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Nobody is good enough
Wisteria
Itake deep, even breaths as I make my way to the fae council meeting room. A quick glance at my reflection in a window reveals purple eyes—my natural color. Good, there is no need for the council to know what I’m really feeling.
The council… my heart pounds a little faster as I pause outside the door.
A group of fae monarchs wait inside for me. Together, they are going to decide my future. As I hear them arguing with one another through the door, my stomach tightens. They can’t agree onanything. How are they possibly going to pick out a husband for me?
I twist the knob, only making it two steps inside when the fighting abruptly comes to a halt. The room grows silent and I watch as each monarch stands quickly from their seats and bow deeply to me.
I don’t acknowledge their bows as I make my way toward my father in the center of the room. He gives me a soft smile, but it’s the only greeting I get from him.
“Please, sit,” my father tells the monarchs.
I dare to glance at them once again. Even though I am familiar with every fae present—I see them at least once a week—I barely know them.
Queen Summer, ironically of the Winter Court, slightly bows her head in my direction. “Imperial Highness, we are honored to be graced with your presence.”
It’s nothing I haven’t heard before. Everybody is so formal with me. And as much as I wish I could insist they call me ‘Wisteria’, I can’t.
“Thank you, Queen Summer.” I don’t nod back. If I did, she would only bow deeper.
There are many fae monarchs. So many that not all of them can be at these meetings. Only the biggest and richest courts can have a say. Though, the council is more of a formality than anything. The true power lies with my father, Emperor Emrys. At least, in theory it does.
Father’s clear blue eyes land on me. “We’re discussing your future. Seeing as this meeting is about you, I thought it best if you were involved in the conversation.”
Myfuture.
This day always felt so far off. But now that it’s here, it feels like it came all too soon.
In four weeks, I will be turning twenty two, which is the proper age for a fae to marry. And despite the fact that the council has weekly discussed the topic of my marriage since my birthday last year, so far they haven’t agreed on one single candidate.
I hold my head high, not wanting them to see the storm brewing inside of me. “Have there been any developments?”
“I’m afraid not,” Father says.
Queen Carina of the Fire Court stands to her feet,inclining her head toward me. “If I may speak, Emperor Emrys, Imperial Highness.”
I want to sigh at the titles. They can call my father Emperor Emrys, but they refuse to call me anything except Imperial Highness. You’d think I was Empress already from the way they act.
Father motions for Queen Carina to continue.
“My eldest son just turned twenty two and he is single.” Her face lights up as she speaks. “My Florian is so charming. Ladies of my court just adore him. I do believe he and our Imperial Highness would make a wonderful match.”
I want to snort at the suggestion.
Florian is well known among the fae, but not for being charming. The guy is a player. He uses his good looks and title to his advantage, but I’ve never been one to be swayed by a pretty face. As for his title, even though he’s firstborn, everybody from his court is pushing for his younger brother to be named heir.
I don’t care what the council says, I’mnotmarrying her son.
Thankfully, I’m not the only one aware of her son’s reputation.
King Olette, of the Autumn Court, snorts loudly. “Don’t think fae monarchs are above gossip, Queen Carina. We’veallheard about your son Florian’s extracurricular activities.”
A laugh rings through the audience. If I hadn’t been schooled in how to hide my emotions, I might even crack a smile. But I stand there with a straight face, letting the other monarchs shoot down Queen Carina’s suggestion.
