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“The decision has only just been confirmed a day or two ago. Cassial’s requests for an event that would unite the realms have been going on for the past month, and this was the best suggestion that was offered,” Eroan said, taking turn from Erix who was clearly never good at breaking news. “There are no human and fey relationships that can magically be conjured in that time, but it was clear Queen Cedarfall has been smitten with Gyah, so it is just intentions and stars aligning.”

“And they just… agreed to this?” I asked.

Of course, I knew they loved each other, Altar, that fact was clear to anyone who shared a room with them. But a wedding… I don’t know if it was my surprise that hurt me, or the fact it was proof I’d pushed Althea away so well that I was the last to know about it.

“Yes, Althea and Gyah accepted, in conjunction with Cassial’s proposed treaty to unite the fey and humans during a second wedding when the heir to the Elmdew Court, and the young Princess Eugena are of suitable age to be married off to one another. This is a way of getting the heads of the courts in a room, and to follow it up with a party that will be remembered for generations. Althea and Gyah’s uniting will kick off what will soon be years of endless peace… peace signed into law.”

The wedding and the peace treaty were two separate issues. And the latter I still had a personal problem with.

“But I haven’t agreed to sign the treaty yet,” I reminded them, suddenly wanting to drink alotof wine.

“I understand,” Eroan added. “But you should know that Cedarfall and Oakstorm have. Elmdew is already behind it, considering their heir is still an infant and is spoken for by the council that has been raised until he is of age. You are the last of the courts to agree on the terms. Whether you sign or not, it will be written into law. You must decide to ally with your sibling courts, or be further ostracised…”

My head ached, all this information coming thick and fast. “Is that how you see my decision?”

Eroan looked down to the ground. “I must only remind you of the repercussions of any action, whether I agree with them or not.”

“Forgive my hesitancy, but the idea of signing away the future of literal babies isn’t something I can just get on board with easily.” A draft of the accords had arrived a while ago, outlining very clear, but specific, terms of peace. A new treaty. One that would tie the Elmdew heir to the human princess born to the recently murdered royal family. There had been talks of wedding the children as the grand event, but it seemed Cassial and my ally courts saw sense. Instead, it was Althea and Gyah who would marry. That was the simple part… the joining of two realms in marriage in eighteen years’ time. But what wasn’t simple was the price paid if either party went against the treaty.

The accords confirmed peace, as long as the fey didn’t pose a threat upon the humans. And the same for the humans against the fey, including the Nephilim who’d taken ownership over them. If either realm broke the treaty, it would hand over their land and control to those they’ve threatened. If the humans acted against us, we would take over complete control until the eighteen years have passed and both realms would unite through the marriage of the two young heirs.

Neither option was ideal in my eyes, even Eroan could agree on that, but it did fend off aggression from both sides. The accords, as Eroan explained, had to be equal.

Perhaps I was so quick to distrust because I couldn’t trust myself. Either way, this wasn’t something I was happily just going to agree to, knowing I held the biggest threat. By me signing, with Duncan still possessed and with no way to solve his dilemma, I would be doing so knowing the fey realms were vulnerable.

If my refusal meant Icethorn would be separated from the rest of the realms, so be it.

“Whose idea was this?” I asked. “The wedding part.”

“From my understanding, it was suggested by Cassial, and Althea Cedarfall agreed without hesitation,” Eroan explained. “No better way to encourage peace between fractured parties than free wine and food. The party of the generation to signify the beginning of new times.”

I still couldn’t get past the fact that my best friends were getting married. Deep down, I was happy for them. And yet the bitter taste of jealousy burned my throat like bile. It was hard to be joyous of love when mine was in tatters.

Erix took a step closer to my throne, his proximity attempting to calm the storm of thoughts inside of me. “Althea would want you there.”

I fixed my eyes to him. “I can’t go, as you understand.”

“Robin, it is high time you leave. Regardless of the little notice, sometimes the best things are the most unexpected. This event has been planned quickly from my understanding, although in line with the proposed date which you previously declined. I’ve already been preparing for this, just in case you changed your mind.”

I wanted to clap my hands over my face and scream, but I had to keep demure. “I will need to think on it,” I lied.

Eroan must’ve sensed it, because he pouted at me, hand on hip. “I believe the invitation was Althea’s way of trying to reach you again. As your councillor, I suggest you at least reply. We need the Cedarfall Court for more timber and supplies. Keeping strong relations is important…”

Eroan was right, I knew that. But Althea was someone I’d distanced myself from for good reasons. “And these celebrations will still begin in three days?”

“Yes, and from my understanding, all is coming together smoothly,” Eroan confirmed.

Three days. Threefuckingdays.

“And the Nephilim have agreed to host it, on Durmain land,” Erix added.

“Strange place to host a wedding between the fey,” I pointed out.

“It is time the humans are not separated from our affairs, but included,” Erix said.

“And specifically, the wedding is being held at the border of Wychwood,” Eroan added, his army of seamstresses looking around awkwardly. “So, now you know, we really should not waste any more time and prepare an outfit for you. Is Duncan available for measurements–”

“No,” I snapped, pushing myself to standing. Erix stepped in closer, prepared to offer me some comfort. Eroan recoiled, a grimace set over his sharp face. “Duncan is resting, Eroan. He’s not to be disturbed.”