“I quite like your sister, but I get the feeling she is not very fond of me.”
I should have known Violence wouldn’t be able to tame that inner voice that leads her. I can only pray that she wasn’t terribly rude and be thankful she hasn’t burned down either of the palaces.
“My sister can be quite temperamental. She’ll need time to come around, but eventually, she’ll warm up to you, I’m sure.”
“She looks just like your mother. I can see why your father is drawn to those types of colorings and features.” Dalziel pauses. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Please accept my condolences.”
My mother’s murder.
“I appreciate that.”
His boots slide from the table, smacking against the floor. Letting loose a long breath, he reaches for his wine, bringing it to his nose before gulping some down. Only when the glass has been drained does he set it down.
“Would you like some? I can have someone bring you a glass,” Dalziel asks.
“No, but thank you.” My chair creaks under me as I lean into it. In the back of my head, all I can hear is Violence’s pleading, angry demand.Don’t you dare take him away from me.“If we are being honest, could I tell you something that perhaps isn’t wise for me to share?”
“Shall we make a game of it? I’m fairly certain I can guess what you’re about to say.” He entwines his fingers on the table, sitting on the very edge of his seat. His weak smile flashes his perfectly white teeth that are in contradiction to his warm brown skin.
I arch a single brow. “I’m not sure that it will be such a fun game, but I have no qualms with it.”
“She’s in love with someone else,” he answers matter-of-factly.
My mouth drops open in surprise, the corner eventually twitching upward into a slight smile. He takes in my expression and nods slowly, the smile fading from his lips. As if to distract himself, he taps his fingers against his empty cup.
“Yes,” I eventually manage when I’m able to find my composure again.
“They always are.” With that, he turns in his seat to look behind him and snaps before pointing at the empty glass. In mere seconds, a servant is at our side, pouring wine generously into the goblet.
“Shethinksshe is in love. My sister is... sometimes challenging, but she has a soft heart, despite the iron exterior she presents. So she falls in love fast and hard. I think if we give her time, she’ll realize thisotheris not right for her. He cannot keep her safe nor take care of her like you can. And if not, perhaps you two can work out some sort of arrangement.”
“Yes, I fear that is all my future marriage will be. An arrangement.”
I close my eyes, listening to the slurping of wine. Perhaps I should have accepted my own glass. “Look, Prince Dalziel, I’ll be frank. Weneedthis alliance, and I will do whatever it takes to secure it. For the good of my court and my sister, whether she sees that or not.”
“You’ll make a good king one day.” He sighs. “I will take your sister’s hand in marriage. We will work out the details of her lover later. I will talk with my parents tonight; do not worry about them. Then I will come to get my bride in a month’s time, and all contracts will be signed. Fair?”
Hearing this allows me to relax slightly. A relief-filled grin stretches over my cheeks. “Fair.” I stretch a hand to him. Dalziel takes it and gives a firm shake. The tart scent of wine fills the space between us. How many glasses has he had?
“So, Prince Merrick... or shall I take to calling you brother?”
“Either is fine.” He could call me any foul name in the book, and I will gladly accept the title as long as it means we have their alliance.
“Do you plan on marrying any time soon?”
“Well, I’m sure I’ll have to sooner rather than later, but there are no prospects at this time.”
“Your father seems frail. Does he not? I mean, judging by our last visit, the Mad King is only getting... madder.” Another long drink of wine.
“My father’sconditionis being treated. However, I am taking all precautions as well as managing additional responsibilities should his day come.”
“He’s lived a long, cruel life.” He chuckles under his breath. “I wonder what it must be like to be Fae without bloodlines as strong as ours. We live for several centuries, while they’re lucky if they make it to two. Do you think you’ll be able to handle the powers that will be passed down to you?”
“Do you?”
“I’m sure I’ll learn to.”
“I feel much the same.” I allow myself to look out over the cliff this castle balances on and out to the water Valentina and I had played in hours ago. When I close my eyes, I can still feel the press of her body against mine. I yawn, rolling my neck and raising my arms overhead to play up my weary demeanor. “We should make plans to see each other again. I think this friendship could be quite valuable. But for this evening, I must excuse myself to rest before our long journey home.”
