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A part of me was grateful she was here, so I didn’t have to go through this alone. Another part wished she wasn’t here—that no one was here—to witness my father’s treason and his delight at how easily he could bend his only son to his will.
“Averee, I’ve made a mess of everything.” Taking a deep breath, I told her the truth about Raven, the suli map, and the Azurstone. She didn’t interrupt, even when she realized this version of the story was different than what I’d told her back at the Market of End. Then I recounted everything that had happened earlier about my father’s agreements with both Lila’s father and Commander Bloodbain to get soldiers and weapons for his attack on the Terrans. “The Steward of Kadden won’t join forces with Askeland unless I marry his daughter. My father refuses to delay. He wants to march on the city of Jetan in a fortnight.”
“You can’t do it, Jeddak,” Averee said, looking like she wanted to throw something. “You can’t go through with the wedding. If the king gets his troops from Kadden and his malarite weapons, a civil war will break out among the tribal kingdoms, leaving us weak and exposed when the Rathalans do decide to attack.”
“Have you not been listening? I don’t have a choice!”
“Yes, you do! Stand up to your father for once and quit?—”
“Stop it!” I shouted, slamming my fist into the wall. Averee had never wanted me to marry Lila, even before she knew of the king’s intentions.
Nya growled, but Kah remained silent. He knew what was at stake.
Averee’s voice softened, but she didn’t back down. “Do youwantto marry Lila?”
Maybe. No. I don’t know!It wasn’t that simple anymore.“Not like this.”
“Then don’t do it.”
“He’ll kill Raven if I don’t.”
“He’ll kill us all if you do.”
We stared at each other. Despite our combed hair and finery, all we knew how to do was fight.
One of the servants appeared in the doorway, breaking the tension in the room. “It’s time, Jeddak.”
I turned to leave, Kah on my heels.
“You’re making a mistake,” Averee called after me.
I know.
Music was playingin the great hall, indicating the ceremony was about to begin. The wedding was taking place on the large circular terrace near the dais that extended out into the open sky like a suspended stage. Inside, roaring fires were lit in metal basins along the length of the room, casting a golden glow on the Kovak elite who’d been invited to witness the union of the two great bear kingdoms.
The Kovak officiant and his bear waited on the terrace, facing in, while the wedding guests congregated in the hall, facing out toward the setting sun. Kah and I stood underneath the doorwayarch, between the two. Most of the Rathalans had repositioned themselves along the far wall, detaining Skyler and the girl Sora with them. Where was Raven?
Then I saw her. She was standing opposite me in the front row, beside Commander Bloodbain, who was holding a dagger to her side. She stared blankly at the floor, her eyes shimmering, unfocused. From here, it felt like Raven was within reach. As if at any moment, she would be the one stepping forward to take my hand.
Look at me, Raven.
Kah spoke when he saw my expression. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
What choice did I have?
A minute later, a hush rippled through the great hall. The guests parted down the middle, creating an aisle. On the far end stood Lila with her hand gently resting on Senna’s white head. She was a vision. Her snowy white gown fluttered in the crisp breeze that blew in from the mountains. White lace ribbons were braided into her blonde hair, which was twisted into an elegant bun. Her sweet, soft smile caused a fresh wave of wrenching guilt to wash over me.
Somewhere deep inside, I prayed this was just another illusion. Another trick played on me by the Forgotten Forest. Another way to tug at the strings of my heart.
Except, we weren’t in the forest anymore. This was real.
As Lila and Senna glided down the aisle, my eyes flicked back to Raven. She was still staring down at the terrace, her face tight, hiding any sign of her emotions. She must hate me. I wouldn’t blame her if she did. I’d lied to her, tricked her into coming here, and led her straight into the hands of the Rathalans. Now, I was marrying Lila, pretending like she didn’t mean anything to me.
The pink and gold hues of the dying sun lit up Lila’s cheeks as she paused underneath the archway beside me. When our eyes met, she blushed, biting her lip to contain her broadening smile.
“We now begin the blood oath,” the officiant announced.
I glared at my father on his throne, hoping he’d notice my silent plea to put a stop to this madness. But his cold eyes bored into mine, threatening to make this the worst night of my life if I disobeyed him.
