“I value his future. Everything he must be.”
“You can value his future, but you must also value yours. One is not more important than the other.” She hesitated for a second, her eyes fixated on the window as if it somehow revealed how much time remained. “Don’t get so caught up in what can’t be that you can’t see what already is.”
“I can’t go on without him.” I knew I never would.
Cora lay my dark waves over my gown. “One day, you will look back on all of this. When you do, you need to know you did everything you could to honor yourself. This is your life…your future.” Her voice trailed off as her weight shifted.
“Even if it breaks me…” I whispered.
“You will only get one chance.”
Choice was not something I had been granted in Bailoc, and if they ruled like King Ardyn did, I wouldn’t have the ability to choose here, either.
Footsteps echoed, and the door creaked back open.
It was time to meet the king and queen.
Chapter 26
Fragments of rainbow light glimmered behind King Thalorys and Queen Rhaevin, reflecting off their mirrored thrones. The king and queen held their stoic stances as they looked upon their son. My slippers echoed as I stepped across the ivory floor.
Rich hues graced the room, from hair to dress—each were different and beautiful.
The court was a masterpiece—just like in Lythira.
The half-human, half-fae princess that crossed the divide without permission or warning was on display for the High Court to judge.
It was the first time Lioran laid eyes on me as the Princess of Bailoc. His silver eyes flickered as they caught mine.
“We meet at last, Princess Aelira of Bailoc.” King Thalorys settled into his throne.
Lioran’s dark curls, enchanting eyes, and sharp jawline were all his father’s.
“It is my honor to stand before you, your majesties.” Ilowered into a curtsey, but my chin held high. Tradition would be held here, but I would not be silent.
A flash of a smile danced on the king’s face. “You were called here to settle a debate.” The king’s voice boomed over the court.
“I hear a pact was broken in the human realm and you sought sanctuary in mine.”
Only one person could make that claim—Thalen.
Elric watched me from across the room. He didn’t travel with us, and yet he was here. Watching and waiting for whatever the king commanded.
Boots echoed across the floor. I hadn’t forgotten their eerie cadence.
Thalen stepped beside me, towering over me. His presence made me shudder.
“What is the nature of the claim?” Lioran broke the silence.
“Lord Thalen, you may make your claim known,” King Thalorys commanded.
“Your majesties, it seems Prince Lioran has been holding onto something that is mine.” Lord Thalen stepped into the center of the throne room.
He said it like it was a sword, or a horse—but it was me. I was the something he traded for.
“What would that be?” Lioran held his calm.
Thalen examined me. “The Princess of Bailoc.”
