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"Peace is for the weak," muttered the redcap. "That storm might have taken out a chunk of their settlement along the seaside."
Hawthorne nodded as if considering this for the first time. "If the hurricane had been allowed to continue along its path, nearly half the coast would have been wiped out. Half the humans, half the problem."
"And what of the other half who would come with their best warriors and mages? What of the ripped up trees, coral reef destruction, and washed up fish? What of the delicate sea oats and the turtle eggs hiding within? Would you have us wipe them out as well?"
Rowan cleared his throat once more. "Wisely said, my king. The humans were once a threat, but they fear us now. It has been many generations since any of their rulers have made a move against us. And now you are marrying one of their own, a princess. I’d say relations are better than ever."
I nodded. There was no need to tell them exactly how my bride had come to our shores. Though needless to say, I didn’t expect the humans to send wedding gifts anytime soon.
Rowan continued on, inclining his head in deference to the redcap. "However, we will need the redcaps to continue their fierce defense of our shores."
The redcap narrowed his eyes but nodded. "There is no glory in defeating a weak foe. Bring us one worthy of our skills, oh king. Then we will prove ourselves on even footing."
"I trust you would." Unless I wanted this meeting to turn into a war council, I needed to wrap things up. "Hawthorne, deny the unseelie queen in the most politic way possible, but deny her all the same. I cannot meet with her just weeks after she has just taken such a hostile act without appearing to reward it. There is also the matter of these disappearances. I want those looked into… quietly." I glanced at two fae who had not spoken throughout the meeting, a brother and sister dressed in pale gray robes. My spies. Barely perceivable, one nodded. "I also agree that the redcaps must continue to fiercely defend our isle. No human vessels must be allowed to cross into our waters. If they try, drag them to the bottom of the sea or slay their occupants one by one. The choice is yours."
The redcap lowered his head. "Yes, my king."
It wasn’t wise not to give the redcaps something to do. I hoped this would continue to satisfy their bloodthirst. They were advantageous allies at war time, but during peace they could be difficult to control.
"We will continue to monitor the situation with both the humans and the unseelie. And on that note, are we ready to adjourn?" I was ready to return to my wine and stargazing.
Several heads nodded, and papers and chairs began to shuffle.
"You never told us about your happy news, king," Hawthorne prodded, returning to the subject of my new bride.
Rowan placed a hand on my back. "Yes, majesty, when are the nuptials? We know how you enjoy a good celebration."
Remus chimed in, "It’s been far too long since our last revel!"
Hawthorne listened with a gleam in his eye.
I tried not to let my displeasure show on my face. I wasn’t ready for Georgia to interact with the court. Our relationship was too tenuous. I had no idea what she would do or say.
There was also the threat of the unseelie. A revel would last days and bring in a myriad of visitors to our court. How many more would disappear during the tumult? How many secrets would slip through wine-soaked lips?
Curse my reputation. Of course, they would be expecting a party.
Still, I had to play the part. They had to believe I was merely blowing off daytime business. I was the hedonist king, and it was time to put on a show.
So, I gave them my best roguish grin, kicked my feet up on the table, and announced with bravado, "A revel to end all revels! On the next full moon, we will celebrate the engagement. I expect each and every one of you there. And no stuffy business talk."
"No, my king," several chorused, grinning back at me.
Thanks to Hawthorne and his rumors about soul rot, I couldn’t pass up this party. Not without losing my crown.
I only hoped tonight’s meeting with Georgia would go better than our dinner.
CHAPTER 18
The Stolen Bride
Ipaced outside of the Fae King’s study, unsure of whether to go in or not. Why had he asked me here tonight? Did he wish to harangue me for wandering in the woods after dark? Did he wish to discuss wedding preparations? I truly had no idea. The man was so hot and cold. I found I didn’t understand him at all.
Our first meeting had been nothing short of electric. Down by the pond, cast in moonlight, he had been equal parts seductive and charming. The magnetic pull between us had been undeniable. As much as I hated to admit it now, I had hoped my father would present him as a marriage candidate.
On our second meeting, I had been desperate, seeking my lost golden shell. He had taken advantage of my moment of weakness and deceived me. He had bound us together in this way I could not escape.
Then on our third meeting, he had turned into a monster. A fae. A bringer of storms and destruction. He had threatened my family and stolen me away.
