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He glanced over his shoulder at me and glowered as if I were a rodent beneath him that needed to be squashed.
Talk about mixed vibes. One minute, he was protecting me, and the next, he was looking at me as if he couldn’t wait for me to die.
Despite my head screaming at me to take a step back, my feet had a mind of their own, and I stayed in place. This was how people wound up hurt: They put themselves in dangerous situations.
“It’s settled.” Quinley steepled her hands. “Prince Nolan and Princess Alina will be the royal competitors. In the next sun cycle, you’ll need to select another nine from each of your courts and submit them to the High Court so the list of competitors can be made official.”
So there would be twenty contestants, including me.
I’d spent the past seven years of my life in Stan’s gym, working out and training with him, but I’d never killed anyone, and the thought of doing so had acid burning my throat. How was I supposed to win if I couldn’t bear the thought of killing someone?
“That’s not the only decision that needs to be made,” Orla said, avoiding my gaze. “We need to address informing the people about Alina’s return. She should eventually look just like their beloved princess after she’s had time to acclimate. She had the golden ticket, so that’s the only thing that makes sense. The priestess wouldn’t mess up something like that, so we have no choice but to trust her. To prevent civil unrest, we need to tell them immediately.”
I couldn’t help noticing the way she’d emphasized beloved. I didn’t need to be “from here” to know she was worried they would usurp her and put me on the throne. Even if this world was real—not that I doubted it was all a dream—I would never want to be queen. I didn’t like people, and I didn’t want to worry about taking care of anyone but myself. I was certain that being queen required the complete opposite of that.
“I propose that when we leave here, we spread the word about Muir’s death and Alina’s return while she remains hidden here in Sambradh Castle.” King Kieran strolled back to his spot at the table. “If she’s present during the announcement, it could cause more turmoil.”
Orla bristled. “I agree. We announce Muir first and allow a pause to mourn his death. Then we talk about the trials and Alina’s return. We won’t reveal she’s joining the Comortas until we announce the other competitors. She won’t make her first public appearance until she goes to Rioghail Tower for the duration of the tournament.”
Caden snickered. “Another Summer Fae gone. I don’t understand why anyone would mourn.”
Head snapping toward him, Leanna bit her lip despite the corners of her mouth tipping upward as if to hide a smile, but she shook her head in disappointment.
“You’re truly a drafty to even consider saying that in our castle.” Dallas puffed out his chest, resembling a rooster before it squawked. “You’d best leave before I kick your ass for everyone to witness.”
“No need.” King Kieran ran a hand down his wrinkle-free tunic, his biceps bulging through the thick material. “We have nothing left to discuss.”
Drool might have pooled in the corner of my mouth, so I wiped quickly, not wanting anyone to see. Unfortunately, I found a bit of moisture, and I hated that he had that effect on me. He might be a king and a jackass, but he was also hot.
Quinley curtsied, staring directly at King Kieran, then rose and turned her gaze on Orla. “We should take our leave. All five members of the High Court will circulate the news of Muir’s death. Right now, I suggest you help Alina remember something so she’ll have a chance of surviving the first trial.”
First? The urge to flee grew stronger, and I shuffled back, damn near tripping and spraining my ankle again because of these blasted heels. Whoever had invented these atrocities was either a sadist or had molded their feet into a whole new form to wear them. Hell, I bet if I shucked the shoes and hiked up the hem of my dress, I could outrun all of them in their bougie outfits.
But then I remembered Orla’s wings. Dammit, she would definitely be able to catch me and was the most determined. If I didn’t take part in the trial, Orla would be required—or mandated, whatever the fae term was—to participate.
“Something is wrong with her.” Leanna’s brows furrowed, and her dark irises turned ebony. “Who retrieved her from Earth? Did they poison her?”
Finally! Someone showing concern for me.
“He,” I said and gestured to Dallas, “drugged me.”
“She’s being a smidge dramatic.” Dallas shrugged. “I merely added spirits to her drink, but as you can see, none of her fae side was activated, so it knocked her out. Unfortunately, she was as ungraceful before I spiked her drink, so I’m not to blame for this.” He motioned wildly at me as if that said enough.
Without thinking, I gave him the middle finger. I winced as soon as I’d shot him the bird. He was a prick, but knowing him, he’d take it as an offer.
All seven of them stared at me blankly.
“What is she doing?” Eamon smirked as if I were a comedian.
Orla tipped her head up at the vined rooftop, the vines coiled so tightly that not an ounce of sunlight filtered through. “I don’t see anything peculiar.”
I lowered my hand, my shoulders sagging. My attempt at an insult hadn’t hit the mark, leaving me defeated. I lifted my chin, refusing to feel inferior to these pranksters. I could at least have a little dignity. “Made you look,” came out without approval.
Quinley’s brows furrowed together, and she leaned away from me, looking at me like I was the strangest creature she’d ever seen. She glanced at Kieran.
His steely gaze was locked on me, his lip curled, reinforcing exactly what he thought of me.
Worthless and odd.
