Page 127 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

“There is no human kingdom,” I snap. “There hasn’t been one in nearly fifty years.”

Our continent is a patchwork of regions, with towns and one lone capital. We have no unified authority. None but the Fae.

“And yet,” he says, eyes flashing, “we celebrate our late king’s birthday tonight.”

“So?”

“So? The human kingdom lives through us, Elara!” His words are fevered, passionate. “Our legacy continues on through those of us who remain. But that ends the moment we turn on each other. And that’s what the rebellion is trying to prevent.”

Pretty words, yet they’re poison at the core.

“How can the rebellion prevent a war?”

“By giving us a common enemy,” he says, eyes glowing. “With their guidance, we will rise against the Fae. We will open trade between all regions, even those across the sea, and we will stop supplying astlerium to Fae and use it for ourselves.”

A scoff tears from my throat. “No amount of weapons will save us from the Fae’s wrath. You’re inviting chaos into lives that are already fragile.”

I step back, but the hand on my waist holds firm.

“Which is why I considered asking you to marry me.”

I balk. “What does war have to do with marrying you?”

“Because war means life is going to get harder than it already is. As a soldier’s wife”—his fingers flex—“as an Ironheart’s wife, you’d be safe. Hell, you’d thrive. Verdanthia’s army is the strongest in the region.”

“You speak as if this is guaranteed to happen.” I scowl. “You have no idea what’s going on in the other regions other than what a rebel traitor tells you.”

The images of the monsters who crept out of the Forbidden Forest rise in my mind. Claws. Gnashing teeth. Unstoppable fire. No human army could stop such beasts. Add the Fae as our enemies, and our race won’t survive.

“Humans will stick together,” he says. “I’m sure of it.”

I shake my head slowly. “The rebellion’s plan is going to get people killed, Lev. Our population is already struggling. This is a mistake. The rebellion is not honorable.”

He looks away, jaw tight, shoulders rising with tension.

Silence stretches.

A thought hits me, cold and certain, and my breath hitches. I know the truth before I even speak.

“Please,” I whisper. “Tell me you’re not already involved.”

He meets my gaze. No remorse. No apology. “I am.”

The words hit like a stone to my chest.

“You—” My voice catches. “You’re with them?”

“I didn’t want you to find out like this⁠—”

“You’re working with the rebellion?” My voice rises, sharp enough to draw glances from the crowd. I lower it again, shaking with rage. “Gods curse you, Lev.”

“Elara, listen⁠—”

“I swore to the Fae.” I knock his arms off me and stumble back. “I gave my word that no one here was part of it. That we were safe. That they were safe!”

He steps after me. “They’ll never know⁠—”

“They’ll know, Lev. Do you think they don’t watch? That they don’t listen?” My voice cracks and builds, thick with betrayal. “You’re a soldier. You’re supposed to protect people, not gamble with their lives behind their backs.”