Page 114 of A Thread of Breath and Bone

A woman at the end of the row speaks first. “Welcome to Sorynth. We are the High Fae Council. I am Lady Takora.” She gestures as she lists off names. “Lord Theryn, Lord Durnen, Lord Meret, Lord Mikel, and Lady Cadence.”

There’s a coldness that radiates from the group. It isn’t the power of ancient magic but their heir of authority as if they’ve now had a chance to look at us and have found us lacking.

Raea bristles beside me, and I can tell she’s agitated.

“Well,” King Ariyan starts. “Prince Anders.” He looks toward me, ignoring Raea completely. “We have sensed you are Stormborne. Carys tells me you have been working on your magic?”

I swallow my frustration with the king and decide to play this politically. “I’m still learning, but I’ve had some help from the elders of a small island colony in my kingdom.”

“Ah,” he says as if he doesn't really care. “Yes, I did hear something about those lesser Fae in hiding.” A ripple of tension moves through the chamber. Even the guards stiffen. Then he grins. “No matter. Carys will look after your training. She’s more than capable.”

“Father,” Brynna says sternly. Carys looks upset as she glances at Riven, who subtly shakes his head. “Raea and Anders are to complete their Aethermark.”

The king’s eyes flash with cruelty before he plasters on a false smile. “Well.” He clears his throat. “One can never truly know there is a Bond until it’s completed. For now, he will train with Carys.”

He dismisses our Bond as if it’s a childhood whim, a secondary thought to the training he wants to control. He clearly wants me separated from Raea, but he’s forgotten one thing—I’ve spent my entire life navigating court politics I didn't understand to stay alive, to keep the evidence of my wrecked home from being brought into the light.

Whatever the Stormborne line truly is, and whatever power the king believes he can claim, he’s already misjudged me. My loyalty is not negotiable. It never has been. She will forever come first, above all else.

“King Ariyan,” Riven says, stepping forward. “I was told I was to oversee his training.”

The king’s eyes shimmer with unrestrained power. “Nice to see you, River.”

“Riven,” Carys interjects, hurt and anger flashing across her features before she quickly masks it.

“I didn’t even see you there,” the king finishes. “Well, since Anders falls under my jurisdiction, I choose who trains him. You know the Elven Council has no say.”

Riven nods and steps back into line with the rest of us.

The king stands, seemingly done with this meeting. It feels as if it were more of a power play than a true meeting. King Ariyan assesses me once more, then spins on his heel.

“Father—” Brynna starts, voice pleading. “Let me come home.”

The king pauses, his eyes meeting hers over his shoulder. “Absolutely not. Your punishment will not be easily assuaged.” With that, he marches back until he’s standing before us, chin raised as he looks down his nose at us.

I bristle, standing taller, my height higher than his.

“It was lovely to meet you,” the king says with false excitement, “but I’m afraid I must take my leave for another meeting. Do come again.” He nods to the council member at his side and then disappears out the door.

We stand before the six council members.

“Please keep us updated on their progress for both the Aethermark and their training,” Lord Durnen says. He’s the smallest man of the group and, by the looks of it, the kindest.

Carys agrees, though her eyes slide to Riven.

With that, they all stand, whispering as they leave.

Once the door clicks shut, Finn releases a long breath. “Well, who’s ready for dinner?”

Brynna glares at him, shouting she’ll meet us there as she storms off through another door.

Chapter 40

Ryker

Our party is quiet as we make our way down into the cave that has become a home of sorts. After today, I realize this place really is a sanctuary. Raea’s been quiet, unusually so. Normally, I can feel her emotions, especially when she’s broadcasting them, but right now, there’s nothing.

She watches, as if there isn’t a single thought swirling in her mind, but I know her. We follow Carys and Riven as they lead us down a hall and then up a set of stairs. At first, I thought they’d at least let us change for dinner, but guess not.