Page 112 of A War of Three Kings

“There is one last order of business. A solidification of our alliance and future trade prospects with the fae of the Spring Court, but more importantly, a match of the heart against all odds.” My father runs a hand through his hair, then sends a doting glance my way. “I would like to announce my daughter Keira’s betrothal to Lord Aldrin.”

The room explodes with voices all speaking over the top of each other. My mind whirls at the sudden onslaught and I struggle to process the tone of each one.

Some priestesses offer well wishes. Lords Bradford and Adalwolf air concerns about how such an announcement will affect the war effort and morale of the soldiers, while Caitlin, my grandmother and Cyprien yell at them. Tomas looks like he might burst a blood vessel while Countess Lynna is a mess of tears and huge smiles.

My gaze darts from one side of the room to the other. I try to follow each thread of conversation, to think up replies and retorts, but I fail drastically. My breaths come in short, rasped gasps.

Aldrin grabs my chin and forces me to look into his eyes. “Block out the noise, Keira. We only need each other, and no one else’s approval.”

He kisses me hard on the lips in front of everyone, the moment stretching out until I can only sense him. His taste, earthy scent and warmth. My heart rate slows by the time he pulls back slightly and smiles.

“You have no idea how long I have wanted to do that in the open.”

My heart flutters and swells with love at the nearness of him. At his sheer boldness and constant display of devotion. My headis still spinning when he turns to the room, now dead silent. They all stare at us.

“This war isnotabout Keira, and you all know it,” Aldrin announces. “Our army has not amassed for one woman, so it doesn’t matter whether she dedicates her life to the temple or to me as my wife. Sure, it started with your mad king trying to force a woman to his bed, to steal her from the Mothers of Magic, but the true crime you are fighting against is whether a king can kidnap women. It doesn’t matter if they are daughters, wives or priestesses, or whatever else he might desire. Keira will not live half a life because of that man. Your own High Priestess proves that a Mother of Magic can also have a husband and a child, and hold titles.”

Many of the people around the table nod, but a few still look conflicted. I glare at them, so sick of this. “I will not allow Finan to dictate my life, not even indirectly.”

“If you are concerned about what we will tell the troops,” my father cuts in, “it will be that King Finan cannot march into the North and take whatever he pleases. Lord Desmond has already threatened to steal land, and the rape and pillage has already begun.Thatis what we are fighting against.”

“And most importantly…” Caitlin slices another apple with a throwing dagger, popping a slice in her mouth before she continues speaking. “No one has the right to tell a woman who she should marry and when. I’m sure you agree with me, Lynna. You too, Tomas. I’m sure you wouldn’t want anyone outside of your household forcing your daughter into a marriage or complete servitude of a temple.”

“I doubt anyoneinsidemy household could convince Amelia to do anything she doesn’t want to do,” Lord Tomas grumbles.

“Caitlin, I never knew you were such a romantic.” A coy smile fills Lynna’s pretty face and my sister shrugs in response.

My father stands, pulling on his cloak and buttoning it up. “My daughter’s engagement is not open for any further discussion. This meeting is adjourned.” Others stand, collecting maps and murmuring in hushed conversation.

“Hold on. Hold on!” I stare at them with disbelief as they turn to me. “What about the villagers to the east? We cannot leave them to their fate. Those lands are being pillaged and raped and burned, are they not, Zinnia?”

“They are.” Her voice is flat.

I shake with rage. “Finan does this in all our names. Those people should not be left to his torment. It is our job as nobility to protect them.” I can’t help the snarl that curls my lips as I take in each person. Lord Adalwolf has the decency to look embarrassed, considering they are his people.

“We are short on soldiers as it is, Keira,” Lord Bradford says gently.

“A band of thirty soldiers taken from our ranks won’t make the difference to us in the next battle. But if they ride across the countryside and recruit local hunters as they travel, it could mean survival for those villagers. It could stop the slaughter.” I turn to Lord Adalwolf. “Take them from your city guard. There are more than enough soldiers here to hold the walls after we leave.”

“I will see that it is done.” Lord Adalwolf says.

As the war meeting breaks up and the members funnel out of the room, my grandmother comes to my side, taking my hand in hers and squeezing it. There is such a contrast between our skin. Mine is smooth and freckled. Hers is a maze of wrinkles and blue veins that stick out.

“You remind me so much of your grandfather, Ronan. He would have sacrificed resources to protect the villagers as well.” Her eyes glaze over. “You inherited his good heart, Keira. Never let anyone corrupt it.”

“Do you still miss him?” I ask, glancing over at Aldrin and wondering how anyone could continue living after the love of their life has passed on.

“Every single day. My son and grandchildren may not be Ronan’s direct bloodline, but his nature is potent in all of you, because he raised our family to be like him.” She gives me a sad smile.

There is some of my grandfather’s blood in me, because my mother descends from his cousin’s line. It is common when a lord takes the child of a magic pregnancy that the child later marries back into their father’s family to pass on his blood to the next generation.

“He is a good man, despite being fae.” My grandmother shatters my thoughts. Shock splashes through me when I realize she is looking at Aldrin, who crouches between Drake and Zinnia, wiping a damp cloth across their faces to help them return to their bodies. “Does he make you happy? Treat you well?”

“He does. Can you not see it?” I ask incredulously.

“I can, which is why I accept him as a match for you.” She lets out a long breath. “Thank you for proving me wrong. That not all fae are evil. Deep down, I knew this, but it was the only way I could handle the trauma of what Nissien did to me. He was a good person in his own way—good to me, at least—until he wasn’t. That broke my trust for all of his people, because I couldn’t reconcile the two sides of him. I have spent my entire life struggling with fury and bitterness because he forced me to kill him, a man I loved so viciously. One who was trying to protect me, but in the most toxic sort of way. Some nightmares can never be put to bed.”

Her hand tremors lightly in mine. I place my other hand on top of it. “Don’t make Aldrin pay for the sins of another man.”

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