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Unless this marriage alliance was what they had wanted all along. Why? What did they have to gain?
Weylind’s posture was stiff. Hard, with an edge of his temper showing through. “Your people trespassed into Tarenhiel first. All of Tarenhiel’s raids have been in response to your provocation. I believe Escarland should be the first to bend and offer peace as you were the first to harden.”
Weylind was giving King Averett an opening to state what he really wanted. This was the moment for the humans to set aside their tricks and lay their intended offer on the table.
King Averett’s jaw worked, his shoulders rising and falling. Something in his gaze sparked, as if he, too, fought swelling anger. “As I already stated, I have decried the actions of the few who crossed the border. I’m the one who sent messengers to arrange this talk. I’m the one reaching out for peace first. I believe I have already done my share of bending.”
Farrendel’s chest knotted hard. The humans were not going to bend. This marriage alliance was what they were after, and they were not going to back down until they got it.
If this was the cost the humans demanded for peace, Weylind would have to pay it. And Weylind was correct. Neither of them was willing to sacrifice their sisters to this.
That meant it would have to be Farrendel.
He clasped his shaking hands behind his back. “Weylind Daresheni. Brother.”
Farrendel used his brother’s title, meaning Most Honored King, purposefully. He wished to remind Weylind that this decision needed to be made as a king, not just as a brother. A brother might be unwilling to sacrifice a sibling to a marriage alliance, but a king would.
When Weylind turned to him, Farrendel bowed his head, unable to even meet his brother’s gaze. “We agreed to accept whatever offer the humans present. This is their offer, and I am willing to accept.”
“I will not marry you off to a human any more than I would our sisters.” Weylind’s jaw hardened. “I will not sacrifice your life like that.”
Could Weylind not see that Farrendel’s life would be sacrificed either way? Farrendel sacrificed every time he went into battle. If Weylind was willing to risk Farrendel’s death on the battlefield, then why not this?
“This is what they want. My life is a small price, in the end.” Farrendel clenched his fists tighter behind his back. He was the illegitimate elf prince. It was not as if he ever realistically thought marriage was in his future, much less a happy one. If the humans wanted a marriage, then why not give them an elf prince whose life was worth very little in the end? It would spare lives worth far more than his.
Beside Weylind, Sindrel hunched, as if not wishing to be called upon in this argument between the royal brothers. Next to Farrendel, Iyrinder’s posture remained stiff, his gaze scanning the tent as he kept watch while Farrendel was distracted.
“I would not see you miserable.” Weylind’s expression softened, his gaze searching Farrendel’s face. His words held all the hope of a brother who, having a happy and loving marriage to his wife Rheva, wished for the same for his siblings.
What would more misery matter? Yes, it could make his life even harder than it already was. Having his suite of rooms far away from others was the only way he stayed sane after a battle. Having a wife would destroy that one sanctuary.
But what did that matter? He was a weapon to be wielded. He did not have to be sane to kill. Perhaps, it would be better if he was not.
“I will have to either kill them or marry one of them. Please, brother. I have done enough killing.” Farrendel hated the way his voice strained over those words. Far too much emotion rising to the surface.
But he would do anything to avoid being drenched in more blood. Even this.
Weylind’s posture drooped. “Is this truly what you wish? I will not force you.”
Farrendel drew in a long breath, then let it out slowly. Was he being forced? Yes. But that was nothing new. Was this his choice? Yes. Anything was better than a war. Perhaps that was not a very good reason for marriage, but the humans seemed to think nothing of it. It seemed to be a custom of theirs. He let his gaze go hard. “This is my choice.”
“Very well.” Weylind’s tone was not happy, but he faced the human king once again. “He has agreed to marry your princess.”
Farrendel had focused on the human princess and thus caught the play of emotion across her face at Weylind’s announcement. A widening of her eyes. Shock, maybe? And then, something else that tipped up the corners of her mouth. As if she was happy about this.
She wanted to marry him? Or at least, marry an elf prince. It did something odd in his chest to see her smile.
He could not trust that smile. If she was happy about Weylind’s agreement to this arranged marriage, then it had to be yet another human trick. That was all.
And yet, there was her smile. Even as her brother glared first at Weylind, then at Farrendel. “And who is he?”
Weylind’s back straightened. “He is my youngest brother, Farrendel Laesornysh.”
That wiped the smile from the princess’s face, replacing it with gaping mouth and far-too-fast breaths.
Farrendel winced. Even the humans had heard of his reputation as Laesornysh. In all likelihood, that was the last he would see her smile.
She let out a long breath, and a smile returned to her face, though even Farrendel could tell this one was far more forced. As King Averett opened his mouth, she gripped his arm, speaking between gritted teeth. “Avie. We need to talk. In private.” She sent a far-too-bright smile toward Weylind. “Your Majesty, please excuse my brother and me for a moment.”
