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“Your mother was an elf. Which means that you, my daughter, are so much more than just a mere fae. You are a hybrid of both elf and fae blood.”
Wisteria
A hybrid.
I am a hybrid.
A hybridelf.
The only thing that keeps me grounded is Stellan’s hand around my waist. He never falters. He just sits there, silently taking in my father’s words.
“Ahybrid?” King Basilicus stands from his chair. “Youhave no idea what the blood of a hybrid will do to the royal line of dragons.”
“Dad,” Stellan says sharply, giving a quick shake of his head.
King Basilicus immediately backs down, sitting in his chair. He turns his attention to my father. He masks his anger, though I doubt he tampered it down that quick. “So this is what you came to tell us?”
Father nods. “Yes. And I wanted to warn you that the fae monarchs are still looking for a way to free Wisteria from the contract. Her mixed blood is of no consequence to them. They want Wisteria as their empress.”
I stiffen at his words.
“That’s not happening.” Stellan’s voice is low and menacing. When I glance up at him, I see that his eyes are solid black, which means his dragon is close to the surface. Considering how much control he normally has, it’s a true testament to how much my father’s words upset him.
“Father, I’m not going back there,” I tell him, hoping to reassure Stellan. “When I said my vows to Stellan, it bound me to him. I know you can feel the magic that links me to him. Even if they were to nullify the agreement, I won’t ever be empress. My place is here now.”
“They are determined,” Father warns.
“What about Cypress?” I lean forward. “His magic is strong too. And he’s fully fae. Heshouldbe their ruler.”
Father shakes his head slowly. “We all know that his magic isn’t near the level of yours. He may be strong—for a full blooded fae—but your hybrid blood exceeds the limits of normalcy. The monarchs are determined to make the fae strong again. And they think you are the key to everything.”
To them, it’s all about strength and power. The fae crave it like a newly turned vampire craves blood.
“Regardless,” I say, taking a deep breath, “I’m not interested in being their weapon.”
“And I’m not going to let Wisteria go.” Stellan once again laces our fingers together, in a show of solidarity.
We’re in this together. Stellan isn’t going to make me face this alone.
I scoot closer to him until the sides of our thighs are touching. My father looks carefully between Stellan and me, his gaze eventually settling on me.
“Interesting,” is all he says, then he flicks his attention to King Basilicus as he stands from his chair. “I need to get back to my court, but I thought I should warn you. If the fae do manage to find a way to break the magic on the contract, they will do everything they can to free Wisteria.”
“Even if it means war?” King Basilicus asks, his voice low and menacing.
Father nods. “Yes. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
My father turns to leave the office. He pauses with his hand on the doorknob and turns toward me once again.
“I’m sorry you had to find out like this. I always wanted to tell you, but you look so much like your mother. It’s difficult for me to talk about.” His eyes fade from blue to gray. “Once word gets out, your grandparents will likely come looking for you. The elves are… fierce.”
Without any more explanation, he opens the door and walks out of King Basilicus’s office.
My grandparents? Is he talking about myelfgrandparents? He has to be, seeing as my fae grandparents are dead. Will they really come for me?
I turn to look at Stellan, not knowing what to say. I eventually settle with, “I’m sorry. I had no idea about any of this. I promise I would have told you the truth if I had known.”
“I know. You don’t need to make promises or vows—Itrust you.” Stellan gently cups my chin with his free hand. “Are you okay?”
