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There was the Rick she knew, but also, the façade she was coming to terms with: his use of charm and ego to hide what he felt and what he thought. Belatedly, it sank in that everyone’s focus was on her once more, including his sister’s.
She could deny everything and plead to be taken out of here, using her brief connection to Rick to prevent forthcoming attacks. Maybe she could run back to that forest and choose a different coordinate for her and Yu, leaving Rick here in the sight and grasp of the killer. Or multiple killers. The cool smiles and murmurs felt like an icy brand that, instead of pushing her away, called to her protective instincts.
Don’t leave Rick,it said.
She bowed slightly.
“It’s an honor being in your court and his presence. I am in awe of everything.”
The lavender-eyed Fae zoned in on her, smile pasted on. But Emerald knew she was being assessed.
“Visitors, huh?” There was an amused pause. “I suppose they’re your gift to us.”
“To myself,” Rick said quickly. “Mine, Erinnala.”
There was a feral hint to the tone that rushed down her senses as she stared at him, dumbfounded. The woman, Erinnala, stared too, amusement still present.
“Jeez. Since when have I called you Rickavior? Just Erin. We don’t need any of that complication.” That humor-filled gaze flicked toward her. “That goes for his…gifts too.”
The crowd gasped dramatically, but Erin didn’t seem to care. Rick raised a brow.
“The future ruler opting for casual names?”
The amusement faded as the woman shrugged. “I had no choice. You were missing for so long. We will discuss it later.”
With a swirl of skirts, the topic was dismissed and Erin walked—no, floated—away, her voice echoing sweetly in the hall.
“Your room’s intact and I will take care of setting one up for your visitors. I will call off the search party too.”
“Thanks.”
“Do visit our parents when you can, Rick. And do attend the upcoming events we have in our court.”
“I will, sister.”
Half of the crowd dispersed, sensing that the major event was finished. Most trailed after Erin, calling her attention and singing her praises while she laughed and basked in them. Those who remained observed her, some in open dislike, others with mild curiosity. Rick steered Em and Yu away, nodding at Bronco once more until the male Fae got it and began to steer the rest of the Fae in the other direction.
“She’s as…charming and arrogant as you.”
Her assessment had him smiling. “Not quite. My charm knows no bounds.”
“Funny, I was thinking just that about your arrogance.” Her belly tightened at his surprised, pleased chuckle. “Is that all it takes for someone else to be the ruler? You missing for not even a year?”
His laugh lines faded. “We get attacks from so many hostile forces that it’s a must to always have someone sworn in.”
“Permanently?”
“Only when the original party proves to be unfit.”
“Define unfit.”
“Lack of a sense of responsibility for their court and their people. Getting drunk and deciding to abandon their court just to have an adventure.”
Him—or how he was portrayed. The way it worked made sense, but it also meant that it was that easy to be replaced. A younger sibling could just find a way to get rid of an older one to get to the throne, and…was that what Erin did?
“Earlier, you called her the future ruler. And you are the crown prince. Where are your parents, the king and queen?”
“Gone,” he said flatly.
