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“Again, I have already bred her—”

“Precisely. So, let me take her to them. Gain your freedom with the king’s goodwill, and then we can all leave this godforsaken kingdom and get on with our lives.”

“Nothing would make me happier,” I said.

“Then for the gods’ sake, stop showing yourself,” she snapped. “Let me make your reveal when it is of the utmost impact.”

“So you can keep me from her in the meantime? I won’t be—”

“No, Vane. Gods, you’re as suspicious as your father. I will hand her to you this evening. Breckon irritates me. His arrogance outstrips his abilities. It will be a pleasure to remove her from him and place her in your hands.”

I let my smile creep up as if she’d pleased me. “Now that is a plan I can get behind.”

An Audience with the King

~ GRACE ~

There was an eerie sense of anticipation in the maids and Breckon, as I was prepared for the audience with the king that evening. I pretended ignorance of their plans, that I believed we were attending a special audience with the king and his favorite nobles to toast our coming wedding. But Voski had already shown me his mother’s plan—and assured me that he wouldn’t leave control in her hands.

‘Just go and be yourself. React to whatever you see or hear as you normally would. This is our spectacle, not yours.’

I was happy to do it, of course. I knew he’d protect me if I needed it. But the tension in him was palpable.

‘If you’re so certain of this plan, why do you feel so tense? Do you think they’re going to fight? I want to help.’

It had taken him a moment to respond. ‘I don’t fear these men,’ he said finally. ‘But my mother…’

I sighed and sent a wave of love and reassurance through the bond. Since he’d told me his story, it was as if there were two sides of him always present. This strong, certain man, who knew his course and purpose, and wouldn’t be swayed. He was decisive, and aware. Sure of the next step, and clear in his instructions for how to navigate it. He made me feel safe.

But that man’s heart was torn, one corner still wounded and bleeding: the boy who’d once idolized his mother, who’d had his heart broken, and who’d despised himself.

That boy was afraid. And angry.

Fragile. Self-doubting.

I could feel it in him, the cords of our bond strong and glowing with love—yet strangled by these tiny, razor-sharp threads.

This man I loved was a tall, thriving ash tree, standing over the forest, its roots established, its branches spreading, bursting with life to provide shade. Yet, this guardian of the forest was girdled by honeysuckle. A vine with such delicate, fragrant flowers, offering sweetness and smiles while it wounded the tree, scarring its surface, cutting to the tender heartwood…

I shivered at the mental image of a great tree, its trunk marred and branches shriveling, and shook my head.

No.

Voski was scarred, but he would prevail. And I would do everything in my power to help him.

So, when he told me to follow instructions and stay at Breckon’s side for the evening, I did so. I sat through the bathing and coiffing. The dressing and primping. The examination by Breckon as he assessed my appearance like a horse at market, and the whispered consultation of the maid when he was displeased by the dress.

Of course, they had another.

Even with that delay, we left the rooms on time. Breckon stared coldly down his nose at me as he offered his elbow and I took it, chin high and smiling.

“I don’t trust you when you smile,” he muttered as he opened the door and led me out. The guards accompanied us through the castle. But to my surprise, we weren’t ushered to the ballroom, or the feast hall. We didn’t even go downstairs. Instead, we were taken deeper into the royal wing, and eventually, down a long, cold corridor away from the apartments.

I hadn’t ever seen or explored this corner of the castle, and I frowned at the stone under our feet, unpadded by the rich red carpets. There were no alcoves in the walls here, and the only light was cast from sconces at every corner and turn in the corridors.

Did Voski know this was where we were going? Could he reach this place via the passages?

My nerves fluttered, but I swallowed them back.