“How?” I pushed my hair from my face and sealed panic behind a mental door. A queen did not tremble in front of enemies. “You couldn’t have crossed the Craggs without my dragons seeing.”
“Correct.” He tilted his head. “Observant as always. While Kallias fought, certain we would cross over the Craggs, we chose to go through them. The Sols met us halfway. We wouldn’t have managed without their assistance.”
Through.
The word chilled me.
“I find it difficult to believe you were never caught.” I offered him a conversational smile.
“Too many mining collapses, I’m afraid.” He shrugged. “And sometimes Radaan forgets how quickly Vellos can move when she desires.”
Kallias would know. He had to suspect hidden paths carved through stone. He would not sit idle.
My husband, my king, would come for me.
I just needed to buy him time.
“I would love to continue this discussion,” I said, gesturing to the fur clutched at my throat, “but as you see, I am indisposed. Is it not improper in Vellos to openly ogle another man’s wife?”
Egath leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees. “The Velli take no wives.” His grin revealed sharpened teeth. “If a man cannot control and defend his woman, he loses her to the more dominant male. Such is your case.”
Fear skittered across my skin, raising the fine hairs at my nape. My fingers tightened in the fur. “You intend to take me?”
A scoff left him. He reclined, stretching his long limbs. “Not I. You are far too much trouble, and I have nothing to gain from you beyond what I already have. No, you’re meant for another. My duty ended with securing you, and I’ve earned my reward. I’m quite happy with my lot—a mere servant, if you will.”
“The king of Vellos?” My pulse hammered, though I kept my expression cool. “My father won’t stand for it. Once he learns–”
“What can he do, Nienna?” Egath’s head tipped again, birdlike and unsettling. “We heard his dragon’s wing was shredded, bound to sand for the rest of its days. After your own dragon turned on your people, I doubt anyone will fly over the Craggs anytime soon. Kallias always feared crossing those mountains. This will be no different. Draconia and Radaan won’t invade Vellos.”
“No different?” I scoffed, heat rising in my cheeks. “I am Queen of Radaan. Kallias shall come for me—with afleetof dragons. Vellos has much to fear.”
His lips curved, and he shook his head with a touch of pity. “You are so young. It goes to show that no matter the amount of schooling or court training you have, living a sheltered existence without struggle breeds immature, naïve royals.” He picked at something on his sleeve, indifferent, bored. “Countless men have died in Kallias’ name. He spent his entirelifeavoiding this side of the Craggs. He’s too old to change his ways. One cannot simply throw away a lifetime of habit and principle, just for a woman.”
“You forget, dear Egath.” I smiled sweetly, twirling a strand of my hair around my finger, letting the silk of it coil and slide against my skin. “You might’ve once faced a king bound by loyalty and honor, but Kallias fights for more than his kingdom now. You took something of his, and in doing so, you’ve riled a king who holds something far more precious—love.”
His jaw ticked to the side, a tight pulse beneath pale skin, green eyes glittering with sharp amusement that never reached his mouth. “We will see. But for now, I’d settle in if I were you. You’re not only here at the behest of Vellos’ king—but also as someone’s guest. It’s only appropriate that you play your part.” He rose from his chair, untangling his long limbs with lazy grace. “You haven’t completely forgotten your noble roots, have you? Or should we expect you to act as one of your beasts? Please assure me a leash won’t be in order.”
There was a promise in his voice, low and iron-bound. He would leash me, muzzle me, treat me like an animal if I didn’t do as he wished. Sea beneath, I could almost feel the phantom weight of leather at my throat.
“I haven’t forgotten who I am, even if you have.” I lifted my chin, spine straight despite the chill crawling up it. “Though I would ask who has so graciously invited me to stay here as their guest.”
“That would be your future mate.” Egath grinned, slow and deliberate. “He’ll be along shortly to see you. I assured him I would secure your compliance. The servant will dress you in something more appropriate for court, though your mate has final say.”
Mate.
The word struck like a blade. I was already married. My hand twitched with the urge to shelter the babe in my womb, palm hovering for a breath before I forced it still.
What if they could tell? If they sampled my blood, tasted more than just me? Would they kill it? Dispose of the unwanted seed as one might scrape a stain from silk?
Horror spread through me like ice beneath thin skin. I offered Egath a tight smile, every muscle in my face stiff. “I’m sure he will approve of your choice.”
“We shall see.” He chuckled, hand closing over the door handle. “Servant, make sure she eats. She needs to build up her blood.”
So they could control me. Feed off me. I was the prey here; they were sharks scenting the water.
When he left, I turned to the woman. His departure had been her cue. She moved at once, silent as a shadow, setting the tray on the dresser and lifting the silver lid with care.
The scent of seared meat flooded the room. Rich fat, charred edges, copper beneath it. Steam curled upward from thick cuts glistening in their own juices. The plate held an array of roasted meats, dark and glistening. Not a vegetable in sight. No bread. No fruit.
