Page 27 of The Call of Crimson
Ignoring her outburst, Ayden continues, “Per the marriage contract, you will be accompanying me back to Prudia, where you will be crowned queen once we are wed. When it comes to heirs, our firstborn will inherit the kingdom of Prudia, and any others will be in line for Rimor. So, I suggest you shift your focus to choosing a suitable regent to lead in your absence.”
I expect chaos to erupt, but am instead met with stunned silence.
Breyla shakes herself out of her surprise and narrows her eyes at Ayden. “Absolutely not. There’s no way I’m agreeing to that.”
“I’m sorry, darling, but it was already agreed to. You can check the contract, as it’s all clearly spelled out there. Aurelius was there for the drafting of it, so I’m sure he can confirm what I’m telling you.”
Breyla’s angry eyes turn in my direction. I utter the words that will damn me further, “He speaks the truth, Princess.”
Her shoulders momentarily sag in defeat, but not before determination lights her emerald eyes. “I should like to read the contract. Since I am apparently the only one affected by this agreement who has not yet seen it.” Bitterness fills her tone, but it’s overshadowed by the authority in her demand.
“Very well,” Ayden agrees. “We’ll be leaving in two days. Oh, and Prince Aurelius will be joining us.”
Breyla’s startled eyes find mine, then shoot to Ayden. “Wait, what? Why?”
I try not to cringe at the tone of her voice.
“Well, firstly, he is being recognized as a Prince of Prudia, much to my mother’s dismay. But secondly, we both know if Itried to leave him here, he would just find a way to follow. I’m just saving us all the trouble.”
Breyla sighs, resigned to her fate for now. “Commander Jade will replace me as General of the Rimorian army.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Jade says, bowing her head. “I’m honored.”
Breyla turns regretful eyes to Elijah and Ophelia. “I wish?—”
“I know you would if you could, Breyla.” Elijah cuts her off, knowing what she’s trying to say before she says it.
“Lord Elijah and Lady Ophelia will rule in my stead.”
Ophelia’s eyes widen at the unexpected appointment.
Lady Daphne chokes on her drink and sputters, “You’re putting the traitor’s daughter in charge of the kingdom?”
Breyla’s shadows lash out, wrapping around Lady Daphne’s throat. “Do not forget your place, Lady Daphne. Ophelia was the one responsible for uncovering the damming evidence against Seamus, as well as ending his pathetic life before he could claim more innocents.”
Lady Daphne swallows hard and nods. “My sincerest apologies. I won’t make the mistake again.”
Breyla releases the shadows’ hold, recalling them into her. “We are done here. You are dismissed.”
The council room empties, leaving me alone with Breyla.
“Is there something I can help you with, Prince Aurelius?” She spits out my title, like it tastes vile on her tongue.
“Let me explain.”
“Explain what, Aurelius?” Breyla rubs at her temples. “I do not care, nor do I want to hear more excuses for why you lied to me. Repeatedly.”
“Regardless, I wish to tell you the full story.”
She bristles, eyes full of distrust. “Well, it is unfortunate then that I do not wish to hear it. The simple fact of the matter is, I do not trust what you have to say. You had numerous opportunitiesto inform me of any number of things, yet you didn’t. You were so busy fucking me, you apparently forgot how words work.”
“So, we’re back to this, then?”
“Back to what?”
“The hot and cold act—where you pretend you aren’t a hypocrite for refusing to hear my truth, while simultaneously punishing me for not telling you everything. I may be a selfish bastard for wanting to keep you to myself, but at least I’m willing to face the truth. Fuck you, Breyla. At least I can own my feelings.”
A pained look crosses her face but disappears in an instant, replaced by fury burning in her emerald eyes as her fist clenches at her side.
