Page 124 of The Chains You Defy

“Gathered High Court of Alaiann. There’s indeed a most urgent matter I have to announce. You’ve all been present as my grandfather, your High King, raised a toast. To me, but mainly to himself.”

My eyes were glued to Dion, who stood tall and confident in front of everyone. Gone was the soft and vulnerable male who had let me beyond his walls. But the fae speaking wasn’t the obedient weapon his grandfather forced him to be either, and if Galrach’s taut stance and balled fists were any indication, he realized this as well and was more than displeased with his grandson.

Gods, he was going to do something idiotic, wasn’t he?

“But still, his words held a kernel of truth. A lot has changed for me during the last months. Yes, an Amplifier was discovered, and I was bestowed the great honor to connect our powers in the Rite of Binding—a ceremony that, for those who’ve forgotten this important detail, is only successful if our gods grant their holy blessing. So, can you imagine how Kalag, Immaru, or the nameless god of all fates would judge your current behavior?”

My throat bobbed. Dragging the gods into this was worse. But maybe, with some divine intervention, he would stop digging a deeper grave for himself?

“But, Triad aside, I’m very displeased at how my Amplifier is treated in this court, and I’m done letting such mistreatment slide for even one more second. So, gathered courtiers, there’s one crucial fact for you to memorize. My Amplifier belongs to me, and disrespecting what is mine equals disrespecting me.”

Closing my eyes, I forced myself to relax my tense muscles and counted to three. In vain. Afterward, I was even more rigid.

Apart from destroying our cover and declaring war on his grandfather, at least as I understood his motivation, Dion’s property-thinking should disgust me. But in reality—gods, that he stood up for me in front of everyone did something indescribable to my soul.

“I’m sure, now that I’ve addressed this issue, no one will repeat such insolence. But if so, you’ll answer to me.” Black smoke curled around his hands and climbed up his arms—a casual reminder of the power he controlled. As the dark mist wafted through the room, fae everywhere recoiled, although the magic wasn’t doing anything other than existing.

Even Thain backed away as the billowing clouds reached our location, but I stayed in my spot. Moments later, a part of the darkness solidified into an inky tendril, and I smiled as I recognized it as the one I’d befriended.

Galrach, who was spared being approached by the smoke, stared at the spectacle. He was on the verge of intervening, but for unknown reasons, he held himself back.

“At least you understand I could end all your existences in the blink of an eye. Without resorting to my Amplifier’s power.”

He was holding the gathered fae hostage. My throat constricted as more tendrils formed everywhere between the guests and wrapped around their bodies—especially their necks—ready to unleash untold horrors. Mine, though, had looped its length around my arm and chest, purring contentedly in a soothing manner.

Only a few people weren’t enveloped in dark strands. Galrach, Ireas, and, to my surprise, Thain had been excluded from the threat. Antas and Fig, as I’d been told much earlier, were on guard duty outside and were missing the whole absurdity.

“Now, as everyone is nice and friendly, I present to the gathered High Court my Amplifier, Lady Nayana Garnet Ortha.” Dion extended a hand to me and crooked his finger, pride shining in his eyes. The bastard was enjoying this, relishing in having so many lives at his mercy and, for once, having the upper hand over his grandfather. If only his behavior weren’t so godscursed short-sighted.

We’d have a stern conversation about how I wasn’t agreeing with him altering our plan on a whim, and especially about how threatening a whole ballroom with eradication wasn’t preciselykeeping a low profile.

If Noelk collected me right now, I wouldn’t complain.

But of course that didn’t happen. Instead, my shadow friend nudged its tip against the small of my back, indicating its displeasure that I was still rooted to the spot.

I had no other option than to follow Dion’s summons and the tendril’s encouragement. With my eyes firmly glued to the dark prince on the dais, I moved past the panicking courtiers.

Even the last person would notice how his garb and my gown were coordinated, and if my face didn’t appear in the same color as my dress, I’d be more than surprised.

Before I could climb onto the dais, some smoke solidified underneath my feet and raised me, and only in the last second could I stop myself from squeaking.

The platform stopped next to Dion, where the disk dissolved, and he smiled at me. Not one of his usual fake court-smiles, but a real one.

A few of the courtiers, until now frozen in their horror like the rest, had woken up from their shock, and screams echoed through the air. But if Dion cared at all, he wouldn’t let anyone know.

“I’m almost done, but until I am, I demand silence.”

No, he definitely didn’t give a damn.

“Do I have everyone’s attention again? Yes?”

Deadly quietness ruled the air again, but I imagined I was able to hear Galrach gritting his teeth.

Oh Dion, why were you doing this?

“Strength commands respect. Customs ground us. Rituals keep our society together as a whole. That is how it was and how it will always be. Hold on to traditions, respect the rites, bow to power. Isn’t that right, Grandfather?”

Of course, he wasn’t satisfied with having everyone at his mercy. No, he had to poke the bear.