Maybe I should play with a knick-knack too. It might help me relax.
Her clinical tone had me on edge, as if she was reciting text from a book and not informing me that I had no control over my life because a male with power had decided to fixate on me.
“Instead of fighting him, you might run. That would also be unfortunate. For he would chase you, and he would destroy everything in his path. Again, once he caught you, in his anger, there might not be much left for him to claim.”
“All of this seems rather counterproductive.” My joke fell flat, of course. I went back to my bed and sat down heavily. “I don't understand the biological strategy behind creatures who kill their partners in fits of rage. How do you reproduce?”
She threw me a look. “I am gratified you're able to maintain your sense of humor. But only because you've never seen the bodies of your friends and family splattered on the walls as a High Lord ripped through them to get to the person he wanted.”
I grimaced.
“I saw it, Aerinne. And the High one is never punished. Because we are all taught to remain out of the eye of a Lord if we don't wish to bear the consequences. This situation is. . .unfortunate for you. You weren't taught.”
“What did I do wrong?” I asked finally. “How did I catch his attention?”
Nora sat, crossing her ankles as she considered my question. “It could have been anything. He wakes and is confronted with a halfling who burns as bright as the sun, and who doesn't fear him.” She shrugged. “There is no rational explanation for attraction, niece. Though as you come to learn from him, you may in time understand better.”
I feared Renaud. I feared him very much, thank you. But I understood her point. I hadn't groveled—I'd threatened him. I understood the potential allure of that, especially if everything bored you.
“You're telling me I can't fight. I can't run.” My throat went dry with fear and anger. “What can I do?”
“Submit.” She kissed my temple. “Submit and learn to navigate his instincts. When he is certain of you, his grip on your neck will loosen. When you have room to breathe, you may plan.”
I shook my head, exasperated. “Plan what? What can I do?”
“Either to stand at his side, or to kill him if you can, whichever is your goal. But you must be smart, Aerinne. And I am afraid, sweet child, that all paths lead you to his bed. Your maiden days are over.”
Heavy silence descended. I picked up a pillow, stuffed my face against it, and screamed. She waited patiently. When I was done eating pillow and straightened, she spoke again.
“How you navigate him going forward will mean the difference between the death and survival of our House. Perhaps the city. He is only newly awakened, after all, and will be more dangerous.”
“This is intolerable.”
Nora laughed. “Yes. When you dine with him, if he tells you he wants more from you than a night or a few, you extract from him a promise of protection. That is the first practical step to surviving becoming the concubine of a High Lord, and the least of what he should offer you in recompense for your bed. You may be young and a halfling, but you are the daughter of a deceased High Lord, and Lady to a House. You have rank, and traditionally, he is not supposed to treat you lightly.”
“I don't need his protection,” I snapped. “I’ve survived my enemies this long.”
Nora rolled her eyes. “You have no true enemies, girl. This little blood feud between Faronne and Montague is child's play. A diversion for bored toddlers.”
She rose and walked to the door. “You're lucky this is Everenne. I'd be more worried if we were in one of the Courts in the old realm. There are powerful Fae in this city, but none of them nearly as powerful as Renaud. He and I are the eldest here, which makes matters less complicated, though no less dangerous for you.”
My aunt paused at the door, opening it. “For what it's worth, I'm sorry, dear. You don't have an easy time ahead. Just remember—don't trigger his instincts to hunt. Redirect them to protect.”
So. . .redirect the powerful Old One I’m Vowed to kill, but who will probably wind up killing me directly or indirectly, while he is intent on seducing me. Got it.
Seems simple.
I almost jumped when Nora poked her head back into my room, her eyes unfocused. “Aerinne. . .once in warning, twice in punishment, thrice is death.”
I sat there after she left again. She must mean the Vow, and a good old-fashioned American three strikes and you’re out. But did she mean the magic would give me three attempts on Renaud’s, or allow three avoidances?
ChapterSeventeen
The summons to dine didn't come that night. I was happy to wait on the hope Renaud would forget. Stranger things had happened, especially when dealing with someone whose mind could skip back into the clouds without warning.
Lavendre refused to see me, and I'd been close to banging her door down.
“Leave her alone, let her get her bearings,” Juliette snapped, dragging me away from her sister's door.
