“I will send regards from both of you to our parents when I make it to the High Court.” Pyrran paced as he spoke, yet his words were calm and collected. “They’ll be most shocked to hear that the future king has forgotten his duty already.”
All the remaining air was knocked from my lungs. My fate hung in his hands.
Pyrran shook his head and then glared at me. “Lord Thalen sends his regards, Princess Aelira. He’s most eager to see you again. He hasn’t forgotten what he’s owed. I’m sure you’ll oblige him.”
My stomach lurched. He knew I was here before he arrived. Thalen made sure of it. He wouldn’t give up his claim to me—and now, Lioran would know it, too.
Pyrran smirked.
“Take your leave of Lythira. Now,” Lioran commanded.
“Gladly. Things were getting a bit too predictable on this side of Nythrel, anyway. I’m sure I’ll see you both again very soon. Enjoy your fun while it lasts.” Pyrran shrugged, leaving us in an unsettling silence.
Orange embers sizzled in the fireplace as Lioran paced his study. Firelight flickered in his eyes.
After everything Pyrran said, I didn’t know what to believe—or what to think. His brother didn’t think I was worthy of Lioran’s love, or that he would ever give it. I carefully studied Lioran as he clasped his hands behind his neck.
“What is Thalen owed?” He suddenly snapped.
I shriveled back, sinking deeper into the couch.
“What do you owe him, Aelira?” The lines around his eyes deepened.
I eyed the door—wanting to flee. “Me.”
“You?” He shook his head. “How? You said you barely knew him. I heard you tell Fyn.”
My voice cracked. “I left Bailoc on our wedding day.”
“You’re his?” His jaw locked tight.
I allowed myself to forget. The pact still stood. “I had only met him days before. King Ardyn and Lord Thalen made a pact. A trade.”
“What kind of trade?” The lines softened around his eyes.
“Me… in exchange for the crops we couldn’t grow.” My eyes watered as I spoke.
His head lowered.
“Tell me you didn’t marry him before you left. Tell me that you’re not bonded with him.”
“No, I left before the ceremony ever began.”
“Thank the stars.” A flicker of relief shone in his eyes as his jaw relaxed, but he glared at me still. “When were you going to tell me?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t want you to know.” The air grewthicker around me. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the way you’re looking at me now.”
“He sent those men after you, because he wants his bride back.”
“I’m not his.”
“The pact was made. You are his by law in your realm. Are you not?”
“I’m nothis.” I hissed as I ground my teeth together. “He hasn’t even come for me.”
“No. He did something much worse—he sent Pyrran after us instead.”
“Why would he send Pyrran?” I was almost too afraid to ask.
