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It felt selfish to divert Lord Greyson’s attention away from Rue, for I very much cared about the fate of Rue’s parents. But Lord Greyson had wished to speak to me apart from this, which meant there was more news still waiting for us. I dreaded the news.

“The heir situation is developing rapidly.” Lord Greyson nodded toward Lord Piro. The half-ettin towered over all of us, dwarfing even Greyson. Despite his size, though, Lord Piro carried himself with confidence. However, when Greyson motioned to him, Piro’s amiable smile fell away.

“Three more claimants stepped forward, including a full-blood high fae who is older than any of you. The king has refused to acknowledge any claimant until he meets them. The council demands the right of approval of the king’s choice, or no one will take the throne. With the king and the council at odds, the remaining nobles have chosen sides and formed factions.” Lord Piro’s fingers twitched at his side. “The longer this process takes, the more likely there won’t be a kingdom to rule when it is done.”

“The plan?” Greyson prompted.

Piro let out a gusty breath. “The council’s plan is to have representatives arrive in three days. The remaining claimants will arrive with them. Then, all five of you will be put through a series of tests. Based on the results, you will be ranked by the council before the two candidates will be presented to the king for his approval.”

Greyson interjected, “According to them, only then is he allowed to appoint an heir from among you. The king is disturbingly quiet on the subject, which is never a good sign. I would wager he is plotting something to usurp the council’s authority.”

His gaze narrowed on Rue. “Already knowing your mate will be both a strength and a weakness.”

“Rue doesn’t need to be part of this,” I insisted.

“That decision has passed,” Greyson replied.

“I don’t want her hurt.” I reached for Rue’s hand, and she placed her fingers in my grasp. “She didn’t ask for this.”

Piro’s eyebrows rose. “Neither did you, from what I hear.”

“True, but if the king is my father, the decision was made before I was born. Ascending his throne is my duty.”

Greyson crossed his arms over his chest. “Similarly, as your fated mate, she is part of this now regardless of how you feel about it.”

“If you are to be king, then she will be queen.” Piro’s statement underlined nothing new.

“Only if she wishes to be.” I gently squeezed her hand.

“It doesn’t work that way, young one.” Greyson sighed. “If you take the throne, she becomes your queen.”

Rue leaned against me, disrupting my thoughts. “Let it be. I wish to help.”

“Good. He is going to need it.” Piro stood to his full impressive height and slid a blank parchment across the desk to rest directly in front of her. Plucking a pen and inkpot from the middle, he rested them next to the parchment. “We need to know everything you are capable of. Can you make a list?”

Rue dropped my hand and moved to comply. I didn’t stop her, but I did have concerns.

“If I am the one being tested, why does she need to be involved at all?”

“Knowledge is power,” Greyson answered before striding across the room to the door we had entered through. He opened it and bellowed for someone.

Piro explained further, “Her skills can be an asset if they help you navigate the tests or a hindrance if someone figures out how to attack you through her.”

“So, is it best that we do not make our connection public yet?” Rue asked as she began writing.

“If it isn’t public knowledge already, it is best to not disclose it immediately.” Piro studied me. “According to Greyson, your current known rival has already shown an inordinate interest in Rue and her relationship with you. It is only a matter of time before he isn’t alone in his suspicions.”

“I suspect he has other motivations,” I grumbled.

Rue paused in her writing to glance at me over her shoulder. A pucker appeared between her brows to match the concerned frown pulling at her mouth.

“The two of you are as obvious as a cardinal in snow,” Greyson grumbled as he rejoined us with a small pile of documents in his hands.

I thought we had been discreet.

“Don’t look so puzzled,” Greyson continued. “You have lived among humans for far too long. Many fae can see magic.”

“Smell it, feel it, taste it—” Piro shrugged. “To magical beings, there are plenty of signs that you connect on a deep magical level.”