Page 5 of A Game of Monsters (Realm of Fey #4)

“What do you mean a wedding ?” I spat the last word out as if it was spoiled milk in my mouth.

I couldn’t wrap my head around what Eroan had just confirmed. Perhaps I was still half asleep, or maybe it was the confusion of waking as Erix confirmed that Imeria Castle had a visitor. Either way, to say I was confused was an understatement.

I wasn’t expecting Eroan for at least another week. And I certainly didn’t expect him to bring news about a wedding. I was aware Cassial was arranging some political move with the fey to solidify a new era of relations, but this… not this.

Eroan looked between me and Erix, who stood at the side of my throne. It was one of the items that had been retrieved from the ruined west wing of Imeria Castle. Turned out the rock it was carved from was so strong, not even tons of debris could shatter it.

Shame I wasn’t as robust.

“I thought you were already aware of Cassial’s proposition,” Eroan said, apology lacing his trill voice. “I’m sorry if something has been missed along the way.”

I felt as though there was a but missing, but Eroan never said it.

“Robin has had much on his mind,” Erix added, catching another confused glance from Eroan.

“Then do you care to explain, Erix?” Eroan shot him a knowing look. I noticed it, like a silent telling-off. Eroan hadn’t questioned why Erix was here, nor did I feel obliged to explain. What was more pressing was that Eroan wasn’t expected to visit me for another six days, and yet here he stood with a small army of seamstresses behind him.

It was no different to when I first met him, in the city of Aurelia when I ventured into the fey realm. Back when my life wasn’t about demon-gods, new worlds and broken hearts.

“Clearly it has been a detail that has got lost along the way, Eroan,” I said, commanding his attention back to me. “How would I have known about it, if my own councillor is seeming to not, well, council me.”

Erix cleared his throat. “Robin, the blame for this is mine. I take responsibility.”

My neck clicked as I snapped it around to face Erix. “What do you mean?”

For first time in a long time, I didn’t feel so exhausted. However, Erix looked as though he’d hardly slept. Clearly, from the shadows under his eyes, he took his task of watching over Duncan and me very seriously.

“You didn’t pass on the invitation?” Eroan replied cautiously, looking between me and Erix. “You told me that you had already informed Robin…”

“I did pass it on.” Erix shot me a look. “But I see now that Robin has yet to open it.”

My first instinct was: what letter? Then I remembered the note Erix had given me yesterday in Berrow, the one resting in the jacket pocket somewhere strewn in the depressed mess of my room.

“Never mind that,” I said, my knuckles pale as I clutched onto the armrests.

I hadn’t paid a thought to the letter Erix gave me in Berrow, not with everything that happened upon my arrival back to Imeria. “Someone can break the news to me now.”

Erix dropped his eyes to the floor, confirming he already knew the answer to my question. “I’ll let Eroan take this one…”

“Your presence has been requested in Durmain, with the leave to be imminent.”

Panic flared scolding hot inside of me. “Regardless of the wedding or not, my answer to the previous summons, and any going forwards, is still the same,” I snapped, fixing my gaze on Eroan. “I’m not leaving my responsibilities here. Send my apologies to Cassial and those who are celebrating, but I will be staying back to care for… my court.”

Eroan looked nervously around his fey companions. “I know your stance on these proposed celebrations in Durmain, but I do think you may want to reconsider this one, Your Majesty. If anything, this is the first time in weeks I’ve had the excuse to dress someone. If you take this away from me, I will never forgive you.”

It was easy to forget that Eroan didn’t know about my turmoil. I had to pretend that his excitement was in line with my own emotions, and not jarring like it actually was.

“If you prefer, I could go and retrieve the invitation,” Erix interjected, moving slightly from my side. “Then you can make an informed decision.”

I shook my head. Invitation or no, I wasn’t going to leave Imeria. Erix knew why, and yet one look at him and there was a sense that he thought I should go.

“I get the impression you are dancing around the answer, Erix,” I said, voice echoing across the barren, cold chamber.

Erix didn’t tell me I was wrong. Instead, he cleared his throat, only adding to the tension building inside of me. “Cassial has been petitioning for what celebration would best draw the fey and humans together, especially in light of the accords that are being drafted. But a… a decision has been made. And it’s been decided that the wedding is going to be between… Althea Cedarfall and Gyah Eldrae.”

The floor dropped out from beneath me. “Excuse me?”

It was as though a pitcher of ice-cold water had just been dumped over my head.

