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“We will show the usurper what real monarchs look like,” she announced as her husband captured her arm to lead her out of the room. I always liked the queen, but statements in support of my claim and against Ruslan made me a lifelong fan. High Lords Aake and Mikko opened the doors for them, then fell into place as we marched to the ballroom.
Kaztar and I led the Night Realm’s entourage a few paces behind, just enough distance to appear loosely united rather than plotting an attack on the Iron Realm. The halls passed in a blur as I held my focus on the task at hand, until finally we rounded the corner to the richly decorated entrance of the ballroom. Soft silks draped the door, pinned in place by obsidian spikes, and on either side rows of perfectly polished guards stood, backs ramrod straight, against the walls. They didn’t even blink as we passed them, and a wave of hatred washed over me at Ruslan’s clear display of mistrust and arrogance.
The reception line spilled out the door, and Queen Viktoria and King Consort Geza were already in it.
Perfect timing.
I strained my ears to hear the words she spoke to a few of the nobles of the Iron Realm, but her voice was lost amid the dim roar that echoed in the cavernous room beyond the metal doors.She disappeared beyond my view, moving deeper into the space where I assumed Ruslan and Izidora waited.
Endre grasped my shoulder and leaned forward to speak in my ear. “Get through this ball without pissing off Ruslan and getting us all killed. Or getting pissed off and killing Ruslan.”
Before I could respond, Viktor added, “You want Izidora to remember who you are, and acting…Irrationallywill not help. Either way, let’s get out of this alive, yeah?”
He wanted me to contain the binding magic that slumbered within my chest, ready to fight at the slightest provocation. “I am planning on controlling myself.”
We entered the ballroom, and a line of noble Iron Fae waited to greet us.
Fucking bastards.
They got to chain Izidora in a cave for twenty-one years and then show their faces like nothing had happened? I still couldn’t comprehend how Izidora was so willingly hanging on Ruslan’s arm after what the Iron Fae did to her. None of this made any sense, and I needed answers. Ruslan clearly had some sort of power over her that was making her act this way. It was the only explanation.
The first of the lords of the Iron Realm dipped his head, and I gritted out my pleasantries, not listening to his response as I concentrated on the sweet sound of Izidora’s voice as she greeted Queen Viktoria. Her words were indistinguishable, but I would recognize her tone across lifetimes, the sound of home always calling me to her.
Behind me, Kaztar and Domi redeemed my coolness with polite flattery.
I reached the High Lords, two young males whom I had not met before. They regarded me with vicious intent. One licked his lips as if he anticipated a delicious fight breaking out later. Something between a grin and a baring of teeth held my lipswide as I stepped up to them. I refused to bow my head, and they did the same as we locked eyes. “I don’t think I have met either of you before. I am High Lord Kazimir Vaszoly.”
“You haven’t. I am High Lord Slavian and this is High Lord Anton,” the blond male said, gesturing to the deeply tanned male to his right.
“Which houses do you belong to?” I asked politely, though I couldn’t care less who they represented. My focus was on reclaiming my mate, standing mere feet from me.
“I am House Vitali,” Anton replied.
“Ah yes, I remember your father from my last visit to the Iron Realm. How long ago did he pass?” I feigned a hint of sadness.
Anton’s eyes flashed as he snarled, “Don’t pretend like you care. You only want to know how long I’ve warmed his seat.”
I raised a brow but said nothing as I turned to Slavian. “And your house?”
“House Romanuk. I remember your father from his last visit to the Iron Realm. Why are you here in his stead?” His words were barbed and aimed to wound. Grief that gave way to rage surged through my veins, awakening the binding magic in my chest, but I held my expression firm, shoving my desire to strangle him down for a later time.
“He died during the attack on Este Castle. I am the Head of House Vaszoly now.”
Anton’s face went wolfish, and I swore his eyes flashed yellow momentarily. “Welcome to the club of young High Lords. We’d love to take you out during your time here and show you the best spots to find willing females who would do anything to bed a bachelor Lord.”
I assessed the two standing before me, and it was clear they were used to getting their way, their cocky arrogance on full display to the world. “I’ll let you know if I grow bored in Ryza Citadel. If you’ll excuse me.” I quickly extracted myself from theconversation, avoiding the temptation to punch them in their smug faces as they suggested I forget about Izidora for a more willing encounter.
As I greeted the remaining High Lords, Queen Immonen’s airy voice drifted down the line from where she and King Airre spoke with Ruslan and Izidora. “...your circlet is gorgeous! King Ruslan, you must allow us females to have a spa day while the males get together. Your future wife needs to look her best on your wedding day!”
Bile rose in my throat at her false praise, but she was certainly adept at getting what she wanted, because Ruslan acquiesced. “While my mate is already stunning, I cannot deny the request of such a kind queen. Princess Izidora and yourself will find much common ground in that regard.”
“You are such a gem! I cannot wait to get to know you better, Princess Izidora,” Queen Immonen finished with a kiss on either cheek.
“Likewise, Queen Immonen,” Izidora responded in kind, her warmth toward everyone but me like a punch to the gut.
Only a few Fae remained between my mate and me. Hearing Ruslan voicing his claim to her over and over cut deep into my soul, for I knew she was mine and not his. My binding magic agreed. But I gritted my teeth and steeled my spine against it as High Lord Tukka finished with them, then I took the final step toward her.
I ignored Ruslan, instead taking Izidora’s hand in mine and caressing it with a featherlight, sensual kiss. Her pulse fluttered in her wrist as I pulled my lips away. “Izidora, I am so happy you are safe and sound. We unanimously proclaimed you queen despite your absence. We eagerly await your return, as do your people, who love you dearly.”
