Page 77 of The Faceless Queen

Brennan shook his head. “It’s difficult. They may look like any other woman. But there are … tests,” he said, his voice filling with disgust. “That can be administered. I have not witnessed one myself, so I cannot say how effective they are. Many, however, eventually make themselves known—from what I’ve been told.” He frowned. “Are you worried now that I’ve shared this with you? It was not my intention to cause you concern.”

He was holding back. But I couldn’t tell if it was because he did not wish to tell his bride he’d encountered the Azete himself, or because he was unwilling to reveal any more secrets of the hunt to someone who was not yet of Eskalon.

All I knew was that I had to remain vigilant. To keep everyone from looking my way. And when this was over, when the prophecy was fulfilled, more than my people would be free.

The innocent women of Eskalon, those accused of being witches and forced to face unnecessarily cruel trials, would be free as well.

I shook my head. “No, I’m not worried. I feel safe with you.” And despite the topic of our conversation, something released in my heart. Like I’d spoken a truth. “I thank you for telling me,” I managed.

“Of course,” he said. “I want you to be made aware of all things that I am. All dangers and problems, as well as celebrations. We’re going to be partners in this. You and me. And no matter what, I will protect you.” His eyes met mine, the green blazing, and I realized then, just how close our lips were to each other. He leaned in toward me.

The water shut off in the bathroom, and Abigail’s movements could be heard echoing against the interior walls.

Brennan coughed. “I should leave you to eat and dress, and uh, stop bothering your morning.”

I squeezed his hand. “And you need to prepare for the tourney so that you can win and defend my honor.”

“That I do.” His gaze intensified. “And I will,” he said, just as a stream of desire began to flow from him to me. He bit his bottom lip and released a small waft of fresh mint. “Is it too bold of me to say that I like seeing you in the morning like this? Your hair still messy, your eyes … still full of sleep.”

My heart thundered.

No, it wasn’t, because I liked it, too. Seeing him, being with him, and speaking to him. I wanted him in the morning, and I wanted him at the end of the night. I wanted all of him. His mind, his body, his soul, even if he was sending his men to hunt for me.

He will die.

“Well, we are to be married,” I said, trying to lighten the situation.

“We are,” he agreed, and when I said no more, nothing to assure him that I too liked seeing him in the morning–he released my hand. The stream of his emotions stopped. His desire gone, replaced by guilt once more.

Thoughts of Samara. Of me. There was an image in his mind—a hazy one. Olivay and him lying in bed. I knew it was her, but her image was unclear, like he couldn’t yet see her features when he closed his eyes, despite the fact that I stood right before him.

His eyes darkened, the image vanishing, and he looked away.

“Brennan, wait,” I said. “I …” Gods, forgive me. “I look forward to those mornings with you, too.”

His lips quirked into a smile. And he was beautiful. Radiant.

A feeling of relief clouding around him—strong enough for me to feel—but not to feed.

“I’m glad to hear it,” he said. “For I’ve been told that marriage can be quite awkward when only one is happy, and the other always bothered and annoyed.”

I laughed. “That sounds truly awful.”

He straightened his cloak, pushing it over his shoulder, the golden thread of House Lafir shone in the sunlight. “You know, I’m glad. I feel as if I’m beginning to get to know you better.”

I don’t … love her. But I mean to. Love will come. I just don’t know her yet.

I swallowed, knowing exactly what he meant, and more than afraid that I, myself, was already too far past such things. I did know him. And cared so much more than I could ever admit. By the Gods, I was damning him every second we spent together.

But I was damned, too. More than he knew. So I smiled back.

“I’ll see you out there, my Lady of Beauty.” Brennan bowed, opening the door, revealing that even more soldiers had arrived to guard me.

Alittle while later, along with all of House Kanos, and a guard twice the size of the night before, we entered the tourney field. King Dairen and Queen Noemay were escorted to their pavilion, and I was led once again to sit with House Lafir, placed once more at the king’s feet. Apparently last night’s humiliation ritual hadn’t been enough. Or perhaps this was my new normal.

Until his bloodline ended.

The morning sun was bright and hot, beaming down on the fields before it was even midday. Abigail had dressed me in a pale violet dress, almost white, with a similar design to the first one I wore. Long sleeves covered my hands, and a golden belt was woven around my waist as white jasmine flowers released their scent from my hair, their stems twisted with my dark braid, and a golden diadem.