Page 30 of King of Ashes

I smooth her hair back from her forehead. "No, he's not. But I need you to know something important." I turn to face her fully. "No matter what happens, I will always protect you. Always."

She studies my face with those perceptive eyes that sometimes seem too wise for her nine years. “Why are they here? They seem meaner.”

That is saying something considering my parents’ cruelty knows no bounds. “It’s a long story, baby.” And to be honest, I’m not sure how much to tell. I’ve always tried to protect her from the realities of our lives, which has been hard lately. Over the last year, we’ve been on lockdown as attacks have been made on us. Now, I know Phoenix was behind those. My brother was killed in the cottage our gardener used to live in, and I can easily guess that was his bidding as well.

“Why don’t they like us anymore?”

I sigh. “Because we did something bad to them and they want to make it right.”

“I didn’t do anything. And you didn’t, did you?”

I shake my head. “No. That’s why we’ll be alright. This is still our home. Things are just changing a little."

"Are the scary men staying?”

"Yes, they'll be staying." I smooth her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. "Phoenix and his men will be here. You’ll see the same staff as well."

She frowns. "Do they all look mad like him?"

Despite everything, a small laugh escapes me. "No, not all of them. But they're very powerful men, Brigit, and it's important that we show them respect. Avoid them if you can."

"Like with your dad?" she asks, her voice dropping to a whisper.

My heart twists at the comparison. Hampton Kean had never shown this child an ounce of warmth.

“Yes. Stay with Nanny Fiona when I'm not around. If you see any of the men, be polite but keep your distance."

She nods solemnly. "Stay out of their way."

"Exactly. And if Phoenix or any of his brothers ever speaks to you?—"

"I should answer respectfully and then find you or Nanny right away," she finishes.

"That's my smart girl." I kiss her forehead, inhaling her sweet scent. "The most important thing is that we stick together. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes." She wraps her small arms around my neck again. "Will you still read to me at night?"

"I'll do my very best," I promise, not wanting to lie. Who knows if Phoenix will lock me up again? "And when I can't, Nanny Fiona will." Then I get an idea. “Maybe you can help with something. We’re going to have a big party and Phoenix wants me to plan it.”

Her eyes light up. “A party? With cake and everything?” I guess this situation doesn’t sound so bad to her after all. Good. I want to hide all the ugliness of our world from her.

"With cake and everything," I confirm. "It's going to be a very special celebration because it’s a wedding." My stomach knots. There was a time I wanted to marry Phoenix. The old adage,Be careful what you wish for, comes back to me.

“Who’s getting married?”

“Me and Phoenix.”

Her brow furrows. “Why? He’s so mean. In the books, the prince loves the princess.”

“Real life is different from books. But like I said, everything will be okay. We’ll have a big party and all the important families will come to see.”

"Will I be there too?” She bounces slightly on the bed.

"The prettiest dress we can find.”

Brigit tilts her head, studying me with those perceptive eyes. "Do you love him?"

Once, the answer would have been an unequivocal yes. Now…