With a sharp inhale my knees locked.
King Thalorys shifted to the edge of his throne. A wry grin settled on his face. “Explain the nature of your claim.”
“She is my wife,” Thalen said, moving closer.
My lips parted, desperate to correct his words, but I couldn’t speak.
“Well, my wife to be…our wedding was unfortunately interrupted.” Thalen lifted his chin higher. He carefully studied Lioran and me, as if he was assessing who would break first. “She is promised to me.”
Lioran’s nostrils flared. “Human pacts have nothing to do with the fae High Court.”
“A pact is a bargain, is it not? A bargain with a fae can’t be broken,” Thalen retorted.
“You made a pact with the King of Bailoc. Not me.” I couldn’t let him stand uncorrected any longer.
“There is truth in his claim?” the king asked.
“King Ardyn of Bailoc and Lord Thalen made a marriage pact—a trade for supplies. I never agreed to it.” King Thalorys and Queen Rhaevin exchanged knowing glances.
“Oh, didn’t you?” Thalen crept closer, his breath grazing my cheek.
Lioran’s expression was stoic—unreadable.
“I still remember our kiss, Princess Aelira. After the pact was announced, we shared a rather passionate moment. It didn’t seem like you disagreed at all.” A thinly veiled smile spread across Thalen’s face.
I never admitted to kissing Thalen, because I didn’t do it willingly.
Lioran’s gaze fell to the floor.
“Princess Aelira is this true?” the king asked.
With a shaking exhale, I was ready to tell them all the truth—to reveal Thalen’s lies, but I knew I couldn’t. Challenging Thalen further was too dangerous. It was a game I couldn’t win.
“He kissed me.” The half-truth left my lips.
Thalen waited for me to say more, but the murmurs of the court were the only other words spoken.
“That’s enough.” Lioran rolled his fingers into his palms.
“The tension still exists between thehuman and fae realms. News of the Princess’s whereabouts spread to Bailoc. The king is outraged.” Thalen assessed the king and queen.
A magic barrier divided our worlds, but when Thalen spoke, it was as if all memory of it had faded.
The queen angled her head at the king, their lips moved, but their voices didn’t rise above the crowd.
“Out of respect for the crown, I seek a private audience with you both,” Thalen said.
King Thalorys waved his hand. “The court is dismissed.” Trailed whispers followed the ladies and lords of the court. Cora looked back, offering a subtle nod before she left.
Calyth stood beside Pyrran—both brothers carefully studied me.
“Proceed,” King Thalorys commanded.
“A rather large grievance was made against me, but I may be able to look past it.” Thalen stroked his jaw. I swallowed hard. “And it shall be handled with absolute discretion.”
“It’s in your best interest to stop talking,” Lioran interjected.
Calyth flinched as Lioran’s voice boomed.
