“Must we?” I grumbled. “I’ll go to the library right now.”
“It’s closed,” Enden said flatly.
“You of all people can open it,” I said sweetly, batting my eyes.
Zyacus was trying not to laugh but I didn’t see the humor. Taz swayed in place, eyes darting back and forth between the king and me.
“To the castle,” Enden said and mounted his horse. The guards opened a carriage door.
“Wait,” I called. “If you don’t inform my parents. I’ll tell you the reason behind the bird attack today.” Although I wasn’t entirely sure if they were correlated but I suspected the Fae prince had something to do with them.
Enden’s lips formed a line. “Fine. We’ll discuss this at the castle.”
I stepped inside the carriage and sat on a soft seat. Zyacus scooted in next to me, and Taz went to the other side. The horses pressed on and the carriage lurched forward.
Gentle fingers slid down my arm. “What do you know?” Zyacus questioned.
“Remember the man with the pointed ears and the portal?” I asked.
He nodded.
“Taz and I were attacked and I’m pretty sure I know who controlled the birds. I think war is coming.”
∞∞∞
I bounced my feet as I sat at the table across from King Enden. I’d recounted my encounter with the Winter-Night Fae prince, and gave the king the details of what the birds might mean. Of course it was all speculation on the words of an old man in a pub who heard stories from his grandfather, but me getting ripped around by a powerful silvery-blue skinned man was very real and current.
Enden stared at his glass of red wine. I stole a glance at Zyacus beside me; he gave me a barely perceptible nod. A reassurance to wait.
Enden took a drink and finally met my eyes. “You were completely immobilized by this mysterious blue-skinned man? Who had evil winged creatures trying to steal your clothes and sword?” He sounded like he didn’t believe me.
I narrowed my eyes at his tone. “Yes. Ask Taz if you need a second source.”
“Your drunk friend? Perhaps both of you had a little too much.”
“Excuse me but I’m not lying nor am I a drunk,” I said, trying but failing to sound calm.
“Father, Visteal doesn’t lie. We must believe her.”
Tapping his fingers on the table, Enden yelled, “Where’s Jershon?” His most trusted magic-born adviser. He’d been with the king since he was a boy and a slave. Though he was paid and a free man now.
A nearby guard approached. “He’s asleep, Sire.”
“Wake him. Tell him to bring my wisest historian immediately.”
While we waited for these men to arrive, King Enden seemed to be surveying his son and me. “If there’s ever been such a thing as a blood moon or... Fae walking amongst us, they’ll know.”
I clenched my hands. “What do you mean if? Didn’t you see the birds? Doesn’t my word have any meaning to you?”
Enden grabbed a piece of cheese from a silver tray. “A flock of birds acting strangely means nothing. I have never heard of the type of being you’re describing. Forgive me if the tale seems a little too tall.”
How could he think I’d make something like this up? I clamped my mouth shut, folded my arms and stared at the table, doing my best not to offend the King of Hesstia with my usually sharp tongue.
“While we wait I need to clarify something. As you may see, I am not a young man anymore.” I lifted my eyes to see him gesture to the graying hair at his temples. “Hopefully I won’t die for many years but in case that should happen I need to know my kingdom is secure with my successor.”
His eyes skirted between us both but more so on me. I was sure Zyacus had heard this all before. I had no idea where he was going with this but I didn’t like it.
“A betrothal of my son to Jennika Viscoff would make sure of that. Her father, Entari Freyloc commands my best and strongest warriors aside from my own force. He has requested this since they were children. For his loyalty it is a just reward to have his daughter become royalty. This has nothing to do with you, Visteal. I have no hard feelings toward you or your family. I wanted to make that clear.”
Zyacus slammed his hand on the table. “If we must discuss this now then I’ll have my say. Promise her to Drakonus. He’s only a year younger than I and—”
“Drakonus will not be King, Zyacus. Therefore she will not be queen.”
I rubbed my clammy palms on my pants. Ugh, I hated the ways of the court, and in this moment I was grateful that my parents hadn’t tried to betroth me to anyone. Though I suspect it had more to do with how much further off my rule was.
“Jennika does not deserve to be Queen of Hesstia,” Zyacus snapped, leaning forward with elbows on the table. Lowering his voice he mumbled, “She can’t even handle herself at the academy.”
Before they started screaming, which by the expression on the King’s face I suspected was coming, I stood. Their eyes, one pair the bluest of blues and the other a cinnamon brown, so different held the same stubbornness. I personally didn’t want to be involved in this conversation. “I think this should be a discussion for another time.” Although my name wasn’t mentioned in Zyacus’s reasons why he didn’t want to marry Jennika, we all knew. Discussing a possible union between us and our kingdoms shouldn’t happen without my parents’ agreement and certainly not without Zyacus asking me first. And most certainly not without us saying those three words every couple falling for each other longs to hear. “I love you.”
“I only brought it up so your parents didn’t think I was against them. We are allies and will remain so.”
“Good. And I hope Hesstia will stand with Delhoon against the
