I tried to keep my anger at bay. It was boiling within me, desperate to come out and for me to lose myself in it completely. I
knew deep down she would be upset with me once she found out about her lady’s maid. It wouldn't be possible for her not to
hear the screaming. I’d commissioned this dungeon to be that way, so others may know and fear their king.
“You do not mean that, sire. Please, I beg you to leave the male. Let him sit in the cells for a few days, maybe a week or
even until after the wedding and then, bring him forward to teach our soon to be queen.”
As much as it annoyed me, Percy was my advisor as he always spoke with logic. When a fit of rage clouded my mind, I
could never see or think straight. Splashing my face with the water then dabbing my skin dry, I thought over his words. I waved
my hand to allow the dungeon healer to somewhat heal the female, I didn't want her to die, just be in pain. “Where is she?” I
asked as I left the dungeon and plodded up the stairs.
“Out riding with your sisters. I know, you wish to go with her, but the council has called a meeting, and you are expected.”
“They are ordering the king now, are they?”
“No, sire, they just have a few questions about the new arrangements you have made.”
“Since I stole a princess of the Crystal Fae, yes?”
“Eh—Yes.”
Laughing under my breath, I allowed Percy in front so I could follow. He would announce my arrival before I arrived at the
council room. Refusing to change as the sight of blood always made me appear scarier towards them, we went straight there.
Even with half the council as trusted friends, it was always good to keep them on their toes.
Percy announced my arrival and the doors swung open for me. All heads bowed as I walked by and took my seat at the
head of the table. Already bored and desperate to find Ornella, I hoped they would make this quick.
“Care to explain to me why you think it is alright to summon your king?” I asked, the shadows dripping in and out across
my eyes.
Lord Richard Foster, an older gentleman, was the first to speak. He’d become a council member just shortly before my
father died, after inheriting lands from his own father’s sudden death. Although the man and I never saw eye-to-eye, he did
always give me sound advice when I asked for it. Now was not the time.
“My king, the council and I would like to know, what do you intend to do with Princess Ornella?”
“I have already discussed this. Publicly.”
“Yes, we know you have stated you are to marry. But what of her family? What about the Crystal Fae and their laws? I have
already heard of talk. They wish to bring war upon us unless we give her back.”
Rolling my eyes, I ran my tongue across my teeth. War was always a threat when our borders were so close to the Crystal
Fae’s. The only thing that stood between us and them were the mountains, which could be crossed within a few weeks. If that