“Isn’t it wonderful,” Eroan clapped, practically jumping with glee on the spot.

I couldn’t share in the reaction, and he noticed, reigning his in subtly.

“When was this… when did they decide?” I could barely get my words out.

“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 a lot of 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. Three fucking days.

“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.”

I expected Eroan to press me on the matter, but he didn’t. He never did, as if sensing Duncan was a topic out of the confines of what he could inquire on. “So be it.”

“Can we have a moment,” Erix said. Although it sounded like a request, there was no denying the tone of command lingering when he spoke to Eroan. It was not a “can we” but more a “give us”.

“Of course,” Eroan said with a bow, likely tasting the tension in the room as I could. “I can prepare the necessary for Robin, and leave them here for you to try in your own time. If that would be preferred. Whatever your decision, it is best we cover all possibilities.”

“Yes, it would,” I said, too quickly. I needed Eroan to leave so I could sort through all this new information. “I’d prefer that. Thank you, Eroan and… and I’m sorry for snapping.”

He bowed, although he didn’t take his eyes off me. I hated keeping these secrets from the man I’d come to trust, but it was imperative no one knew. Not everyone would take to the knowledge that I was harbouring a demon-god as easily as Erix had.

“You’ll need to be… tidied up, Robin,” Eroan added as he prepared to leave. “If I may speak plainly, you look weathered.”

“That’s if I attend the wedding,” I reminded him.

“For the sake of holding up pretences and a relationship between the Icethorn Court and Cedarfall, I’d suggest – as you hired me for this position to do – that you attend. It would be good for people to see Duncan and you living and thriving. Enjoying the world you fought to secure. Hiding away in the ruins of your family’s past is only going to separate you further from the ones you love.”

I clutched my chest, unable to hide the discomfort his truth caused me. “And what of Jesibel?”

“Jesibel is occupied here,” Eroan said. “She doesn’t require you to mind her. She has me, after all. And I have given her the task of growing a rose garden, something that requires time and focus in such frozen grounds. As much as I would love to come to this joyous celebration with you, I propose to stay behind and make sure she is well.”

Eroan had prepared for this answer, I understood that. He was ready to give it to me the moment I asked, and he was convincing all the same.

“Again,” I forced out, throat swelling with emotion. “Thank you for your words of advice, Eroan. I will need to sit on this new information and digest it.”

This was a fight Eroan was going to lose, and he knew it. So, he used one last-ditch effort to sway me. “Althea would want you there. Both of you.”

“If that was the case, she would’ve come and invited me in person.”

It was stupid, to feel hurt that I’d found out about the wedding with three days to go. I knew why she hadn’t come, and so did Eroan. He didn’t take that moment to remind me, he could see from my reaction that I figured it out.

It was because I banned her from visiting. After how I pushed her away, it was a miracle I’d even received an invite.

“Just promise me you’ll think about it. I know you well enough now to see that you think you’ve already made your mind up on this.” Eroan waved his hands and his flock of fey picked up the trunks and cases of outfits and flooded out of the room. “But you must think about the greater picture. That is all I ask of you, Robin.”

“He will,” Erix answered for me. “I will make sure of it.”

“Then you are my last hope of convincing our dear king, Erix.” Eroan narrowed his eyes on him, gaze full of silent confusion at his presence. “If Robin won’t listen to me, I hope he does you. See that he makes the right decision for Icethorn.”

With that, Eroan left us in the wake of ruin his news had caused. Mind reeling, I got up from the throne and left the room without a word. Erix stayed close, always shadowing me. I didn’t stop until I got back to my personal rooms and searched the piles of clothes for the invitation stuffed into my jacket pocket. Once I found it, I proceeded to read it three times, just to make sense of it.

Everything Eroan had said was true, as I knew it would be. But seeing it in black and white made it real. It was a wedding invitation for two of the closest people in my life. The celebration was to be held in Durmain, just on the border between realms. A celebration for all to enjoy – human and fey.

“From my understanding, the invitation has been extended to every household in Wychwood and Durmain,” Erix explained, studying me carefully as I read the invite over and over. “There is not a soul still living who hasn’t been invited to experience this… spectacle.”

“Glad you see it for what I do,” I replied. “It seems like Cassial is really wanting to make this a fanfare event.”

Erix didn’t tell me I was wrong, simply twisted his reply to something kinder. “Cassial only wants to ensure the peace is upheld, as we all do. With what we both know, I understand it is hard to imagine such a time. But do you really want to prevent all of the people outside these walls enjoying peace, just because Duncan has none within them?

