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“Henceforth,” he interjected, “your union with Lord Roar is dissolved.”

Straightening, I weighed how that might affect me. Roar had messed up, and he could hardly blame me for his actions. I’d kept to our contract. My shoulders released a touch. “Might I leave Avaldenn then, my king? Return to my village?”

The king shook his head. “No.”

The soft sense of relief vanished. “But . . . why not?”

“Too many noble lords have seen you with Warden Roar. They expressed curiosity as to how a common fae female intrigued an eligible bachelor from the wealthiest house in the realm. One of the most powerful, too.” He frowned at that admission, as though Roar’s success made his own house appear weak. “You’ve piqued their interest. And mine. I might even keep you for myself.” His gaze dropped and raked up my body in a way that made me shudder.

So now that Roar left, the other fae lords would want to claim me. Or the king might toss me in his harem. I’d have no say on the matter.

And to make things worse, I’d have to continue attending the Courting Festival events. Prince Gervais might see me.

No. I needed to buy myself time and escape as soon as possible. Clearing my throat, I bowed my head. “My king, I don’t deserve such consideration.”

“The warden has put you in a unique situation. Why would you not wish to seize it?”

Indeed, he had. Once I found the Warden of the West, I would be questioning Roar thoroughly. But first, I needed to make my excuses and get out of here.

“I’m not sure if you’ve heard that I’m feeling ill? Might I have a day to rest before joining in on the festivities once again?” I kept my tone deferential, though inside my emotions warred.

The king stared at me as if I’d asked him to pull down the moon. Then, shocking me stiff, a laugh burst out of him. “You truly are something, Lady Neve. A commoner lifted by a warden is now asking for a king to make an exception for her?”

“Majesty, I ask humbly.” Each word stuck in my throat. All my life I’d had to ask for every little thing, and now that I was the most free I’d ever been, I did not want to do so any longer.

Soon, I reminded myself. Soon, I will flee again and find Roar and demand that he make good on his promise. And when I’m free, I won’t have to bargain ever again.

“You have the day. Tonight, you will join the lords and ladies of the land as the rebels we caught meet their doom. Then, I’ll see you at the feast after.”

Stars, I’d hoped to avoid the trial. The bloodbath. But I couldn’t deny the king, especially when he believed he had indulged me.

“Thank you, my king.” I curtsied. “I shall rest until then.”

Magnus twisted to the bed. “You’re dismissed.”

I turned and exhaled. When I reached the door and opened it, the same Clawsguards who brought me to the king’s chambers waited outside.

“I’m going to return to my suite,” I said.

The soldier shrugged. “As you wish.”

I blinked at him. “You aren’t to escort me?”

“My orders were to bring you here. Now I wait for the king’s next request.”

“Fine.” It wasn’t so much that I wanted their help. I could find the way back on my own. However, I did want a barrier around me should I encounter other fae lords and ladies. Or Gervais.

Any moment spent outside the Lisika suite put me at risk, so I strode down the corridor with all my senses on alert. Step by step, however, my worries slowly eased. Though midday had come, the castle seemed less bustling than usual. In fact, I’d never seen it so quiet. Perhaps I could get back to the suite with no issue.

I had made it all the way to the domed chamber with the massive stuffed white bear and felt quite positive about how I’d avoided any interaction when my luck ran out. I froze, terror gripping me.

Prince Gervais Laurent leaned against a wall; his arms crossed over his chest as though he’d been waiting for someone.

Me. My mind supplied the thought, though it made no logical sense.

I might have been anywhere in Isila—frozen to death in the mountains, most like. And yet, here he stood, smirking as if he’d known I’d be here all along.

The vampire pushed off the wall and stalked toward me. More fae walked here, mostly servants but a few lesser lords and ladies. I hoped none of them cleared out, hoped they’d be a sort of flimsy shield that would keep the vampire in check.