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Chapter 40
Lily
The hardwood floor creaks under my boots as two guards lead me to the throne room of Oakwell Castle. King Royce of Terra has requested King Asher’s presence to renegotiate our trade agreement. So, here I am. Well, Margo, the snarky liaison of trade for Umbra, but that makes no difference.
The white stone hallway has beautiful bouquets of flowers dotting it, filling the space with their scent. Towering dark wood doors swing open to reveal Royce sitting upon his ornately carved wood throne on the dais. His beige skin is dull with age. Beside him on a smaller throne is Princess Violet. Her glowing tawny skin looks as radiant as ever, reminding me of the dahlias in the fields. Her dark-brown hair falls in soft waves around her face.
As I step to the dais, her rich-brown eyes widen in surprise. I drop into a deep, over-exaggerated bow because it annoys Royce, and I love irritating men who think they hold the power. I return to standing to find him glaring at me.
“Where is King Asher? I specifically asked for him to come. Not you, Margo.”
I rock back and forth on my heels, unfazed by his agitation.
“I don’t know. Probably off terrifying someone into submission, as shadow kings do. He’s a little irritated with you for delaying this agreement, so I thought it would be wise if I came instead. People usually end up dead if they annoy King Asher,” I say, arching a brow at the Terra king. Royce shifts uncomfortably in his chair while Violet pinches her lips together, fighting back a smile.
“What seems to be the issue with the agreement? Nothing has changed since the last one,” I ask, staring down Royce. He rolls his shoulders back to sit up straight on his throne. He brushes the front of his trousers as if covered in dirt only he can see.
“I want to change the deal,” he says with far too much confidence. My eyes dart to Violet, who stares at the white stone floor. She swallows hard, and my stomach sours.
“What kind of change, Sir?”
Violet’s eyes slowly rise to mine and fear steals their warmth. She picks at her nails as her lips tremble.
“As a show of goodwill and a strong union between our two kingdoms, I would like to gift my daughter, Violet, to King Asher,” he declares with satisfaction. “She’ll be an excellent wife, mother, and queen for Umbra.” I glare at Royce as a wicked smile spreads across his face.If only he knew who he was offering his daughter to.
“My king has no interest in a wife. No matter how absolutely stunning she is.” I give Violet a wink. Her cheeks turn pink as she blushes. The fear in her eyes momentarily breaks. Royce clenches his jaw at the exchange. His wrinkles dance as his muscles flex.
“He may not want one now, but soon he’ll desire an heir. While she doesn’t wield any of Eos’s power, Violet can still provide children for King Asher. His legacy will live on with her help,” he states, as if her only worth is producing heirs for men.
I scowl in disgust at him. I want to rip his throat out for thinking she’s a piece of property for him to auction off. She’s smart, funny, gorgeous, and feisty. She’d be a better queen for this kingdom than Royce or his two worthless sons.
“It would be highly controversial if he took your darling princess as his wife. There has never been a child of two divinus before. The results are unknown and risky. You’re willing to put your only daughter’s life in danger for a veiled attempt at diplomacy?” I say, questioning his motives.
Royce looks over at Violet with disdain, nose wrinkling. My shadows knock on the well, asking to be released. Over the past several years, I’ve become fond of the sweet princess of Terra. It took one exchange with Violet in their village tavern for her to captivate me. And one more exchange for her to go back to my quarters with me.
“As I said, she holds no power, so there’s nothing to be concerned about.” Disappointment bleeds from him like an open wound. He’s disgusted by her. But he sired her, which means it’s his weak power not manifesting. As always, though, a pathetic man is blaming the woman for his shortcomings.
Violet’s eyes are soft as she stares at me. I want to run to her and tell her I’ll save her. Get her out of this awful place and bring her where she can be herself and not be a bargaining tool for her father. Or I could always kill the stone king and eliminate the issue altogether. My shadows hum at the thought, agreeing.
I take a deep breath to quell my rising thirst for murder. I take a moment to consider Royce’s offer and how to get around it. “If I’m going to bring this back to my king, I need to speak privately with the princess. I will need to discuss certain lady things to ensure I know what he’s getting into.” Violet nips at her lip and narrows her eyes at me. I know the look all too well. She’s trying to figure out what I’m getting us into.
“Violet is pure. I’ve made sure she has remained that way,” he states with confidence. My lips pinch into a thin line as I fight back laughter.If only you knew the things I’ve done to your daughter.
“I’m sure you have, Your Highness. However, if I don’t ask the questions myself, King Asher will have my head, and this deal will end with my life.” He lets out a loud huff and motions for a guard to open a door to the right of the dais.
I drop into another dramatic bow as Violet rises from her throne. She strides toward the quarters, and I trail directly behind. As we walk through the door, I shut it in the guard’s face, stopping him from following us in.
Violet stands in the middle of the room with her arms across her chest. I walk to her with a large smirk on my face. “Margo, is it? You said your name was Vivienne?” She pushes on my chest but can’t move me.
“Does it really matter what my name is? You don’t moan it anyway,” I say, taking a step closer to her. She shakes her head as the corner of her lips curl.
“There’s the sweet-talking V I know. What are you doing here? Is this why you were always in town every autumn?” Her doe-like brown eyes stare up at me, making me smile. I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and her cheeks turn the sweetest shade of pink.
“Yes. I’ve been working with King Asher for many years. I don’t often discuss my job in bed,” I tease. She wraps her arms around me in a tight hug, and I hold her close. We may have only seen each other once a year, but it doesn’t change the depth of our friendship.
I release her and hold her hands in mine. She looks up at me with concern darkening her eyes. “Is he as bad as they say he is?” her voice wavers.
I shake my head, rubbing the back of her hand with my thumb. “He’s not. Do you even want to marry King Asher?” I ask.
