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“Fuck off, Drazen,” I grumbled with a hint of amusement.
Once Izidora finished giving her mare attention, I suggested we select lanterns for the following day’s events before all the good ones were gone. Drazen led the way through the crowd until row after row of paper lanterns stretched toward the open doors of Ryza Citadel. They were a kaleidoscope of color, ranging from light hues that were cheery and bright to deep hues reminiscent of the night sky.
“What color is your favorite?” Izidora asked me, her eyes wide with the vast selection before her.
“I always get black,” I stated, lifting one so dark it swallowed up all the light around it.
“Last year I got a light blue,” Liliana said, standing on her tiptoes to gain a better view of the lanterns at the opposite end. “This year I think I might buy a green one.”
“What about you, Drazen?” Izidora asked.
“I’m leaning toward this red one,” he replied, selecting a scarlet color that reminded me of the blood I had spilled killing Izidora’s former guards.
“Wander until you find a color that speaks to you,” I encouraged my mate, gesturing for her to continue walking. With a wry grin, I dumped my armload of goods into Drazen’s unsuspecting hands and followed her away while Liliana perused the lanterns nearby.
Slipping my freed hand into hers, I allowed her to lead me through the people, some bent over the spread of lanterns, examining the color and quality and asking questions about the craft. Every time Izidora stopped to admire one, I took the opportunity to scan our surroundings for any sign of Kazimir. Some of the other Night Fae were huddled together off in the distance, but thankfully, there was no sign of the new king.
King Airre and Queen Immonen were picking through a set of pastel-colored lanterns a dozen feet away, and I greeted themas we approached. “Your Majesties, are you finding everything you’re looking for?”
“Oh, yes, these hues are lovely,” Queen Immomen enthused, then turned to kiss Izidora on either cheek in greeting. “What color are you thinking, dear?”
Izidora lifted a single shoulder, then dropped it, her focus on the array of paper lanterns. “I haven’t seen anything that I’m drawn to yet.”
“I think I know just the one for you. It was a few stalls back,” she exclaimed, tugging Izidora by the hand through the crowd. I kept a watchful eye on them as they lifted one after the other, examining them and chatting merrily as they did so.
I took the opportunity to speak to the king of the Crystal Realm without our mates around to distract us. “So, King Airre, I’ve been meaning to speak with you alone regarding King Kazimir, but I’m afraid my other duties have kept me quite busy.”
“Oh? What about him?” King Airre responded, his attention divided between the lanterns and me, in an attempt to dissuade anyone around us from listening to our conversation by making it appear unimportant.
“Yesterday, after we returned from the hunt, he attacked Izidora.” I allowed the words to fall with a seriousness that befitted them, my voice hardening over each word.
King Airre sucked in a sharp breath, subtly shaking his head after. “Did he lay hands on her?”
“Yes, he struck her across the face, then forced her to the ground and choked her.” My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms as my fury flared anew.
The king’s head snapped up. “Is she alright?”
“She was badly shaken but managed to defend herself until Zuriel, the Angel, came to her aid,” I replied.
“I have let many things slide during my reign, but one I have never condoned is violence against females,” the king of the Crystal Realm spat out, as disgusted with Kazimir’s actions as I hoped he’d be.
“He is the newly crowned king of the Night Realm, but I find it inexcusable as well.” Izidora and I had not been public about accepting the mating bond because of her worry that Kazimir would snap and do something crazy when he found out. But I knew the final card I needed to play to convince King Airre to break his alliance. Dropping my voice and leaning in so others would not overhear, I said, “Izidora and I have accepted our mating bond. You can understand how difficult it is for me to allow him to wander the halls of our home unchecked.”
King Airre blanched, his lips drawing into a thin line before they broke into a grin and he clapped me on the shoulder. “Congratulations, King Ruslan. I am pleased for you both. I wish you all the happiness the Goddess has to offer. Being mated was the best thing that ever happened to me.” His attention turned to his wife, still poring over the lanterns with my mate a few stalls away.
“As with me,” I agreed, returning the gesture. “I hope we can continue to build relations between the Iron and Crystal Realms since we share such special bonds.”
He regarded me for a moment before answering. “I would like that very much. Would it be possible to arrange a… private dinner for the monarchs of Day, Crystal, and Iron tonight?”
The wicked grin I wanted to display remained hidden beneath my carefully practiced mask as I answered. “That can be arranged. Why don’t we dine on one of the balconies overlooking Radence? There is one with a lovely view I’m sure you would appreciate.”
“As long as you have some fires going. It’s too cold here,” King Airre chuckled, feigning a shiver to emphasize his point.
“Noted. I’ll send someone to fetch you this evening,” I promised.
Izidora and Queen Immonen returned moments later, both carrying lanterns. The queen’s was a light lilac shade that matched the color of her dress, and her husband immediately voiced his approval of her choice, kissing her until she shoved at his chest, claiming he would crush her selection.
Izidora returned to my side with a lantern so white that it nearly filled the whole courtyard with light. “It’s perfect,” I grinned down at her, tucking a lock of chestnut behind her ear.
