“They’ll have no choice. Whoever survives the trials claims the throne.”
“What if someone is already on the throne when someone else decides to go through the trials? Or what if another dark fae decides to do the trials too?”
“As far as I know, the first has never happened, but there can only be one king. If two fae survive the trials, a fight to the death will ensue, and the survivor would wear the crown.”
“That sounds horrible and brutal.”
It most certainly would be, but he kept that to himself. Lexi stifled a yawn, and her lashes fluttered against his chest as her eyes closed before opening again.
“You should rest,” he said as he ran her hair through his fingers.
“I will, but I’m not ready yet.”
“I’m not going back yet. I’ll be here when you wake.”
“I’m still not ready,” she said around another yawn.
He decided not to push her on it. Soon exhaustion would win out over her stubbornness.
“How many times has Malakai been here since I left?” he asked.
“Today was the first time. You both returned on the same day.”
“If I have my way, it will also be the last time.”
“Good,” she murmured before her eyes drifted closed and didn’t open again.
Chapter Ten
When Lexi woke,Cole stood by her window while Sahira sat in a chair next to her bed. Cole crumpled a piece of paper in his hand as a crow flew away. The last crow that arrived here took him from her, and judging by the look on his face, this one hadn’t brought good news.
“You’re awake,” Sahira said as she leaned over and rested her hand on Lexi’s.
Lexi couldn’t look at her aunt as her attention remained riveted on Cole. “What did the note say?” she asked.
“Don’t worry about that.” Sahira rose and lifted a teacup from the table; she handed it to Lexi. “You just focus on getting well.”
Lexi held out her hand to stop her aunt when Sahira offered her the cup. “I’m okay.”
“You’re still healing.”
“I’m fine.”
With a sigh, Sahira pulled the cup away.
“What did it say?” Lexi asked Cole again.
“The dark fae council has learned of my father’s death; they have descended on the palace. I have to return,” he said.
Lexi’s heart sank. She’d just gotten him back, and he was already leaving.
To start the trials that few survived.
Shit.
She bit her lip against begging him to stay and shot a panicked look at Sahira, who watched her with worry.
“Come with me,” Cole said to her.
