She gives me a pitiful look. “They’re only sleeping, Fox.”

My power begins to hum in my sternum, like it’s listening.

Nalina studies me, her head tilted like I’m a curious creature. “Why do you think so many people still visit their old temples?” She gestures to the sacred tree and the carved stones that represent ancient fae families. “Or feed the fae that remain?”

“I don’t know.”

She leans toward me, her voice a rough whisper. “Because we’re afraid.”

I blink at her.

“The fae of Gwyllion are only a drop in the bucket. And if one ancient fae can keep the storms from tearing down this castle, what do you think the royals can do?”

“But they’re dead. They must be.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Why do you think your father wants to take our lands so, very much?” She lets out another hollow laugh. “You’ve been here long enough to see we aren’t rich in resources.” She holds out her arms, gesturing to the decrepit castle that surrounds us. “We don’t have anything he wants. But that’s because he doesn’t want us.” She gives me a meaningful look.

“He wants them?” I ask, my voice sounding thin. “The fae?”

She nods.

All this time, I just thought my father wanted to live up to the expectations of his ancestors. And then, once I found out about Grandmother, I thought he wanted revenge. Revenge against the Dead Queen. Revenge against me.

But it’s more than that. Of course, it is. How did I not see it all along? Yes, my father is vengeful. He is power-hungry and feels like he has something to prove. He wants to be the mightiest Fox King that ever lived. The Fox who finally ends the Dead Queen of Annwyn. But my father always has an ulterior motive. He has plans within plans. And humiliating the women who defied him is only the beginning.

“But why?” My voice sounds afraid. And I suppose I am. My father always had that effect on me.

“You tell me. What does any greedy despot want?” She stares at me for a long time, waiting for an answer, but I’m too afraid to give it.

“More power,” she answers. “And if he releases the ancient fae from their slumber …” Nalina shakes her head slowly. “Let’s just say, those fae kings and queens will be grateful to him.” She gives me a long, meaning-filled stare. “And very, very angry at the rest of us.”

Chapter 27

The high fae have unusual appetites, each relishing in the indulgence they favor. They will do almost anything to satiate their particular hungers, whether it be for revelry, flesh, or blood.

I’m lounging on a chair in front of the windows in my room after yet another grueling training session with Tristan. It’s like he’s trying to torture me or something.

The fire in the hearth crackles softly, casting faint, dancing shadows across the stone walls of my chamber. Outside, the wind howls, scraping against the castle like a beast at the gates.

While it is well known that the fae loathe lies, they are also masterful tricksters. Be wary of making any deal with the fae, for you are most certainly going to get more than you bargained for. This author advises against making any such …

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I nearly drop the book in my hands. It sounds like someone is trying to knock my door down. A growl works its way out of my chest.

“No, thank you!” I yell toward the door before bringing the book back up in front of my nose.