Page 80 of Destined for the Fae King

The hours that passdon’t lessen the crushing weight of guilt and despair that threaten to break me apart. It’s not just that either. This waiting around in sadness reminds me all too much of when my dad died. It was quick too, as heart attacks often are. Fine one minute and gone another. I wasn’t even there for it. It’s the after that’s painful for those who are left behind.

There was numbness first. Shock. Then such deep sadness that I didn’t know how I’d ever smile again or how I could even breathe without feeling the pain of loss. I wasn’t that close to Bailey. I’d only known her a couple of weeks, but I’d talked to her this morning. She’d smiled at me. Comforted me. And now I’ll never have that again.

And I can’t help but think it’s my fault. That fate destined me for the fae king and had to get her out of the way to make that happen. Even my mother said I was destined to wear the crown. I thought it was just optimistic talk back then, but now?

Now I can’t help but wonder what I did to piss the fates off so terribly.

The death toll is up to three. Bailey and two guards—thankfully neither of whom is Adeline’s lover. He is safe. For the moment.

The queen seems certain that The Choosing cannot be canceled, not since we are bound to the king. The bonds prevented us from being taken away, which we thought to be the biggest risk from the Unseelie. No one imagined that they would harm a human. It’s so foolish, so contrary to their goal of gaining the power that a human could offer them.

We pondered whether it might be accidental, but Tharin, in one of his reports back to Elaine, said Bailey’s wound was intentional, the arrow quick and efficient.

At least she didn’t suffer. It’s the only good news we’ve had.

There have been a few more sharp tugs on our bond marks. I can almost feel Vasilius’s rage mingling with my own.

The head of the king’s personal guard arrives to speak with us and the dowager queen. “We’re to move you all to Calida at first light.”

Elaine smashes the end of her cane against the floor. “He cannot be so foolish as to charge into battle for reckless vengeance. He will start a war that we do not need.”

The king’s burly guard flinches. “I am sorry, Your Grace. He will not be dissuaded. I have tried, as has Prince Lysandir.”

She begins to rise. “Let me speak with him.”

“He will see no one. He has left.”

“Left?” she asks in disbelief, sinking back into her chair.

He nods slowly, frown deepening. “The king ordered that we not follow him.” To us, he says, “Your maids are readying your things for travel. You should rest while you can. All of your rooms have been thoroughly checked for safety, and we’ve tripled the guard.” He snaps his fingers and more guards enter. “We will escort those who wish to return to their rooms.”

Several women leave. A few of us remain. I can’t seem to make myself rise from the sofa. The presence of others is the only thing keeping a leash on my emotions. If I were alone, nothing would hold them back anymore.

When Tharin returns some time later, those of us who remain look to him for news. “Advisor Memnon is awake,” he says.

Some of the tension in the room releases. But Elaine only says, “And?”

“He was not able to provide much information. He saw—” Tharin looks quickly at us before adjusting his stance and starting again. “He saw the beginning of the encounter but was quickly injured and knocked out. A small, targeted attack, he believes. Our investigation of the area confirmed as much. There could not have been more than one or two attackers.”

“And you’ve found them?” she continues.

Tharin swallows.

“No, Your Grace.” At the thinning of her lips, he continues, “We have been able to find no trace of them outside of where the attack took place. No physical evidence. No scent. Even that which we found at the site was fleeting—barely detectable, like they found some way to disguise their scent without concealing it with another.”

“Some nasty blood magic to be sure.” The old queen’s voice holds all the venom of a viper.

The mention of it leaves me glad I haven’t eaten. An empty stomach is preferable to one turned by the mention of the dark rituals the Unseelie are said to perform, especially now that the magic of their land is all but extinguished.

“And the king?” she asks after a moment. “He has returned?”

The pause before he answers says everything. “No, Your Grace.”

With considerable effort, Elaine gets to her feet, hunching over her cane. “Then I must rest and prepare to travel as well.”

“Is that wise?” Tharin asks, though his voice is soft, full of more concern than he’s ever shown me.

She looks up at him, considering. “Someone must make him see reason. I must try.”

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