Page 19 of The Stolen Crown

“I think the enormous wheels and golden thorns on that coach are likely a way to overcompensate.”

“For what?”

“Hmm.” I tapped a finger against my chin. “Either he is feeling like his coin purse is shrinking from losing too many gambles, or he would like the ladies and men of the evening to believe him a rather powerful, flashy performer…elsewhere.”

Daj laughed. “You’ve analyzed Lord Padda of the Court of Stars. He was boasting not so long ago of his new carriage and that many a woman would enjoy the fine satin of his seats. I’m going to wager you’re not so far off.”

“Padda is a toad of a man.” An arrogant oaf who insisted his star readings hinted that every fae with breasts would sob in delight if she ever had the pleasure of his hands on her skin.

“That he is,” said Daj. “It’s rather unfortunate he is the lone councilman who can read ancient texts from the first sagas of fae folk.”

“Not to mention his bloodline is glamoured to remain on the council for at least a thousand turns.”

“Fortunate for him. I’d have removed him quite forcefully if not for that little trick.”

“You enjoy councils with Padda because he’s frightened of you.”

My father feigned stun. “Me? Starlight, whyever would you think I would be fearsome? I am nothing but the epitome of poise and formidable regality.”

“Ah, I see.” I offered a coy grin. “I’ll pretend I did not overhear you threaten the man three turns ago.”

A bit of red tinted the points of my father’s ears. “I don’t know what you mean. I am the friendliest of kings in all the realms. The favored monarch, you might say. We do nothing but laugh and love here.”

I snickered and let my head fall to my father’s shoulder.

Despite being born of the Night Folk fae clan, Daj was a fierce illusionist like me, and Padda understood more than most the brutality of the king’s power. Padda approached my father on the eve of my sixteenth turn with a manufactured bit of history on a scroll. The writings hinted of a barbaric tradition of educating a princess on how to pleasure a future mate. Padda insisted it was to be done by a trusted nobleman should the king desire it.

I’d nearly retched at the thought and, for a moment, feared my father’s laughter meant he found the notion humorous, not disgusting.

I ought to have known better.

It only took three strides before my daj had Padda on the ground, boot on the man’s throat. Still laughing, my father created a vivid illusion on what would befall the lord should he ever speak of me again.

Some folk in his household whispered Padda still had nightmares from the encounter.

My mother sat on her throne watching the whole ordeal with a look of heated desire for my father. She did not attempt to stop her king’s joyful barbarism, nor did she attempt to hide her love of it.

Strong. Fearsome. Brave.

Those were the traits of my mother and father. Yet I still trembled over the haunting song of a dead sea singer.

Daj curled an arm around my shoulders and gave me a slight shake. “I was sent to see if you were joining us to greet guests, but at the state of your bed, I am wondering if you might’ve forgotten entirely. I am in agreement with the idea of canceling if you so desire. Your lack of interest will cover my aggravation for another celebration, and your mother will not be able to blame me for stopping this before it begins. It’s a rather brilliant plan, I think.”

I shook my head. “Maj would see through it. She always does.”

“She does know me quite thoroughly and—”

I pinched his arm. “I don’t need you to ramble on about your obsession with my mother. I assure you, I am very aware.”

He flashed his wicked smile, then opened his hand to the chaos on my bed. “What’s going on here?”

“Nothing. I’m packing for my visit with Livie.”

“Normally, you are packed for the next visit the instant you return from the last.”

“Well, I…I’ll be there for nearly a fortnight and want to make certain all is in order, that’s all.”

A furrow gathered between my father’s brows. I turned away before he could see the shame, fear, and unease I was feeling.