AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We were to make agreements, terms of his inheritance, if you will. It is a common request, and no small thing being that it has been centuries since an agreement has been done that unified the clans under one rule. As the one leaving the inheritance, I gave the terms. Once it is written, it is binding.
“My first term, was for Arion to always guard and defend my people as he would his own. Oh, the ways he twisted that. The second was to allow Skadinia a voice in my house. I should’ve also included that he was to abide her counsel.” The old man shook his head. “By the time I prepared to write a third term was when I realize the ink coating my quill was a wicked elixir.”
“Damn the hells.” From the back of the room, Mira covered her mouth, embarrassed she’d blurted her words out. “It’s just, apologies for the interruption, it’s just so conniving. He put on such a face for days, all with the intention to get you around that damn ink.”
Eldirard huffed with a touch of unresolved rage. “Yes. Conniving is one word. As my heir, and with me, the current king, unable to rule, he became the voice of Natthaven.”
“Why didn’t he kill you?” My question was brisk and a little callous, but it was what most enemies would do.
“Kinship.” Eldirard said like I should’ve realized. “Kinship bonds provide a level of protection. We are distant blood but blood all the same. Arion would not risk what your traitor risked, a cruel stain on the soul. It dulls affinities and creates a sort of madness over time. I’ve few doubts he would’ve been content to keep me in the sleep for centuries.”
“You were protecting him,” Livia whispered, looking to Skadi. “That was what you feared, if you did not stand with Arion he would harm your grandfather.”
The elven woman blinked. “Blood would not spill by Arion’shand. But he was not above using your traitor or the sea witch to make good on threats of ending his life. They were willing to kill my grandfather without hesitation.”
Eldirard kissed her knuckles. “I am ashamed I did not place my third term at the first. I should’ve protected you more.”
“What was your third term?” I asked.
“That Arion would never use Skadinia’s affinity for greed, pain, or hatred.”
The mist. I leaned forward. “Explain more about her. She will not speak to us.”
“My words will change nothing that has happened,” the woman said. “Why would I speak to you?”
“Skadinia,” Eldirard grumbled a warning. “My granddaughter has a beautiful affinity. It is clever, helpful, it is a true power that protects Natthaven. But it is not without consequence. Should she take to her darkness for pain, or suffering, or brutality, it takes from her more than anything.”
“Skadi,” Livia tried again to speak to the woman. “I saw the change when they forced you to take my bond.”
The faintest hint of a flush filled the elven’s cheeks, but she said nothing.
“Why is she so cold?” I snapped.
Eldirard sighed. “That is what I’m explaining. Using her affinity for such things hardens Skadinia’s heart and soul. It leaves her with nothing but indifference.”
Bleeding gods. “For good?”
“It can. After so long, cruel uses will leave her practically heartless.” He gave her an affectionate look. “But I’m confident this one will fade. I hear she was rather emotional when she thought the attackers would kill me.”
“Emotional?” Jonas said, voice dark and low. “She nearly killed my brother.”
The woman tilted her head, facing the prince. “You were trespassing.”
“That’s all you have to say?”
“Jonas.” Sander hushed him. “I’m not sure she can help it right now.”
“She cannot,” Eldirard said. “The darkness she used to move Natthaven for the battle of a greedy prince pulled her back a great deal. Not to mention how she was forced to destroy a bond of love.”
“It destroyed nothing,” I said through my teeth, taking Livia’s hand in mine with more vigor.
“Arion didn’t want her to fade, not too much at least,” Livia said. “I heard him telling Larsson not to push too fiercely.”
“Selfish reasons.” Eldirard sniffed. “She must be clearheaded in her acceptance to take vows with him.”
“I don’t understand why Skadi is not set to inherit your lands,” Livia said. “Tell me you are not afraid of queens like sea fae once were.”
I kissed her knuckles.
