Page 38 of Of Masks and Fury

“You may have until the Day of Mercy. No more delays. You need a husband, especially now, with what’s coming.”

“You mean war.”

“What else could I mean?” So much conniving in his voice. If only I could read his mind.

“That gives you eleven days,” he said. “Surely that’s enough time to determine whichwonderfullord you prefer.”

Isi’s hands tightened in her lap. “That’s very generous of you.”

“To grant you this, I have conditions.” The king rose from his chair and circled around his desk. He stopped beside Isi’s chair, close enough that she had to crook her head back to meet his eyes. “You’ll spend time with each suitor. I want public appearances. Walks. Meals together. You need to make an effort.”

“I understand.”

“Genuine effort, Amarissa.” His hand landed on her shoulder, and his fingers tightened. I kept my expression blank, but inside, I was calculating steps across the room, how quickly I could take his head before his guards responded, how satisfying it would be to break every finger touching my woman.

His gaze flicked to me before returning to Isi. “Do you understand?”

“Yes, Father.” Her voice remained steady. “I look forward to knowing them better.”

“Good.” His hand slid from her shoulder to cup her chin, tilting her face up. The controlling gesture was designed to remind her exactly who held the power here. “You’ve been away too long, lost in grief and rebellion. It’s time to remember your duties. Which brings me to another point.” He released her chin and returned to his desk, settling back into his chair. “I want you to be the Lady of Mercy at all times. No public displays of emotion. No defying me in front of the court.”

“I—”

“The people need to see their princess behaving in a mature manner. I won’t hear any arguments about it.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Excellent.” He leaned back, his face loosening. “Enjoy your time in the village today.”

“I will.”

“Go now.” He shuffled papers on his desk. “I’m much too busy to play games with you. I’ve received troubling reports of more rebel activity far from our border. In our own land!”

My attention sharpened.

“They’re getting bolder,” the king said. “Raiding supply caravans. Attacking our patrols. They think they can challenge Caldrith Court with impunity.”

“How far along are you with the war preparations?” Isi asked, her voice carefully neutral. Her fists clenched briefly in her lap, adding a subtle bite to her question.

The king’s smile showed all teeth. “My first attack force will leave soon. I?—”

A guard cracked open the door. “Pardon, Your Majesty. Urgent message from the border patrol.”

The king grunted. “Wait outside. We’re nearly done.”

Backing out, the guard shut the door.

“We’ll hunt these rebels down in their wasteland and remind them of what happens when they challenge true power.”

He was talking about my kingdom. My people. Planning to attack Syllavar while I stood in his office pretending to be a hired guard.

“The borders will be secured,” he said. “Our lands will be protected. I want nothing less. And you, daughter, will be safely married to a man who can help maintain order while I’m occupied with military matters and…other things.”

“What other things?” she asked.

When he stared at her, I swore his eyes clouded before clearing. “Don’t trouble your pretty head about it.” He shot a wide-eyed look over his shoulder. “You’ve taken enough of my time. I have work to do.”

He waved a hand and lifted his pencil. “Go. You’ll accompany Lord Crestin on a tour of the grounds this evening. Tomorrow, you’ll have lunch with Lord Alfred. The next morning, after breakfast, you’ll sit in the parlor and have a pleasant conversation with Lord Finley. Be prepared to entertain all three of them daily over the next week.”