Page 14 of Whispers of Wisteria

“Any breach is considered a Triarch issue and goes to the Council,” Brayden said, pointing his finger in the air. “The punishment depends on what happened and the Councilmembers’ mood that day.”

That… didn’t seem right. Was there no legal standard?

“Oh.” I was still shaking. I didn’t even know what the Triarch was.

A troubled look wavered in Brayden’s eyes before it quickly vanished.

He frowned. “Talk to me.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. I was still trying to calm down. “S-s-sorry.”

Brayden closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. “I’m usually much better at this.”

“W-what?”

“Patience,” Brayden answered, peeking at me. “I’m sorry for scaring you,” he apologized again.

“It’s o-okay.” I pushed my hair behind my ear. “I’ll try not to do it again.”

“Actually,” Brayden began, looking apologetic. “There is one more thing. I’d usually wait until later, but—” He braced himself. “Besides giving each other energy… You and Damen need to stop flirting in public.”

Well,thatpulled me back into reality.

“Flirting?” I pressed my hand to my chest. It was not that obvious. “What do you mean?”

“You were very clearly flirting with Damen.” Brayden nodded, and my skin grew hot.

Well, I never!

I’d onlyslightlyflirted in my text—and done a rather sensible, straightforward job of it, thank you very much.

“Bianca,you’remarried to Bryce,” he said. “You can’t be seen flirting with anybody else.”

Geez. He made me sound like some kind of Jezebel. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I said dryly.

“Bryce is already facing scrutiny that you’re even here,” Brayden explained. “And that you…” He trailed off, abandoning the rest.

“In any case—” Brayden squared his shoulders. “He’s telling people that you wanted to learn about culture, so he’s supporting your studies. But they still ask.”

“How chivalrous,” I responded.

Brayden shook his head. “You don’t understand. It’s not safe for you in this realm.”

I wrinkled my forehead. “Why?”

“Female fae have unique abilities. There are people who’d do anything to get their hands on one of you,” Brayden explained. “There’s a reason fae men are the way we are.”

He paused, jaw tightening.

“Then you’re Mu…” he said. “That’s dangerous in itself. Mu has always been targeted because of his relationship to Huo. Now, with the prophecy? It’s even worse.”

Ah, yes. I tapped my fingers together and narrowed my eyes. “Is that so…”

The prophecy.

The one that was so disturbing it warranted sending me out into the great unknown. The one where I’d give birth to giant reptiles.

Thatprophecy.