Page 101 of The Court of Secrets
Nissa’s pained stare moved from me to Kiros. The decision wouldn’t go well with the lords, but once I explained to my people the truth about the spirit realm and the elder ancestors, then the forest’s sacredness would be questionable. We needed this agreement. I was doing the best for the kingdom, even though they wouldn’t see it to begin with.
“Then we are agreed,” Kiros said, standing. “There are still many things my advisor needs to go over with you, fine print and other military agreements.”
“Naturally.” I stood too and extended my hand. Hastily, he shook it, and I stepped back.
“To friends,” he said, though I wasn’t entirely sure I wanted to be friends with him anymore. Still, I’d pretend, for Magaelor. The heartbreak in his eyes reminded me his demeanor might simply be down to feeling hurt and betrayed. Those feelings didn’t just disappear with words exchanged.
“To friends.” I gave him a small smile and took the seat next to Charles. It was going to be a long night, and I needed to prepare. My heart ached as I thought of the part of the agreement that didn’t exist, that I’d be taking Kiros’s sister for my own arrangement with the necromancer.
Breathing in a slow breath, my stomach twisted when I saw it. Kiros placed the Ring of Immortalem on the table. My stomach flipped, and my heart raced. I couldn’t help but smile. Blaise could finally be free.
“Don’t put it on,” Kiros said. “I assume it’s why you’ve been intent on getting it back, so you can be immortal at Blaise’s side, but it’s not worth it. It will be the death of you.” He lingered for a few seconds before he exhaled slowly, then left.
I smiled and took it in my hand. I had no plans on wearing the horrible thing. Once we were done with it, I hoped to lose it to the depths of the oceans, but for now, it was the final thing that would bring Blaise peace, and for that, it was the most valuable thing I owned.
***
The meeting had lasted an additional two hours, and as midnight clawed into early morning, the large ballroom had mostly emptied, save a few couples left dancing. Neoma danced, her black dress billowing around her knees. She laughed, holding onto Cedric who looked genuinely happy. There was yet another dance, but I could swear there was one every day in Lepidus. Sadness rippled through me when I looked at her, an innocent, to be given tohim. If we didn’t kill the necromancer as planned, she’d surely die.
Someone stepped behind me, their shadow casting next to me. Prickles of my anger sensed him first.
“I do beg your pardon, but I had hoped to get a moment alone with you.” His voice was slicker than Cedric’s. He sounded older, educated, and royal. “I’m Rory Evermist the Second.”
“I know who you are.” My breath hitched. Nissa had found out everything she could about him for me before he came here.
“Then you know I am successor to my father when he chooses to retire.”
I wondered how old he really was. They aged far, far slower than mortals, and their lives could span centuries. Speaking of, I had never really thought to ask Cedric how old he really was. “Yes.”
“Congratulations on your peace deal with King Kiros, yet you haven’t negotiated with us.”
I gritted my teeth. “If I must negotiate with the light fae, it will be through Cedric.”
“My younger brother is still a baby when compared to us. He will not be holding such important deals.”
I looked at him, and everything in me wanted to punch him square in the face. “Your parents should have sent someone else. Literally anyone else.”
“I do understand your anger over your brother.” He snapped his fingers for me to follow him into the well-lit corridor. “As a queen yourself, you understand the casualties of war. We were attacked first, and your brother fought me. I was left with no other option. He did, however, fight valiantly.”
“First things first,” I clenched my jaw. “Do not snap your fingers at me again. I am not some servant. And secondly, you struck down the next king of Magaelor.” I balled my fists at my side, struggling to keep up with him. “You didn’t think there would be consequences.”
“I did not know the queen of such a revered kingdom would give in to anger and sentiment over a treaty that will improve your people’s lives dramatically and end a centuries-old feud.” He put his finger up to silence me as he continued.
“Don’t you dare!” I scathed. “Politically, you killed the heir of the kingdom. It has nothing to do with sentiment.” That wasn’t true, but I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction. “I will work with Cedric and only Cedric.”
“He was a fool to aid you further than he needed to, a mission he failed because of his heart.” His unimpressed gaze trickled over me. “I am taking over the reins of this negotiation. Kiros is only one half of Berovia.”
“I am aware.”
“We are willing to sign the treaty. We have no feud with you lunas, but we do ask for a few minor exchanges.”
I inhaled sharply. “You can write them down and give them to Cedric to give to me.”
“I’d be happy to go over them with your advisor.”
I cursed under my breath. I didn’t have one with me, but I did have Nissa. She was smart, smarter than most at court. “You can go over terms with Nissa Avery.”
“I’ve met her.”
