So she can move on. Go to college like she’d planned. Build a life.
Without me.
The mere idea of it hurts me a thousand times more than iron ever could.
“Stop talking like that.” The previous playfulness in Damon’s voice is gone. “You’re not going to die.”
I wish I had the same confidence, but a bad feeling nags at me. I’m not sure if it’s intuition or the bond throwing a tantrum, but something is very wrong.
Dim light streams through a crack as I open the door a few inches. I peer into the empty hallway, only to be greeted by the same eerie silence.
The storm still rages outside, but in here, there’s no movement. Not a breath from anyone on the whole floor.
Cautiously, I move forward. Damon guards my back as I peek into the rooms.
The walls are made from white marble with golden swirls, and crystals drip from the chandeliers. Some of the beds are made and the floors are clean. Others, though… the linens are tossed back, and clothes are littered about the space, as if someone left in a hurry.
“Do you sense anyone?” I mutter quietly.
“No,” Damon replies. “Maybe Gia evacuated the castle?”
I shake my head. “I doubt it. She’s always liked an audience during our challenges.”
“I remember. Shall we go to the throne room, then?”
I make an affirmative noise. “Let’s just hope she hasn’t set booby traps the entire way down.”
Kirian
We encounter three more tripwires, all of which I set off on purpose by throwing my axe toward the string. At least they seem to be a one-and-done. After the first round of weapons has been released, there isn’t a second. It’s a poor attempt to avoid a fight.
“The palace has undergone some renovations since the last time I was here,” I deadpan, kicking a few arrows out of the way while eyeing the ornate double doors ahead.
“I’d say so,” Damon quips. “Arrows shooting from the walls is definitely new.”
“You should stay out of sight until I need you,” I tell him quietly. “It’s better if Gia doesn’t realize I have backup.”
He gives me a solemn nod.
Voices carry to my ears as we near the great hall. I catch a few worried murmurs about the weather, and some whispered concerns about the insane princess.
Damon and I pause just outside, listening for clues as to what we’re about to walk in on.
From the impatient tones of the nobles, I predict Gia’s been waiting for me for a while.
Let the showdown begin.
Giving her the dramatics she wants, I kick the doors open, busting the hinges and splintering the wood.
Terrified shrieks and screams ripple through the crowd. And I do mean crowd. There has to be at least seventy-five fae huddled together at the opposite end of the hall. Some I recognize from our events, but others are new, and from the looks of their ragged clothing, Gia decided to round up some of our farmers.
Scanning the faces, I realize she gathered fae from every station. Probably wanting to strike fear into the hearts of every social class in the kingdom.
It’s hard to keep up the farce of being blind, but I force my gaze to go blank as I look in the direction of my sister.
She’s in my peripheral vision, and I feel like I’m seeing her through new eyes—no pun intended.
She’s sitting in my seat. My crown is upon her head, and it looks too heavy for her small frame. Dressed to impress, she’s wearing a fancy white gown. It glitters, as if it’s made from stardust. And maybe it is.
On the way through the castle, I saw a painting of her. The artist did a good job, because he captured her devious smile perfectly.
“Kirian,” she calls, and I don’t miss how she intentionally leaves ‘king’ off my title. “I was wondering when you’d make it back this way.”
I stare at a spot somewhere above her head. “Gia, we need to have a serious talk. Privately.” My words echo off the tall ceilings, and I turn to address the crowd. “Anyone who isn’t a member of the royal family needs to leave.”
I don’t want someone getting caught in the crossfire. Blood will be spilled today, and I’d like to limit it to mine and Gia’s.
I catch a few relieved sighs and grateful glances as the fae hustle toward the exits.
“No!” Gia’s command makes everyone halt.
“Yes.”
They glance from me to her, and it pisses me off that they don’t know who to obey.
“You left me in charge,” Gia protests. “I’ve been doing the job you were too weak for, dear brother.”
“I was under the impression you could handle the position. I was wrong. I also thought you were loyal, but that was a mistake. I know what you did, Gia. You’ve committed the highest crime against me and the kingdom.”
A few gasps float up through the air, because everyone knows what that means. Killing a fae’s fated mate is the ultimate offense. To kill one is to kill both.
Which means Gia’s a traitor.
Farrel is probably her accomplice.
Speaking of him, he sits at her side in my father’s place, and I don’t miss the way he squirms uncomfortably. He keeps looking down at his fidgeting hands with a morose expression. The two chairs on either side of them are unoccupied, and when I covertly search the crowd, I don’t see Mother anywhere.
No one speaks, but their eyes nervously volley back and forth between us. They’re not sure who to pledge loyalty to. I’ll fix that right now.
“Go!” I roar. “Go to the safety of your homes. Tell your families I’ll fix the mess Princess Gia has made.”
“Stay.” Huffing, Gia stands, gesturing to the frozen figures. “These are my witnesses. I hereby issue an official challenge for the throne.”
Fine. If