“ Peace will not last long unless I find a way of destroying Duwar and saving Duncan.”

Erix gritted his teeth, the micro muscles in his jaw flexing. “Which we will do, together, as promised.”

I locked eyes with him, breath itching in my throat as his silver-hued eyes drew me in, forging me in place. “What do you think, Erix? You know what secrets I hide; do you think it wise I leave and play a part in this charade? Who is going to stay back and care for Duncan, administer his Gardineum, stop him from hurting himself or others?”

Erix straightened, his shoulders rolling back and wings shivering wide. “Regardless of the illusion you’re trying to uphold, people are talking. Questions are being whispered in the shadows about the king and his consort who has not been seen. The longer you hide away, the sooner the light will come looking for you.”

“Wise words,” I said, hating the bite in my voice. “And yet still it doesn’t answer the issue at hand.”

“People are excited about the prospect of a celebration, little bird. They deserve it, as do you. I helped ensure everyone in Berrow received the invitation, as per the request from Althea herself. They want as many people as possible – fey and human – to witness it. Althea and Gyah’s wedding is the celebration the realms need to begin moving on with their lives. And this treaty will allow all to do so without the fear of another war hanging over them.”

Tears pricked in the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them loose. “And yet you know I still can’t go because of the man I can’t just bring with me.”

“No,” Erix replied softly, pacing toward me and taking the invitation from my hands. “ You can go, it’s Duncan who cannot.”

“I won’t leave him. I can’t. He needs caring for at all times. I have to clean him, feed him… make sure he is still living whilst that parasite is still inside of him.”

“Then allow me do it for you,” Erix offered, voice soft as the brush of his fingers against my hand. “I can look after him whilst you are away. It’s three days. That’s all.”

I narrowed my eyes on him, searching for any sign that his offer was nefarious. “Why would you offer that?”

He held my gaze. “You care about him, so I do too. Duncan is the most important thing in your life, and you… I’ll do anything to protect what you cherish. And I do mean anything.”

His words broke me, bit by bit, but I had to stay strong.

I opened my mouth to refuse him, but as Erix always seemed to know what I was going to say, he stopped me with a finger over my mouth. “Rafaela will be in Lockinge, you know.”

That stopped me from saying another word. Rafaela, the Nephilim who’d tricked her own people into destroying the keys they were sworn to protect. The last time I’d seen her was in the meeting in Elmdew, before she told us that she’d await punishment for her betrayals. Since then, I’d tried to contact her, sending letters to Lockinge – but I’d heard nothing in return.

“You’ve been trying to reach her, have you not?”

“How do you know that?” I asked, voice barely a whisper.

“Because I know everything that happens in and out of Berrow, it’s my duty. Correspondence such as letters written by my king is my business, making certain none are counterfeit.”

Panic raced up my spine, sending my skin to gooseflesh. “You read them?”

“No, I would never do that.” Erix blanched at my accusation. “But I’d recognise your handwriting anywhere. That, and the fact that every week, I get more and more to send to Lockinge. One begins to wonder what Rafaela could offer you, that I couldn’t. Now, I know.”

“I need answers if I want to save Duncan,” I admitted, but not the full truth. “She might have them.”

“No doubt you don’t need me to remind you this, but be careful what you write. Words on a page are far more incriminating than whispers.”

I scoffed, feeling the heat raise in my cheeks. “You don’t think I’m that stupid, do you?”

“Far from it. But I still worry.”

What could I say to that? My letters to Rafaela, although desperate, didn’t mention Duncan or his state. They did, however, ask for knowledge or books on Duwar. The Nephilim knew more about the demon-god than the fey or humans did. No matter how many books I searched, there were no mentions. No answers. If anyone had them, it was Rafaela.

And I put faith in her faith, that she would be open to help me with my search for information.

“So you already know she never replied to me,” I said. “Not a single letter back, no matter how many I sent.”

“I know,” Erix replied. “And I also understand why you had been trying to contact her.” His eyes drifted toward the door that was no longer hidden behind the tapestry. That swash of material lay in a puddle before it. “If you think she can help Duncan, this is your chance to go and get those answers in person.”

Something sparked inside of me, small but mighty. Hope, was it? I hadn’t felt it for so long, it was hard to recognise it. But Erix was right, there was a chance. Although what he wasn’t right about was exactly what I needed from Rafaela. It wasn’t entirely about Duncan and his affliction.

My request for knowledge led to another secret of mine – one Erix hadn’t worked out yet. One I would never share with him.

