I swirled the amber liquid. “I will pass, your highness.”
Grunting he spun back towards the bar cart. “Did you know that my father and your mother were allies once upon a time.” He shot over his shoulder.
“Once upon a time ends with a happily ever after. This is no fairy tale.”
He turned, his hip resting against the cart and a new drink in hand. “It could be. We just need to restart once upon a time.”
I tilted my head, studying him in all his bronze godliness. “You are still seeking an alliance with me?”
“I am.”
“To save your people.” I said dryly.
“To save Faerie.” He amended. I could see something else in those golden depths, something I’d seen before, something that made me nervous.
“Is it even worth saving anymore?” I muttered.
“If you're in it, then yes. Yes it is.”
My eyes met his and the intensity between us caused us both to take in ragged breaths. Alliance or not, in this moment we were ensnared. Irrevocably.
My shadows burst forth and snatched up the scroll when the large wooden doors swung violently open.
Emon turned with a vicious growl, murder in his eyes at the shifter barging forth.
“Sire! You are home at last!”
Chapter 41
Icouldnotcontrolthemurderous growl that escaped me as the doors flew open even though I knew exactly who had come. From my peripheral Remnant’s shadows had snapped up the scroll and she had returned her gaze back on the fire, deciding to ignore me and the newcomer.
I turned to the one fae I had trusted to make sure Finlandia stayed safe while I was gone.
“Eshe, I believe knocking would have sufficed. I may have been gone a long time but I do believe that courtesy still remains despite the fact.”
I didn’t fail to notice Remnant tensing in her seat.
My steward sauntered in, her long blonde hair swaying with each long stride towards me.
“Forgive me sire.” She delivered me an unapologetic grin. “I was eager to see you for myself after learning you have returned.”Her yellow-green eyes shot behind me and she glowered. “I see you have met ourguest.”
Remnant snorted and took another sip of her drink.
Choking back a laugh, I folded my arms over my chest and stared at Eshe ferally until her eyes drifted away from mine.
“I am pleased that I did not find my invited guest and ally in the dungeons, Eshe. I do believe that was your intention.”
Her eyes rounded and she glanced back at me, a dark blush stealing over her cheeks. “Sire, had I known—”
“Butyoudid know!” My hand sliced through the air. “Her clemency was granted before I even left these lands, Eshe. Not to mention, Penina reported that she warned you.”
Eshe’s blush deepened. “Your majesty—.” She stammered.
I growled and folded my hands over my chest. “I left you in charge because out of all of us you are the most impartial. Rarely have you ever let your emotions override sound decisions. Something this kingdom desperately needed while I was gone. Was I wrong in my judgment, I wonder?”
She inhaled sharply, her eyes snapping up to meet mine with strong resolve. “No your majesty.”
“Good. Is there anything else of immediate concern that compelled you to barge into my private quarters?”
