Page 80 of Of Masks and Fury

Pherin shifted on my shoulder, her tiny talons pricking through my gown. I felt her desire to launch at Alfred’s face, to show him what those delicate claws could do.

Love you,I sent to her, appreciating how fiercely she wanted to protect me.

She settled but remained tense, her head swiveling to track Alfred’s movements.

“I understand you’ve been taught some self-defense skills. Most ladies of the court stick to needlework and dance.”

My pulse jumped, but I kept my expression serene. “Commander Thorne felt I should be able to protect myself.”

“How wise of him.”

“He taught me to survive.”

Lord Alfred’s gaze flickered to Trew, then back to me. “One might wonder why he felt such training was necessary. What threats did he anticipate?”

I picked up my wine glass and studied the contents in the sunlight streaming through the windows on my right. “My father has enemies, as do all kings. I’m heir to the throne. Commander Thorne simply prepared me for what I’d one day face. This is hardly unusual.”

“You’re correct in that. I have also been trained to defend myself from various threats.” He leaned back in his chair. “Have you traveled much throughout the kingdom, Your Highness? Seen the territories where these enemies gather?”

“I’ve traveled some, though my father prefers I remain close to court.”

“Understandable, given the recent events.” He lifted the wine bottle and topped off our glasses. “I’ve found the southern territories particularly fascinating. I believe there are mysteries hidden there.”

My throat tightened. “Such as?”

“The wasteland, for instance.” His tone remained light, almost academic. “Strange how it appeared so suddenly sixteen years ago. One day, fertile land. The next, a barren scar across the lower part of their kingdom. It keeps advancing in a spotty way, even into their upper territories, and no one seems to know why. Some claim the land wasn’t destroyed but transformed, changed into something else entirely, as if hidden places exist where boundaries grow thin, like doorways between realms, and they simply…allowed the wasteland to seep through.”

I took a small bite of cheese, chewing slowly, while he watched me too carefully, looking for any reaction that might confirm whatever it was he was seeking.

“I was ten years old at that time. I don’t recall my tutors mentioning it. What old stories intrigue you most, my lord?”

He tilted his head, a faint gleam in his eyes. “I’ve read accounts suggesting there may be doors to other realms within this very continent. I believe that truth often hides in stories we dismiss as fantasy. Do you believe there could be doorways between realms?”

I’d passed through a door to enter the Rite of Bonds, and my grandfather had traveled through many, so yes.

“You’re teasing me, now.” I released a light laugh as if I was dismissing his story already. “That sounds like something from children’s tales.”

A stick banged against the window, and we both glanced that way.

“I’m afraid my education focused more on practical matters than ancient philosophy,” I said. “My father considered such pursuits frivolous.”

“Pity. Though perhaps he was right to focus on more immediate concerns. These are dangerous times, after all. Speaking of immediate concerns.” He set down his fork. “Your father seems eager to see you settled. Has he given you a timeline for choosing a husband?”

Something dark and probing rippled through my bond with Pherin, sharpening my sense of his intent, and her talons pricked harder into my shoulder.

“He’s asked me to make a decision within the week.” There was no harm in sharing this information. If I knew my father, he already had.

Alfred’s eyebrows rose. “Why such haste, especially given recent events?”

“A strong alliance would be beneficial during this unsettled time.”

“Protection comes in many forms.” His voice dropped, taking on an intimate note that made my skin crawl. “A strong alliancecould protect you from many things. Threats from without and threats from within.”

He could protect me from my father, or he could expose me to him, assuming he felt I had anything to expose.

“I appreciate your concern,” I said.

His eyes narrowed as he studied me. “Do you understand the precariousness of the position your father has put you in?”