Page 45 of Shattered Crown

Sebastian looked away. “The only way forward is through. And you're still too blind to see what that means.”

He stepped back into the light, reaffixing the regent's calm like armor.

“This kingdom doesn't need another naive heir,” he said. “It needs someone willing to do what you cannot. Someone who's already stained with necessary evil.”

“If you come near Thorne again?—”

“Oh, I won't hurt him,” Sebastian said smoothly. “I'll bind him. Make him serve. You want to bring back the old ways? Fine. Let's start with the guardian oath. Chain him to the court. Let the people see their savior in a collar.”

He turned, robes flaring like a drawn curtain.

“Walk carefully, cousin. The closer you get to the center, the less you'll like what holds it together. And the more you'll understand why I did what I did at the hunt.”

And then he was gone, swallowed back into the court like he'd never been anything but noble.

* * *

Alone in hischambers that evening, Silas paced like a caged animal. Sebastian's threat echoed in his mind, feeding his anxiety about Thorne's silence. He pressed against their bond with all his strength, desperate for any connection.

The effort left him gasping, but he caught a fragment—images of the forest burning, Thorne spread impossibly thin trying to hold failing wards. The glimpse lasted only seconds before the shield slammed back into place, but it was enough. The Eldergrove was under attack, and Thorne was fighting alone.

“Fuck,” Silas breathed, slumping against the wall.

“That bad?” Kai asked from the doorway. He carried a tray with food and wine, though Silas had no appetite.

“Worse. The forest is burning, and Thorne's trying to handle it alone.”

Kai set the tray down, his expression serious. “So what do we do?”

“I don't know.” The admission hurt. “If I leave now, Sebastian wins by default. But if I stay...”

“Thorne might lose everything,” Kai finished.

A knock interrupted them. Diana entered, her face grim. “We have a problem. Several, actually.”

She spread reports across Silas's desk, each one worse than the last. Sebastian's forces were moving toward the Eldergrove ahead of schedule. Foreign mages had been spotted entering the city. And most concerning, several noble houses that had promised support were wavering.

“He's putting pressure on everyone,” Diana explained. “Threats, bribes, blackmail. We're losing allies by the hour.”

As if summoned by the discussion of problems, a servant announced the arrival of an unexpected guest. Prince Ash of the Summer Court materialized in the center of the room, bypassing all security through fey paths.

“Lord Ashworth,” he purred, bowing with exaggerated grace. “Or should I say, Prince Silas?”

“What do you want?” Silas asked bluntly, too tired for fey games.

“Direct. I like that.” Ash circled the room, examining the furnishings with affected interest. “I come with an offer of alliance. The Summer Court stands ready to support your claim.”

“At what price?”

“Clever boy.” Ash's smile revealed too many teeth. “We want guarantees. Autonomy for all fey territories. No more human oversight or interference.”

“You want your own kingdom,” Silas translated.

“Essentially, yes.” Ash moved closer, his presence carrying the warmth of summer sunshine. “Is that so unreasonable? Your bond with the forest guardian shows you understand our ways. Surely you see the benefit of separation?”

His flirtation was obvious, testing the strength of Silas's connection to Thorne. The fey prince radiated sensual energy, his offer carrying implications beyond mere politics.

“I'll consider your proposal,” Silas said carefully, stepping back to maintain distance.

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