“Rafaela told me once of Nephilim who turned to Duwar,” I said, taking a break from chewing the inside of my cheek. “She said that they were bound in labradorite as punishment.”

Erix’s eyes widened. “Sounds like a last resort.”

I bowed my head, not wanting to look at his eyes. If I did, he would see the hint of something I was keeping from him. “It has to be better than death.”

Whose imprisonment I wouldn’t say.

Either way, I’d lose Duncan. This lead was the only option I had to help him – help me . I could continue poisoning Duncan, keep him locked beneath iron to suppress the fey-magic in his blood, but that wasn’t affecting the demonic presence inside of him. Maybe, if I could understand the process of binding someone in labradorite, it would lead to truly saving this world.

“All the more reason that you need to go to Lockinge then,” Erix said what I already knew deep down. “And I think you should know that Althea has tried to visit you to invite you herself…”

My stomach twisted in knots at the revelation. “She did?”

“Yes, but I stopped her, because that was what I thought you wanted. Althea hasn’t given up trying to contact you, just like you haven’t with Rafaela.”

I wished I didn’t believe it, but I knew Althea well enough not to doubt it. The one time she had showed up at Imeria, unannounced, I’d banished her in a fit of panic of what she’d find.

I turned away from Erix, defeated. “I’d prefer Althea hated me for my treatment of her, than tangling her up in this web of shit. This shouldn’t be her issue to solve when she has an entire court, and soon to be a wife, to be concerned about. Duncan is my issue, he is my responsibility.”

“Ours, little bird. Ours. In fact, the world’s issue if you cannot solve it,” Erix corrected, laying a hand on my folded arm. “I am here now, with you. And not going anywhere, just as Duncan asked of me.”

“Then how do you expect me to leave, and you to stay if that is directly going against Duncan’s wishes?”

Erix was too quick to hide his hesitation. “We will figure it out. Duncan will be fine with me. Anything you need me to do, I will. No questions. If it means you get the chance to try and help him, I–”

“I can’t go, because I can’t leave you either,” I interrupted, hardly putting thought into the admission as it flooded out of me. “There you go. Happy now my admission is out in the open?”

“Not at all.” Erix hesitated, letting my words settle over him like ash.

My heat thundered in my chest with such vigour I was sure Erix heard it. He stepped in close, reaching for my hand and holding it. “We will find another way then.”

“There is no other way.”

Erix shook his head, refusing my statement. “Do you trust me?”

“I do,” I said after a moment, unable to look at him, frightened at the emotion I’d find. “Because Duncan does.”

“Then that is good enough for me.” Erix folded the invitation and handed it back to me. “I will inform Eroan that we will be leaving for Lockinge. In the meantime, I will prepare measures to see that Duncan is well cared for–”

“Hold on, I haven’t agreed!”

“You do not need to, little bird. I am deciding for you. Hand over some of that mental burden before you’re crushed beneath it. That is what I am here for, allow me to do my job.”

“Didn’t you hear the part about me not wanting to leave you either?”

Erix nodded. “I did. We are going together.”

“Duncan–”

“ Will be in safe hands.”

I opened my mouth, gasping for breath. “We can’t tell anyone, you know that.”

“What did you just say about trusting me?” Erix asked, closing the space between us with another step. “I think you have forgotten that I have taken over my father’s creations. The gryvern do as I command. If I want them to practise silence, they will do so.”

His gryvern, the soldiers he’d offered to me to help protect Icethorn whilst we rebuilt. “Is that wise?”

“I believe so,” Erix replied. “They are loyal to you, because I am loyal to you. You and Duncan. Hear that, little bird. And heed it.”

A shiver passed over my skin at the use of my nickname. I’d once hated it, now it was all I longed to hear. “If we do this, we cannot tell Rafaela about Duncan. She will kill him if it means destroying Duwar… I must inquire carefully.”

“I swear to you that I won’t let anything happen to him.” Erix’s sudden seriousness knocked the wind from my lungs. “Or you, for that matter.”

I believed him.

Erix was as convincing as he always had been. Once and always my pillar, offering me the support, the very support I’d craved since Duncan and Duwar merged.

I almost felt guilty for keeping my real plan from Erix. There was nothing he could say or do that would make me divulge the truth. When the time came for it, I hoped he’d forgive me. Even though I know, if the tables were turned, I’d never be able to forgive him.

But if it meant saving Duncan and the world, then I knew what I had to do. And the answers Rafaela had would only confirm it.