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“You’re just in time, Sire,” said Soryn behind us where Gollaya stood, surveying the room and watching me. “It took us three days rather than one to breach the walls and secure the city. I’d hoped to have things more settled when you arrived.”
“Your messenger arrived just today,” Gollaya told him. “Seems everything is well in hand.”
“Except that we don’t have enough prison cells to contain them all.”
“That won’t be necessary,” said Gollaya. He and his lieutenant strode across the room toward me and my brother.
Baelynn instinctively stiffened. I knew that he was about to do something foolish to protect me, as if he could, but I placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Baelynn.” When his gaze snapped to mine, I said, “I know the terms of the treaty.”
And now I knew that Gollaya hadn’t bluffed. Not at all.
I turned to face Gollaya. “I fully accept the terms.”
“No,” grated Baelynn. “Youcan’t, Una.”
Gollaya completely ignored him and held out his hand to Soryn. His second placed a scroll in his king’s palm who then handed it to me.
I unscrolled the parchment and swiftly read the accord, noting that he’d laid out the terms clearly in demon tongue. Hisoath to provide protection and peace to the people of Lumeria would continue, only if I remained in Northgall until I bore an heir. Our child would be raised to be the next monarch of both Lumeria and Northgall.
Finished reading, I exhaled a slow breath then marched to the steps of the throne dais and to the tall table which usually held refreshments when we were at court. When I turned, it was to find all eyes staring at me in wonder.
“Unless you plan for me to sign this in my own blood,” I said to Gollaya, “I’ll need a quill and ink.”
Soryn snapped at one of the soldiers, but I watched as Gollaya strode steadily across the room and up the steps, his mouth quirked in an annoying smile. He stopped before me and lifted his hand, brushing his fingertips under my upturned chin, his claws lightly scraping my skin. I managed not to shiver though the light caress was unexpectedly enticing.
“Such a smart female. I knew the gods would choose one like you for me, Una.”
I bristled at his arrogance, but somehow found myself blushing at the odd compliment.
A wraith fae walked up the steps and set a quill and inkwell on the tall table at my side then left the dais. I dipped the quill and signed my full name without much flourish then handed the quill to Gollaya.
I refused to look at him, knowing he likely wore that same smug smile. I looked at my brother.
“Baelynn.”
He stood there, his complexion pale. He shook his head.
“Baelynn. This is the way. I’ll be alright.” I managed to sound confident and convincing. For him.
We stared and I pleaded to him without saying another word. Finally, he cursed under his breath and marched up the steps. He jerked the quill from Gollaya and stared down at thedocument for several minutes. Finally, he signed it, dropped the quill, and then spun to face Gollaya, stepping close.
“If you harm her, treaty or not, I’ll come to Northgall and kill you.”
“Baelynn, please.” I grabbed his arm, trying to push him back, afraid he was going to get himself hurt.
“I’d expect nothing less,” said Goll, calm and steady.
I looked up at him, “Can you and I have a word in private now?”
Without waiting for an answer, I let go of Baelynn and quickly descended the stone steps, crossed the floor, and exited into the corridor. The guards there didn’t stop me, but simply watched as I crossed to a vestibule where there was a cushioned bench seat against the wall.
I used to sit here and look out at our kingdom, at our beautiful city. Now, there was nothing but blue torchlight and the faint chant of Goll’s name. They were still reciting his name in that deep, haunting mantra. He may have only recently taken over his father’s army, but it was obvious they worshipped him now.
I heard him step into the corridor and draw closer. I also heard the guards leaving their post, assuming he sent them away. At least he was being respectful enough to adhere to my wishes. I didn’t want witnesses for this conversation.
“I’ve signed your accord. And I will…give you what you want.” I turned to look up at him, his expression an frustratingly unreadable mask again. “But I have a demand of my own.”
