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He gestured to me. “But then Lady Clemencia, Neve’s own lady-in-waiting, rode by, reeking of her signature snow lily perfume that my son is wholly obsessed with. She was unable to control her steed and clearly very fearful. With another riderless horse right behind her, I knew something was amiss. I managed to get control of her horse and commanded her to lead me here, and it was a good thing I did. You will need help if you all wish to survive this night.”
“As will you,” Prince Vale spat back. “You’re my father’s spy. How can I trust you? Why shouldn’t I spill your blood and mingle it with the rest shed here?” He continued to steady me, but one hand shifted to his dagger.
Lord Riis’s lips quirked up, ever so slightly. “I serve House Aaberg. Are you not part of that house, too, Prince Vale?”
“Obviously. But you have never worked with me.”
“You have never asked.”
Prince Vale didn’t reply, which I had to take meant that Lord Riis spoke the truth. The Warrior Bear had never sought the services of the spymaster.
“Fine . . . Leyv, will you help us? Will you be of service to your prince, rather than the king?” Prince Vale asked the treasonous words with hesitation. “Will you keep my secrets?”
“Yes, I will help you.” Lord Riis replied solemnly. “For a price, which we can work out later.”
A price. Those words . . . I wanted Prince Vale to deny the Lord of Tongues, but before I could interject, the prince nodded.
“Tell me, Leyv, what do you think we must do to survive this?”
“Word will spread quickly that Lady Neve killed the vampire. Too many common fae saw.” Lord Riis waved to the windows above, the same ones I’d seen fae peeking out of.
“There is no avoiding the storm her actions will bring down on the court,” the high lord continued. “The Laurents will seek vengeance, and your father will be all too happy to comply. Only one thing would stop him from killing her. Or worse. My plan will buy the lady time for a true escape. Perhaps she can strengthen her magic in that time too, so she will not be so defenseless.”
“Tell us already,” Prince Vale commanded.
“You wish to protect her?” the high lord asked.
“I do.” Prince Vale answered without hesitation. “I don’t wish her harm and will protect her from the events of this night.”
“There is only one way to save her life, Prince Vale. You must marry Lady Neve and give her every possible protection. That of your name, your sword, and your strength.”
I gasped, and the prince released me as if the Lord of Tongue’s words had stung him.
The gesture did not go unnoticed by Lord Riis, but he didn’t stop. “You must marry her tonight, before the High Staret of Winter’s Realm and as many witnesses as you can muster, so that not even your father can deny the union.”
“Riis . . . There has to be another way,” the prince said.
“No. She is commonborn. Worse, actually, a slave.” Lord Riis stared at me, but I barely noticed. I felt too cold inside, too much like this was a dream. “The only thing that can save her is a shield with the power to stand up to the king. You’re one of a handful of fae who are strong enough to do so in this kingdom. But will you?”
For a moment, no one spoke, perhaps no one even breathed. My eyes dropped to Anna, and she seemed to have turned to stone. For a moment, I wished I had too.
“Lady Neve, can you stand up?” Prince Vale asked.
I looked him in his eyes, but they gave away nothing. Clearing my throat, I rose on trembling legs and faced him. “This is crazy, Prince Vale, you don’t have to. You—”
He pressed a finger to my lips, and without another word, the Prince of Winter’s Realm dropped to one knee and stared up at me. “Neve, will you marry me?”
Dying to know Neve’s answer? What’s going on with Roar? If Prince Vale can really be trusted?
