Rev
“Arlan will take theLuminescent Court throne when I am crowned High King, and he will never be asked to rescind it. That is my offer.”
For the first time in my life, my father looks shocked.Not father,I remind myself. He has never truly been my father, not even in heart. I wished and prayed and fought for him to love me, but never once was he proud or caring. That won’t change. That’s one dream I know I will never achieve. But I can impress him. I can absolve some of his hatred and give him something he deeply—perhaps desperately—desires. He doesn’t deserve it, and it almost pains me to do it, but a good politician puts aside petty disputes to make necessary deals.
This is necessary.
“You are saying,” the King of the Luminescent Court pauses, eyeing me suspiciously, “that you will rescind your right to my throne... for a parade.”
I snort. “Not exactly. I want an alliance. I want open support from the Luminescent Court. I do not want to be High King and be opposed at every turn by my own kingdom.”
My father considers me. Arlan’s eyes are wide, his expression softer than I’ve ever seen it. He looks... hopeful.
Arlan speaks, his voice deep and measured. “I do not intend to oppose you as High King.” He clasps his hands together. A nervous habit. “I am surprised, though, that you would not want to become king of our court.”
“Since the day my brother died, my goal has not been to rule this court. It has been to earn respect and become the High King of the realm. After one hundred years as High King, I don’t see why I’d need to rule again.”
“This also means your children will have no claim to the throne.” Arlan leans back, his gaze scrutinizing.
I bite the inside of my lip, then I nod. “I believe that makes the most sense, given the circumstances.”
The Luminescent Court King leans forward. He’s shocked once again, but his expression cools quickly. “I know what this is about.”
My eyebrows rise, but I keep my expression schooled. “Do tell.”
“If you make that Shadow witch the High Queen, I swear—”
I hold up my hand. “Caelynn will not be publicly linked to me while I am High King.”
He narrows his eyes. “Then, you intend to join her court after your rule?” His tone is calmer, but there is still clear disdain.
I nod.
The room remains utterly quiet for several more moments. “You expect us to align with the Shadow Court? You expect the people to simply forget her indiscretion as you marry the shade bitch that killed your brother? My heir. My son!”
I press my lips together tightly, working to control my reaction. This time, I will let his insults pass. “I understand why that is uncomfortable for you. I don’t ever expect you or the people of this court to love Caelynn or be happy when I leave behind this court for hers. But this is a fair agreement, and you know it. The Luminescent Court will have a High King. I will work for and with this court. And you will have your rightful king and future heirs.”
“You ask for little in return,” Arlan responds. “It’s a fair deal.”
The king’s lip curls in disgust. “I hate you. I have always hated you.”
“I know.” I lean back in my chair. “But this gets us both what we most want. Sacrifices must be made in any negotiation. I don’t ask for your love and acceptance. I only ask—do you agree to my terms?”
The king takes in a long deep breath and then releases it slowly. “Let us prepare a parade for the new High Heir.”
