Page 92 of Crown of Briars
Varius cleared his throat and nodded. “Yes. Well. I’m glad you decided to do that.”
I stared at him, vividly remembering how Enzira had confirmed the human brides had been mistreated during past revels. “Did you know?” I said sharply.
Varius froze, eyeing me warily. “Did I know what?”
“Did you know what they did to the human brides at revels?”
The room fell deadly quiet. Next to me, Enzira uttered a soft gasp, her hand going to her mouth. I squeezed her free hand, hoping she knew I wouldn’t betray her trust. I would never tell Varius it was Enzira who confirmed this information for me.
“If you’re talking about what that bastard Warwick said…” Varius growled.
“Fae cannot lie,” I snarled. “It doesn’t matterwhyhe said it. It’s the truth. So answer the damn question.”
Clermont cleared his throat and drew forward, his expression stern. Varius lifted a hand to stop him, his dark gaze fixed on me.
“Leave us,” he said quietly. “Please.” He looked at me, but his command was clear.
Clermont and Enzira obeyed, although the latter gripped my hand tightly, her face still covered in tears.
Ramia drew closer to me, her chin lifted. “I will not leave unless my lady commands it.”
I shot a grateful look at her. For a moment, I was tempted to ask her to stay.
But Varius had been forthcoming in our previous discussions. Well, partially forthcoming. And last time he had confided in me, I’d stormed off before allowing him to explain.Somehow, I doubted he would be as amenable to answering my questions if Ramia were here.
“It’s all right.” I patted Ramia’s hand and nodded at her. “Let me speak with him alone.”
Her lips thinned as she glanced between us. Then, with a sniff, she grabbed her shawl and bustled out of the room. I noticed she left the door cracked open, but I didn’t object.
I crossed my arms and stared expectantly at the king. “Well?” I knew I was being rude, but I didn’t care. This was too important.
Varius closed his eyes, inhaling deeply before replying. “When my father was king, he did… many things I did not agree with. When I opposed him, he had me whipped. Or threw me in the dungeon for days at a time. After a decade of this, I learned to mind my own business.
“I did not pay much attention to what went on when the human bride arrived. I did not like how the other fae treated her. But I knew if I spoke out about it, Father would punish me. Or worse, punish thehumanjust to spite me. He had done this to me before. I knew how his mind worked.
“There was… talk of the goings-on at the revels. I tried not to pay attention to it. And I never attended revels when my father was present because of his abhorrent behavior. I wanted nothing to do with it.”
Varius’s frame slumped, his expression turning dejected. “I have many regrets, Sybelle. Too many to count. And one of them was not standing up to my father when it mattered the most.” When he met my gaze, a haunted look took over his face. His eyes were full of torment. “I am sorry. I do not know for sure what happened to the human brides, particularly during revels. But I went out of my way to ignore the horrors I suspected were going on in my home. And for that, I am sorry.”
I stared at him, torn between revulsion for the sake of my people and hatred toward Varius’s father. My breaths came insharp spurts, and I suddenly found it hard to stand. Slowly, I sank to the edge of the sofa where I’d been sleeping, my hands shaking as I tucked them into my lap.
My insides felt numb. Nausea churned within me, and my eyes closed against the grief and agony coursing through me.
Several moments of silence passed between us. I sensed Varius watching me, but I couldn’t look at him. All I could do was sit there and count my breaths, trying to make sense of all this.
At long last, I whispered, “You said to me I was the only human foolish enough to attend a revel.” My gaze finally met his. “You lied?”
“I cannot lie. And… I said you were the only human to attend a revel as aninvited guest.” He grimaced apologetically.
My eyes narrowed. “How convenient. I suppose that’s the last time I’ll trust what comes out of your mouth.”
He bared his teeth at me. “Idid not lie.”
“No, you just twisted your words, like all fae do.” I angrily waved my hand in the air.
“What did you want me to say, Sybelle? That I suspected your ancestors had been raped and tortured by my father? Would that have made you feel better?”
I jumped to my feet, my face on fire as I glared at him. “It’s not about making mefeelbetter, Varius. It’s about disclosing the truth to me.Thatis what I value.”
