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“We’re going home so I can talk to my father, but I’mnotleaving again,” he promises, then pauses. “And if my father tries to force me, I’ll just bring you with me.” He nods, like it’s the answer to all of his problems.
He takes off, heading toward home. But I don’t feel dread at heading that way.
Could Stellan really be serious about taking me with him? I think of all the places in the world I’d love to go but haven’t been to yet and my mind races with the possibilities.
This life may not be the one I was born for, but it’s so much better than anything the fae had planned for me. I would’ve been born, lived, and died in that stupid castle.But here, I am free. I have a life. And even if Stellan never loves me, I could never regret any of this.
Stellan
“What did you tell her about the attack?” Dad asks before I even have to chance to shut the door behind me.
“The truth,” I answer, taking a seat in the chair across from his desk.
His eyes widen. “Why would you do that?”
“Because I trust her.”
“Stellan—”
I cut him off. “She also vowed not to tell anybody.”
His shoulders slump, like he’s relieved. I guessheknows about fae vows, something I had no clue about until today when I felt her magic.
“Did you know that the vows she took at our wedding are binding for her in a way they aren’t for me?” I sit forward as I question him, carefully watching his face.
Dad nods. “Of course I knew. I’ve made it a priority to learn as much about fae as I can. If I had known you were going to be marrying Wisteria instead of her older sister, I would’ve had more time to find out about your wife. She’s a difficult person to get information on.”
I stand abruptly. “Don’t look into her. She’s fine, Dad. I trust her.”
His eyes widen as he looks at me. I realize I’ve probably overreacted, so I scoot my chair back into position and sit down.
“You like her.” Dad sits back in his chair.
“I didn’t expect to like her.” I look away from my dad, not wanting to see his scolding expression. “But she’s really easy to like. There is just something about her that I can’t explain.”
Dad nods, like he’s not surprised. “I’ve been thinking about that—about her charisma. Whatever it is, it’s not just fae magic.”
That has me looking up again. “What do you mean?”
“The magic that she uses is strange—different than even her father. And while I don’t know much about Wisteria, I do know that she has to be the strongest fae that has ever existed. Fae don’t want anybody to know, but their magic has been lessening over the years. They revere Wisteria as a kind of deity—a savior, of sorts.”
My jaw drops open at his words. “What? How? Why?”
“That is what I can’t figure out,” Dad says, shaking his head. “I’m trying to find information, but it’s nearly impossible. Even Emperor Emrys is tightlipped about it. I suspect it has something to do with her mother, though she is a mystery.” He taps his fingers on his desk. “Which is what I’m hoping you can help me with.”
“Help you how?” I ask warily.
“Find out whatever you can about Wisteria’s mom. Whatever you can learn from her.” Dad leans forward. “I’m still trying to find a way out of the contract so you will be free to marry your soulmate when you meet her. This may be the key.”
I shake my head. “No.”
“Excuse me?” Dad’s eyes snap to mine and I can see anger flash through them.
“No, I won’t help you get out of the contract—not now. Wisteria made unbreakable vows to me and it wouldn’t be fair if I broke mine to her. I don’t care what happens, it’s too late now. I’m married to her and that is that. When I meet my soulmate, you’ll just have to send her away. Because Wisteria is it for me.”
“You don’t mean that,” Dad says. “You haven’t metyour mate yet. The bond… it’s not going to be something you can walk away from.”
“I don’t care.” I stand from my seat, giving my dad one last look through narrowed eyes. “I willnotdo that to Wisteria. And if you try to break the contract, then you can raise Evander to be the next heir. I won’t stay here and listen to this.”
