Page 206 of The Edge of Darkness

“I don’t want this,” he said quietly—too quietly. “I wasn’t meant for this role.”

“You know, I’ve always heard stories about those who craved power and authority. Some took it by force when the opportunity arose. Some came into it through succession, and it corrupted them even further than they already were to begin with. But in the end, those who wanted it and sought it out, brought about their own downfall. What does that tell you about ruling?”

Breck remained quiet, considering my question.

“Do you know what that tells me? It tells me that those who actively seek out power and authority are often the least fit to wield it. Your cousin was not suited to rule; he didn’t know how to lead. He knew how to host a ball and get what he wanted through compulsion, not how to make important decisions when his territory relied on him. He was a manipulator, a coward, and a liar. That is not who you are, Breck. And despite our checkered past—though recent as it may have been—I respect you.”

“Thank you.” He didn’t say anything else. He didn’t need to. I knew he had already anticipated having to assume the role the moment Elspeth said Killian was gone. His heart, however, would need a little more convincing. And that would take time.

He straightened and pocketed the letter. “I’ll head to The Veil. The guards switch patrols at sundown, so I’ll catch them as they’re swapping out.” He paused. “You can, uh, make yourself at home while I’m gone. Just . . . keep a glamour on. I’d hate for someone to see you wandering around by yourself and start spreading word that the High Lord of Calledan has taken over the Woodland Court.”

“Now wouldn’t that be a fun little rumor?”

His nervous laugh filled the silent space, and he lingered where he stood, watching me warily, as if afraid to leave without hearing me promise I wouldn’t do something mischievous just for the hell of it.

“Trust goes both ways, Breck,” I said, lifting a brow as I slid my hands into my pockets.

The corner of his mouth twitched as he nodded. “Right.”

Gods, I usually enjoyed making others uneasy with my presence, but now that he and I were caught in this strange dynamic, it was taking all the fun out of it.

I turned toward the door, but before I reached it, I looked over my shoulder and said, “I’ll stay hidden.”

The Woodland House was indeed a maze, and much larger than I’d previously thought it to be. Breck had been gone for over an hour, and I’d spent that time glamoured, meandering the halls, until I’d found myself in the guest wing, where the familiar walls full of candle sconces and wooden doors greeted me.

One door in particular stood out amongst the rest. The floral wreath still hung on the off-centered hook, and the petals were now shriveled and dry, with over half their substance lying on the floor.

I dropped my glamour and grinned as I placed my hand on the doorknob and turned it.

Everything was just as we had left it. A hint of Auren’s scent still lingered inside. I crossed the room and paused in front of the hearth, in the very spot where I’d almost pulled her into my lap and kissed her. She’d been wearing a silky night gown that hid absolutely nothing, and I’d never had to leash my desire like that before.

Want a taste? I’d asked. But gods, it had been me who wanted to taste her.

When I lifted my eyes to the bed, I smiled, recalling the night she’d drank too much elderberry liqueur and asked me to stay with her. I ran my hand over the chair I’d sat in that night. It had been a horrible night’s sleep, and I’d woken with one hell of a stiff neck, but taking care of her and making sure she was safe had been worth it.

I was in the midst of recalling another memory when someone cleared their throat from the doorway.

“It’s done,” Breck said.

“Any problems?”

He shrugged. “Just a momentary lapse of all judgment and common sense on the guards’ part. They didn’t know what to do when they saw me approaching.”

“Damn, maybe I should have gone with you. I’ve always wanted to know how they would react.”

“Let’s just say they didn’t act much like guards as they did a bunch of idiots who couldn’t find their words or their swords.”

I chuckled. “Bet they’d been waiting their entire lives to see a fae in the flesh. Tell me you at least bared your teeth for good measure before you compelled them?”

“Was our goal to scare them to death, or gain an audience with the queen?”

“Pity that it couldn’t be both,” I muttered, earning a grin from him.

“So, what now?”

“I guess we wait until dawn. And pray that she shows.”

“And if she doesn’t?”