Page 9

Roksana’s words hung in the air. No breeze, warm or cool, came to brush them away. They could all see me, even as I attempted to disappear into nothingness.

“In any case,” Esa said, breaking the silence. “We must face events as we find them. The terrestrial delegation arrives in seven days. Perhaps sooner, if they have flying shifters among them.”

The meeting descended into logistical concerns. No less contested, thunder still groaning occasionally as the afternoon dragged on, but monotonous enough I resumed filling wine goblets.

The sunset gilded the goldstone pillars with pinks and reds when Esa finally called the council meeting to adjourn. It was time for my other role.

My hands were steady enough as I set aside the wine and came to stand at the head of the table.

I did not sit. I never took Arthur’s seat at the table, even as laws and precedent demanded I assume his throne. I even avoided touching the table’s stone surface. Teo caressed the sapphire embedded in the stone that marked his spot. But I didn’t even glance down at the amorite that marked mine. Arthur’s emerald was gone, just like he was.

Just like that legendary sword, Excalibur. Disappeared in the confusion after Arthur’s murder. Meant to be presented only to the worthy wielder, it had passed hand to hand from High King to High King for a thousand years. Until Arthur died, and Annwyn was stuck with me.

“Thank you for service, councilors. I adjourn this meeting.” Simple, formal words. But they must be spoken by me, the Queen of the Elemental Fae. Even though I had no intention of governing. I’d surrendered that right to the spineless council.

I had other matters to attend to.

“Your Majesty,” the council murmured in response, several already halfway to standing.

They respected me no more than I did them. The spare who had inherited the throne was a disappointment to everyone.

“Your Majesty,” Roksana said again—an entreaty this time. “Perhaps you would join me in my chambers for dinner. I can tell you what else I have learned about your betrothed.” She shot a look across the table at her daughter, who watched us closely even as she listened to Esa droning on about menus. “Elora will not be joining us.”

This time, Elora managed to keep the frost to her fingertips. Like me, she had not yet mastered the crucial elemental skill of hiding one’s emotions. If Roksana noticed as well, I could not tell. Her intent eyes had returned to me.

I opened my mouth to decline, but Roksana held up a hand.

A bold action to one’s queen.

“Before your refuse, Majesty, allow me to reassure you. I will not ask you to speak of anything you do not wish. I merely offer company,” she said.

Damn if she didn’t look earnest.

Once, I might have walked gratefully into the mentorship and mothering she offered.

“I am promised elsewhere,” I said instead.

For a second her lips parted, as if she might argue. But she only inclined her head. “Good evening, then.”

I nodded tightly. Esa lingered in the periphery of my vision, her conversation with Elora concluded. But if she wanted my ear next, she was about to be disappointed.

I strode directly past her, my pewter skirts trailing behind me. With a shove, I was through the filigree doors. Silence hit me like a wall.

The antechamber was full of courtiers, but every whisper ceased at my appearance. I ignored all of them.

Gawayn and Lyrena closed ranks at my shoulders. The council chamber and my bedroom were the only places they left me alone. Perhaps I ought to be grateful.

Twenty-seven long strides and I’d reached the corridor. After that, I didn’t need to count. I was practically running. Through the courtyard. Past the Dowager’s wing. Another corridor.

Evander shoved open the door to my apartments. I ignored the dinner laid out on the table. Gawayn and Lyrena peeled off to take up positions on either side as I threw open the double doors to my bedroom.

I did not bother to close them behind me. Not as I unclasped my skirts or tugged off the cropped tunic top. Not as I reached the bed, planting a hand on Parys’ chest to shove him flat on the sheets.

If my guards had any thoughts as I straddled by brother’s best friend, they kept them well hidden. And as my hips drove forward, riding him forcefully, the sensation wiped away any feelings or grief that had managed to work their way into my head.

I fucked Parys hard. Until no painful memories were left in either of our minds.

Until one word remained, its letters etched in my soul.