Page 67 of Crown of Light and Ashes
"Shadow beasts, sheep—both leave dung everywhere and make too much noise," I wave dismissively. "Tell him it's an honor to have his pathetic crops trampled by creatures of the Shadow Court. Next."
"You execute people for suggesting less foolish ideas," Emir murmurs under his breath, just loud enough for me to hear.
"Did you say something, General?"
"I said perhaps we should consider his position, my lord."
"Fine," I sigh dramatically, my good mood making me unexpectedly generous. "Pay him. Double. Triple. Whatever makes him stop talking." I lean toward Emir. "Though, remind me to feed the next petitioner to the shadow hounds if they're equally tedious. It's been too long since they've had a proper meal."
Emir's face remains impressively impassive. "Feeding citizens to shadow hounds creates extensive records to maintain. Which you despise reviewing. Which means the task falls to me."
"Your suffering sustains me almost as much as theirs would," I reply cheerfully. "It's mutually beneficial."
My thoughts drift back to the truth I gave Nesilhan in return for hers, that our blood bond can never be broken. The realization of whatthat means flickered across her face like shadow and light. She is truly mine, forever bound. The knowledge should bring me satisfaction. Instead, it leaves me... unsettled.
"The court session is concluded," I announce abruptly, rising from the throne. The remaining petitioners exchange confused glances.
"But my lord," the court chamberlain protests, "there are still seventeen—"
“Did I fucking stutter?”
My shadows lash out, cracking like a whip against the marble floor and leaving a deep fissure. The chamber falls silent immediately.
As the courtiers scatter, Emir approaches with his usual measured stride. "Should I reschedule the remaining petitioners?"
"Feed them to the shadow hounds for all I care."
"As tempting as that sounds, it would create significant administrative burdens." Emir falls into step beside me, his formal mask slipping slightly now that we're alone. "May I ask what has you in such a pleasant mood today? Aside from your usual charming disposition, of course."
"I had an... interesting night," I admit, unwilling to elaborate.
"With Lady Nesilhan, I presume?" When I shoot him a dangerous look, he merely shrugs. "Half the palace heard the walls cracking in your private chambers. The servants are wagering on whether the east wing will collapse before winter arrives."
Heat flares in my chest—not embarrassment, but something like pride. Let them know their Shadow Lord claimed his bride so thoroughly, the very stone couldn't withstand it.
"Speaking of entertainment," Emir says carefully, "Lady Ayla has requested another audience this morning. She has been our guest for three days now, and grows more... insistent with each passing hour. She waits in the small council chamber."
Three days.I had already seen her yesterday, what could be so urgent.
My steps falter slightly. "Ah, our twilight guest with wandering hands still has not departed. I think after yesterday's interruption, she might have taken the hint."
"Apparently not," Emir replies dryly. "And based on the smile she wears at this morning's meal, I suspect she may have... overheard some of last night's activities. The way she inquires about the 'structural integrity' of the east wing is particularly pointed."
The idea of Ayla hearing Nesilhan surrender to me is both satisfying and strangely invasive.
"Tell her to depart for her own territories," I reply pleasantly. "I'm busy brooding dramatically."
"She has been waiting since dawn. Lady Ayla is most... persistent about the urgency of these border incidents."
Border incidents.The reports from our patrols have been troubling—six engagements with Light Court forces in the past month, all in disputed territories near the Neutral Zones. Each incident escalates tensions further, and Ayla's people always seem conveniently positioned to mediate.
I pause, an idea forming. Nesilhan's jealousy last night is delicious—the way she surrenders herself completely afterward, even more so. What might happen if I provoke that possessive fire again? And perhaps my wife's strategic mind could prove useful in determining Ayla's true motives.
"On second thought, show her to the small council chamber," I decide, a wicked smile curving my lips. "And send word to my wife. Tell her I require her presence for a matter of diplomatic importance."
"Lady Nesilhan? At a diplomatic meeting?" Emir's eyebrows rise fractionally. "Are you certain that is wise after last night's... structural renovations?"
"I want to see how she responds to Lady Ayla's particular brand of diplomacy," I reply, my shadows curling with anticipation. "Besides, a jealous wife is an entertaining wife. And she may prove more politically astute than expected."
