Page 20 of The Stolen Crown

“Are you all right, Mira?”

Rarely did my father use my name. Only when he sensed something amiss.

I forced a smile. “Never better, Daj. I can hardly stand the wait until I reach the Ever. Liv and I have such fun irritating the Ever King and visiting coves and different isles.” Each word came swifter, more frenzied. I faced my bed and began folding tunics and hosen. “I mean, I adore being home, of course—don’t think I don’t—but this is no different from when I’d go visit Liv over the Night Folk borders. I miss her. And I love the newness of the sea. Why would you think I had any qualms of going? Odd of you to say, Daj, I—”

My voice choked off in a gasp when my father curled his palm around my hand. His eyes were not as fiercely dark as most Night Folk. There was a bit of golden brown in them, but they were shadowed now.

“I didn’t suggest you had qualms over going.” His head tilted. “Mira, it’s all right if what happened yesterday—”

“Oh, please, Daj.” I waved one hand as though wiping his concern away. “That was nothing. I am certainly not afraid of a little old sea singer. There are too many of our folk wandering about to be at risk from rogue sea fae here. Lord Gorm is proof of the notorious lurking that goes on.”

If only he knew how fiercely I’d scrubbed my hands free of bits of flesh from Filib’s head. If my father knew how I’d crumbled to my knees, how I’d sobbed after I’d slashed and stabbed at the dead sea singer, he’d look at me like I’d lost my wits. Or worse, he’d be ashamed.

My father was a man of busy words and endless jests, but his smile was tight. As though he knew there was more buried beneath my retort.

“As you say, Starlight.” Any hint of befuddlement faded from his features. The king clapped his hands together. “Well, what of tonight? Are you joining us? Shall we create an illusion of a fire to stop this revel? Could be entertaining.”

“No.” I squeezed his palm. “I’ll be along shortly. This is for Shelba and Ash, and it is now a chance for gratitude, whether you like it or not.”

At that, my father’s face fell. “Don’t remind me.”

“One of these days you must accept the court of the Ever King within ours. Are you still holding a grudge against a boy from a war?”

“I am too busy to hold grudges. But there is something about Harald’s son that sets me on edge. He’s too…quiet. Sullen. Like he’s plotting.”

“Valen has accepted Bloodsinger and he literally stole Livia.”

“Yes, well, the Ever King brought her back.” My father folded his arms across his chest.

I chuckled. Ari Sekundär had been my protective, loving father all my life. But he’d been much the same for the other heirs to earth fae kingdoms. Daj could pretend Livia’s kidnapping was all forgotten now that Erik Bloodsinger had made peace with the Night Folk. But as much as Valen and Elise had lost their wits when they learned of Livia’s disappearance, I’d never seen such darkness in my own father as he furiously scoured maps for weeks on end, trying to find a way to the unknown Ever Seas.

Now he was cordial with Bloodsinger, welcoming even. But much colder toward the Ever King’s cousin.

“I’m not going to be snatched by the man, Daj,” I said. “Stop scowling. You’re supposed to be grateful he was there to stop the sea singer.”

“I am. But I will be suspicious.” Daj took a step toward my door, finger pointing at me again. “And you cannot stop me, my girl.”

I snorted a laugh and waved him away, insisting I’d be along shortly. With a final vow he’d be tepidly polite to the sea fae guests, my father left me alone in my chamber.

Only when the silence seeped into my veins did the burden of my own disquiet curve my shoulders. I slumped against one of the posts of my bed and let my head fall back.

A stab of mortification gathered under my ribs. Tait saw me in such a vulnerable state.

Again.

Why was it always him who was nearby when distress took hold of my heart and mind?

When Filib ensnared me the first time, I’d nearly climbed Heartwalker after, like I wanted to burrow into his bones. Next, when Skadi was taken by the nefarious light elven clan, I’d sobbed and flailed about, desperate not to lose another friend.

I closed my eyes, reluctantly recalling the first moment our paths crossed. Doubtless Tait had long forgotten the day an imprisoned boy was led through the great hall where a small girl slashed at the already dead head of the man who rose against us.

Why would he remember? He’d made it quite clear I was of great insignificance. Gods, how I wished I could fall into the same apathy.

But the truth was, more than anyone, I feared Tait Heartwalker was the one who truly knew I was nothing more than a fraud. A princess who feigned bravery but crumbled at every threat.

One day, no mistake, he would use it against me. And on that day, my heart would truly break.

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