Page 98 of Oath of Betrayal
‘Do you like it?’ he asked quietly, and I sighed.
‘I love it.’
‘Good, my Domina, then I have a purpose and the means to make you happy even without an Anchor bond.’
‘You know you don’t have to call me Domina. I’m not a dark fae. I don’t see you as inferior. If anything, you are much better than me. Stronger, faster, a better mage,’ I pointed out, and he tilted my chin.
‘Is that what you think it means? I don’t call you Domina because I feel inferior. I like certain things, but it’s not about pain and submission. Calling you Domina gives meaning to our relationship. You are the woman I crave to belong to, the woman … who loves me.’ The slight hesitation in his voice made me turn to look at him.
‘Yes, Ari, I love you. I love you so much that, if not for your objections, the Lich King could kiss my taut arse because I would take you as you are and Anchor you while I’m naked, tired, and in the bath. Call me what you wish, and I will do what I can to be worthy of the title, but even without it, I will always care for you.’
Alaric’s eyes burned with crimson fire before he abruptly turned away. ‘I will call Agnes. Please prepare for the evening. We were only expecting the royal mage’s envoy, but he brought the chancellor and an entire entourage of sycophants with him. Orm ordered a late-night banquet, which you are expected to attend. News of your presence here has spread throughout the court, and all of them are determined to see the legendary conduit mage.’
I sighed deeply, pursing my lips. The last thing I needed today was to be shown off like a mare at the farmers’ market. ‘Fine, I will try to be on my best behaviour.’ He bent to kiss my forehead, whispering, ‘That’s what I’m afraid of.’
He left, and Agnes appeared to help me dress, carrying my battle mage uniform, Anchor pin, boots, and medals. I looked at the reminder of my past with wide-open eyes, and my maidshifted uncomfortably under my stare. ‘I can bring a different outfit if you want, but I thought this one suited the occasion.’
‘No, you’re right, it’s perfect. I just wasn’t expecting you to know I had it.’
‘Master Alaric mentioned it would be the best choice for the evening.’
‘All right. Well, if he said so,’ I answered with laughter, muttering a‘bossy bastard’before letting her wrap my damp hair in a towel. Half an hour later, I was dressed and my hair was in an elaborate peasant’s crown held together by an intricate golden rope Agnes had seemingly produced from thin air.
I walked to the dining hall, pausing at the entrance to take in the room’s pageantry. Alaric had done an incredible job. The place was large but cosy, in the hunting lodge style. Tapestries with battle and hunting scenes covered granite walls, protecting the diners from any draughts, while arched crystal windows filtered the night glow of the sky. Massive wooden beams held brass candelabras, the melted wax giving them an otherworldly look.
In the middle of the room, tables were set out in a large rectangle. On each table, a variety of food—meats, cheese, and vegetables—had been placed before the gathered guests. In the seat of honour was Orm, with his back to the fireplace. Next to him were his military and administrative seconds-in-command, Tomma and Alaric, while the visiting party was seated directly opposite him. I counted at least fifteen people gathered for the late meal, and every single one of them was now staring at me.
‘Lady Annika, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I couldn’t believe it when Ihrain told me you were alive and thriving here in the fortress.’
The man who spoke rose from his chair. He looked vaguely familiar as I dredged through my memory, trying to recall where I’d seen him before. He was a plain-looking but expensivelydressed nobleman with a sparse beard and receding hairline. I also didn’t fail to notice how his eyes shone with dangerous intelligence.
That was the moment I remembered—Felarian Haerne. He’d been the senior advisor to the chancellor when I was finishing my studies, and as the old man had died three years ago, he must have taken his place.
‘Thank you, Sir Haerne,’ I acknowledged his presence with a curt nod before walking to the only free space at the table. I could see the aristocrat didn’t like my brief reply, but before he could say anything, Alaric rose from his chair and approached me. ‘Please, allow me, Domina.’
He took my hand, leading me to his seat next to Orm. As I settled in the chair, Tomma moved down to the empty space. It all felt too staged for a casual changeup, and I guessed Alaric did it on purpose to show everyone I was an equal, second only to Ormond.
When I sat down, Ihrain asked with a sarcastic smile, ‘Domina? I didn’t know you liked to indulge in perversion. Wasn’t it enough that you Anchored him?’
I was surprised by how proudly Alaric used the title. Dark fae males reserved it for the lady of their household, but he had never voiced it out loud before. Still, I’d done an excellent job of masking my shock. Ihrain’s remark not only silenced all conversation but irked me immensely. Before I could say something, Orm placed a hand on my thigh.
‘I’d have thought after your last visit that you would have learned by now not to offend my family. Court etiquette may bind me, but not my dragon. One of the unfortunate consequences of living in such a lawless backwater,’ he warned with a cold smile before pointing to the tables. ‘Please, eat and be merry. There will be plenty of time later to hear what bringsyou to this desolate place, though it’s clear you didn’t bring the reinforcements I asked for.’
‘Thank you, Lord Ormond. Our mission here is simple. First, I’d like to take this opportunity to inform you that our negotiations with the ruler of Ozar are nearly complete, so your need for constant reinforcements shall end. You can deal with the remaining Vel demons still in the mountains with the forces currently at your disposal,’ Ihrain said. Orm’s eyes flashed yellow as he fought to hold in his temper.
‘What exactly do you mean, envoy?’
‘Only that there will be no additional reinforcements for any of the fortresses. With the few Vel demons left, you can use your riders and the soldiers already here to dispatch them. Our king denies your request, especially since the high nobles of Dagome seem to think that sending their soldiers here is to the kingdom’s detriment.’ Ihrain gloated like a fool as he looked at Orm.
‘You mentioned two missions?’ Orm asked, deceptively calm.
‘Yes, since you don’t need additional support, His Majesty asks for the safe return of his conduit mage. I’m sure the Lady Annika will be delighted to see Truso again, especially after her sudden departure. If she refuses to return, I’m entitled to deliver His Majesty’s request using her geas.’
Orm and Alarick jerked from their chairs, and several men from Ihrain’s entourage reached for their weapons. I, however, remained seated and smirked at my former colleague. ‘Sit down, please, and sheath your weapons. I’m hungry and want to eat in peace.’ After a moment of tense silence, the men of the fortress obeyed.
‘Y-you …’ Ihrain stuttered when I reached for the fruit before Alaric took it from my hand and started peeling it with his dagger.
‘Look around, Ihrain. You can’t take me from here by force. Not only because the men would end you, but because I would sooner demolish the palace than serve under the geas.’
