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“My king?” I asked.

King Magnus turned, his eyes wide, as if he hadn’t expected me to speak at all. “Yes, Lady Neve?”

“I was wondering, what will you do with the rebels? And, excuse my ignorance, in my village we did not hear of such things, but what were they rebelling against?”

For a moment, the king’s face soured, but he sipped his wine as if it softened the frustration my words brought him. He shook his head. “The bleeding rebels. They call me a usurper and wish to see me ousted.”

“Preposterous.” Roar shook his head. “I was but six turns when the rebellion began, but I recalled my father mentioning the atrocities of the late Cruel King many times. You saved Winter’s Realm, my king.”

King Magnus looked him over, as if considering Roar’s words. “Your father was a good lord. Pity the Fates took him from us too soon.”

“May the stars protect his soul,” Roar replied.

Hearing the sadness in his tone, I took his hand.

The king eyed the gesture. “They believe another Falk is out there, a bastard no doubt. The Cruel King had many. They would see that lowborn ilk on the throne.” He returned to his seat and plopped down without grace. “As for what to do with the rebels, I have a plan. I will reveal it tomorrow.”

His tone sounded ominous, and though I’d asked about the rebels, I was no longer sure that I wanted to learn of their fate. So, I merely inclined my head as if I agreed, as if I wasn’t dying to leave. Anything to get us out of here faster.

A peal of laughter caught the king’s attention, and he grinned lecherously. “I am wanted. Lord Roar, Lady Neve, join me and my queen for breakfast tomorrow.” The king rose.

“We will, my king. Thank you. I’ll escort my lady back to our chambers now.” With Roar still clutching my hand, we turned to go.

“I didn’t say that you could go, Warden. You stay. My messenger will show your lady fiancée back.”

My mouth dropped open. Was he serious?

“My king, I—”

“You will be wed soon and wish that I had given you this chance. Plus, my concubines enjoy a hero!” Magnus clapped Roar on the back and though the warden stood as a tall fae, the king looked bear-like in proportions. “As your monarch, I insist.”

My jaw tightened. Even though Roar and I were not really together, the king’s command rankled. How dare the king push a female on a fae who was engaged! One who was not even interested! Did he have no honor?

“Very well, my king. But might I have a moment with my lady?” Roar’s gaze beseeched the king, and though the king did not appear impressed, he nodded. “Come to the falls. I have a nymph you should meet.” With that, King Magnus left.

Roar turned to me. “I’m sorry. I—”

“You did nothing,” I cut him off, my gaze veering to the concubines again and my stomach rolling. “Though I can’t say I’m impressed with your monarch. This place is disgusting.”

“Our monarch,” Roar whispered. “Be careful with your words. You never know who is listening.”

He was right, of course. Places such as this one had spiders everywhere.

“I’ll leave as soon as I can.” He clutched my hand. “I don’t want to be here. Even if we’ve had troubling times, I’d rather be with you.”

My heart swelled. Our friendship might be rocky at the moment, but we endured this together, and I needed this partnership to work.

“If not tonight, I’ll see you in the morn.” I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

“Warden! Come!” the king bellowed.

“Appease him,” I said. “I’ll see you later.”

Roar sighed and joined the king, prepared to do whatever it took to make King Magnus happy. Whatever it took for us to leave sooner rather than later.

Chapter 28

As promised, my escort waited outside the harem door, and when I exited alone, he looked at me expectantly.