“You’re early,” he commented, not hiding his irritation about it.
He took his place, a statement of his rank above me, but I let my irritation about it fade. Auster could wear as many crowns as he wanted, stand where he thought fit; the more his ego grew, the more satisfying it would be when I made him swallow it.
“I’m quite famished. With the lack of meals, I was beginning to grow concerned that the castle was suffering a food shortage. I almost started without you.”
He eyed me warily, as if my cheerful tone unnerved him. I merely reached to spear a slice of chicken before scooping helpings of vegetables onto my plate, not waiting to be served. I really wasveryhungry.
I went to uncover my face to eat.
“I didn’t say you could remove that,” he said.
Holding his stare in challenge, I lifted the lace, letting it fall behind my head.
“How else am I to eat,Your Majesty?”
I didn’t think Auster was above hurting me here, with the guards as witnesses; I just didn’t care. His eyes narrowed, but he let it go.
“Is the veil really necessary anyway?”
“You’re supposed to remain covered from all eyes but mine from the moment our wedding is announced until we are wed.”
“That’s an archaic and bullshit tradition.”
“That is your punishment.”
My grip tightened around my fork and I itched to stab him with it.
“Am I to be your wife or your child?” I bit out.
Auster gave me a flat look. “The veil remains until the bond is forged.”
Every time he reminded me of that vile agenda, I fought against being sick.
Zephyr entered next, his presence cutting through our building tension, and sat opposite me. Thankfully his choice spared me from staring at the hateful gaze of Notus, who joined him by his side. We didn’t smile at each other, keeping up appearances that I despised him as much as his brothers, but I was glad to see him.
“Just like old times,” I mused, cutting my meat. “Except for one face. I’m not particularly disappointed Aquilo isn’t here to sour the food.”
Notus pinned me with a sharp look, Auster’s hand tightened around his cup, Zephyr slipped a warning look across to me. I held a pleasant smile.
“You had no right or authority to exact that punishment on a High Celestial,” Notus snarled.
“I would disagree. Aquilo got what he deserved and so should you.”
Notus targeted his rising fury at Auster. “When will she receive punishment for that act of treason?”
Auster chewed on his meat, contemplating. Zephyr took a drink, observing the three of us nervously over the rim.
“We can’t afford to have the people know of it right now,” Auster said. “As far as they’re aware, Aquilo is currently occupied with private matters in his own court.”
“The plan was to make them believe she’s as villainous as Rainyte, yet the moment you have her in your grasp, she’s dining like fucking royalty.” Notus slammed his knife down, rattling everything on the table.
“Our plans changed and new advantages were seen when she came to us; we discussed this,” Auster answered calmly.
“I’m not royalty,” I said. “That’s the title you play with. I am a god. The difference comes not with a bigger crown but a power you don’t want to provoke from me.”
Notus’s tangible loathing of me pricked my skin.
“I want her chained in the dungeons where she belongs,” Notus snarled. “I demand it. By ruling of the House of Aura. She has threatened me and I will not stand for it.”
