Page 104 of Blackheart

“I’m pleased you‘ve found sense during your swim.”

Arthur’s nose crinkled as he snatched the scroll from Avan and cleared his throat. “I can have the legalities and crowning ceremony prepared for this afternoon. We can all see the King's Mark, should anyone question the legitimacy of the deed. But there is another pressing matter to discuss that cannot wait…”

I tried to pay close attention, but Avan kept spinning that stupid, distracting coin. Just as Payn had.

Xavian waved his hand. “Go on, Pos.”

I shot a glare at Avan, whose coin was spinning even faster.

“You both need spouses and heirs. Immediately.”

The coin stopped.

“Who?” I blurted.

Riven’s eyes sharpened, and Xavian rubbed his forehead.

“Me?” I asked.

Draven gave me a knowing glance.

“Yes, you and your brother. You didn’t expect to have no further bloodline, did you?”

Arthur’s reality check stung like a burnbee.

Riven promptly pulled out a smoke and lit it right there at the table. Xavian held out his hand expectantly, lighting one as well.

“Ale, please!” Avan yelled. Staff flowed through the doors a moment later with goblets, glasses, and refreshments.

I downed my first before they finished circling the table and signaled for another.

“Goddamn, Princess. We’re not running out anytime soon,” Avan whispered.

“Give me a few hours and we’ll see about that.”

Xavian was silent until he finished his smoke, flicking the ash right onto the table. When it was finally burnt to the blunt end, he dropped the bud into an empty glass and steepled his hands.

“I will not force the princess to marry.”

The council stiffened.

“I will, however, do my duty and marry. I’d like to start communication with any Lestivian noble families who are not entirely entwined with Saffron.” Xavian’s voice was that of a leader who had trained for this his entire life.

“And Lestivian’s have sexy, thick accents, and thicker asses,” Avan added.

Draven let out a heavy sigh, tracing his finger along the rim of a glass of red wine.

The entire premise of the conversation was overwhelming, but of course Xavian was going to do the noble thing. That was what royals did.

As much as I hated to admit it, Arthur was right. Our bloodline ended with us. If we started a war to keep this land and defend the Dark Natured, it would be crucial to have heirs.

There was no guarantee we’d survive, but we could create something that outlives us.

Death no longer scared me.

This meant so much more.

“Your Grace, Whimcastor Hold has already offered their eldest son and heir as a match for the princess,” Draven pointed out. “They are arguably our most populated hold in Castivian and our highest taxpayers. They would be valuable assets. If weturn down their offer, they may turn us away when we need men.”