“Because I watched himmurdermy parents for caring about their half-blooded staff and their Shadovar friends years after he placed the ban. They made the mistake of keeping the knowledge of their Shadovar friends a secret and were then labeled as sympathizers. I watched his eyes glaze over with madness as his guards cut off their heads. He made me stand there, begging for him to stop, and said he used them as an example in case I had any ideas as a new duke. I decided to help those who want to flee from this realm after witnessing everyone I loved die, and I’ll continue to do it until my own head is rolling on the floor.”
For a moment, my heart stops as I hear one of the many senseless acts King Elion committed all because he was angry with my mother. Was she really the reason he snapped or was it always bound to happen? Silence passes between us before I give him a small nod.
“I’ll keep your little secret to myself if you keep mine, and I’ll agree to be there should you need it if you do the same for me. Now that you’ve sniffed out whatever it was through that nose of yours.”
Because now I have more than who’s necessary knowing what blood runs through my veins, and I can’t risk Elion finding out that I know through a duke. Ekrin could be beneficial if I were to use him in the future, for whatever plan I decide to brew later. Who knows how far my mother’s mission will go, but I have to prepare for anything.
“I don’t like to repay debts,” he warns.
“It’s not a debt…” I glance over my shoulder, finding Ren leaning against the frame with a scowl on his face. “Call it even.”
Ekrin chuckles, suddenly yanking me to his chest, my lips parting in surprise. His mouth hovers over my ear.
“You want an alliance? Fine. I’ll even keep to myself how someone of such royalty lives under the roof of her largest enemy, or—” He stops himself, and I stiffen. “Should I say more? There’ssomuch I discovered just by scenting you. Your blood is rich and dark, yet light as the air we breathe. Ithumswith power. I wonder what that mate of yours would do…” He casually glances at guests who continue to dance inside, seemingly unaware of who stands on the balcony.
My eyes go wide as I reach back, feeling the mark in my hair to ensure that it’s secured beneath my thick waves. His brows pinch.Did he see the mark of Aurelia?He couldn’t have—it’s hidden.
“I don’t have a mate,” I mutter, stepping out of his hold.
He tilts his head with a smirk. “I guess that means you’re available then. If that’s the case, I would like to formally ask for your hand in marriage, Sensa Blackwyth.Ifthat’s your real name.”
A small grin tugs at my lips. “I’m already spoken for.”
“Are you? I don’t see a ring on your finger, and you’re clearlynotmated.” He narrows his eyes, assessing me again before briefly glancing at the doors. “Why not create the best alliance through a marriage bond? We could change the world.”
“You’re only interested because of what runs through myveins. Nothing more,” I say, and his pale green eyes narrow in assessment, as if I’m a prize to behold—something precious.
“That would be a perk, wouldn’t it? Though that’s not why I ask, because I have a feeling you are incredibly…. important. But out of everyone I’ve met, you are by far the most captivating. And although you’re really good at lying, you’re the only one that has ever given me such aninterestingconversation. And that really intrigues me. You’d be an incredible asset, and we could make the perfect team since you clearly sympathize with… them, don’t you think?” he mutters, refusing to say those specific words out loud. “I have a thing for the mean ones. It’s always been a flaw of mine.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I purr, giving him a once-over. “I got it from my mother.”
He gives me a slow smirk, and the way his pale green eyes hold mine—like heknows—makes my smile falter. My breath catches in my throat. He couldn’t know just by scenting me… could he?
“Just think about it,” he murmurs, casually tucking his hands back into his pockets.
“I don’t need to. I’m not interested,” I say cooly, somehow managing to hold my composure as I walk toward Ren, my dress sweeping across the cold stone. My side grazes him before looking over my shoulder at Ekrin, who leans against the railing with a hungry, knowing look on his face.
“What did you do?” Ren asks quietly. The look on his face tells me that he’s heard at least some of our conversation—but how much?
“I just formed our first alliance.”
The next morning, I chose not to wait for Karina to send someone up to my chambers. Already awake, I secured myweapons to my waist, gathered the borrowed items, and took them to her.
Now, as I step into the hall, my attention is quickly drawn to King Elion and Ren striding past with Theron closely behind. Elion’s eyes land on me. He halts a few feet away and motions for Theron to remain at the corner of the hall. The gesture is clear—he intends to have a private chat with me. Ren remains silent behind Elion’s left shoulder.
I bow. “Your Majesty.”
“Isa, I just sent Theron to your chambers, but you weren’t there. I’m curious, what did you find out last night?” he asks.
Looks like we’ll be discussing this in the hall, but okay.
I lift my chin. “I believe the rumors being spread about Duke Ekrin Highcrest have something to do with his previous childhood relationship with a Shadovar. But once the ban was put in place, it was clear to me that he remained no contact with those of the other realm. He even expressed great interest in finding a duchess of Elderheim, mentioning the most recent proposals he’s received from all over the realm.”
He grunts, stroking his jaw for a moment. My hands remain clasped tightly behind my back, steadying myself under his piercing gaze.
“I agree,” he mumbles. “That would explain why he asked for your hand in marriage, which came as a shock to me, but that just told me you did your job correctly for once.”
I straighten. “He did?”
