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My father’s back bristles. “How would you know anything about these people? You haven’t seen them for years. Do you honestly believe they want a dark fae king sitting on the throne of New Aos? Most of them would rather see a mule wear the crown than have that happen.”
“They’ve had a jackass sitting on the throne for long enough, don’t you think?”
Oberon’s jest does not sit well with my father. He stares hard at Oberon before turning his attention to me, but I’m more interested in finding a familiar face in the crowd.
“Looking for Lord Finch?”
My father’s question brings me up short. “Why do you ask?”
“Did you honestly think I didn’t know why you agreed to this vote so readily?” he asks incredulously. “I assumed you planned to offer him a ship so he could return to Aos. Well, I beat you to it. Our dear Lord Finch is zooming across the universe as we speak, and without his vote, we’ll probably end up in a tie, dear daughter. A tie that only the king can break.”
My father starts to chuckle in triumph as I feel my heart sink into my stomach.
“This world will remain under my rule untilIsay when I’m ready to step down. Remember that.”
As my father walks away, a promise of pain and destruction follows in his wake.
Chapter 7
The plan was so simple. It should have worked. Itwouldhave worked if my father hadn’t beat me to the punch. The thought of him sending Lord Finch off on his way before he had a chance to vote didn’t even occur to me. Should it have? Possibly, but why would it? My father hated Lord Finch with a passion, but his desperation to keep the crown forced him to give in to Lord Finch’s one and only wish.
“What are we going to do now?” Oberon’s tone is hard and steady. He isn’t about to give up without a fight.
I remain mute as I consider our options. It only takes me a few seconds to conclude there’s only one thing we can do.
“We have to change at least one lord’s mind,” I say. “The only way to do that is by showing them how different you are from my father. We have to convince them that your rule will be fair and just.”
Oberon takes one of my hands with his. “You meanourrule.”
“Our rule,” I agree.
“Emily,” my mother calls out.
I turn to see her walking up behind us through the crowd, the train of her white gossamer gown flows behind her like a cloud. I breathe a sigh of relief. If anyone can help us with our plan, it’s my mother.
As soon as she’s close enough, I pull her to me and whisper what I need her to do for us.
“Oh, what a wonderful idea,” she says with a mischievous smile. “Leave everything to me. I’ll even make him think it was his idea. I’m rather good at that, you know.”
With a giggle, my mother walks off in the direction of my father.
“What did you ask her to do?” Oberon watches her leave as she greets those she passes by.
“She’s going to ensure everyone here knows the difference between you and my father.” I look Oberon straight in the eyes. He needs to understand how important the next few minutes will be to our future. “You need to be your best self and charm everyone in this room by explaining how you’ll lead them into the future once you’re king. I don’t think some of them realize this vote will change the course of fae history.”
“Most of these people fear me and my people,” Oberon points out. “How exactly am I going to charm them?”
“Take advantage of that emotion. Sometimes a king should be feared by his people, but also let them know that our rule won’t be one filled with favoritism. My father has his pets in the royal court, and those he deems unworthy of his time resent him for that.”
“Aren’t those the ones who will be voting for us anyway?”
“Yes, but we may be able to sway some of the others to our side because they’re tired of being overlooked by him.”
“I think I know how to win more than one lord’s vote here tonight.” Oberon peers out at the crowd as he contemplates those around us.
When he doesn’t say more, I tug on his sleeve to redirect his attention back to me.
“Care to share what’s on your mind?” I ask.
