Page 89 of The Court of Secrets
All hell broke loose.
***
Blaise escorted me from the council meeting room. The lords had stayed in argument over my proposal to Berovia. Most were opposed, but Lord Edur and, surprisingly, Gregoir had been agreeable to it. The advisors were willing to listen, but the rest were vocally, strongly opposed to peace with “the heretics.” Oh, how little did they know how untrue that turned out to be.
“It’s okay, love,” Blaise said.
My heart skipped a beat. “I’m just glad to get out of there. The tension was too much. I was a little frightened, honestly.”
Rage spilled into his features. “They didn’t threaten you, did they?”
I scoffed a laugh. “Do you think they’d still be standing there if they had? The guards and Adius would have dragged them to the dungeons. Abor may be stubborn, but he’s not stupid. He wouldn’t hurt me, as much as I’m sure he fantasizes about it.”
“Maybe this will make you feel a little better.” He handed me an envelope with the light fae crest.
I stopped walking, running my fingertip along the smooth, cream envelope. I turned it over and gasped, seeing Cedric’s handwriting.
“He’s written me back.” I never thought he would at this point. I tore it open and pulled out the parchment. My gaze trickled over the words, devouring them. I reread them as my lips parted.
“Love?”
Winter,
Thank you for your letter. While I appreciate your apology on Blaise’s behalf, I am unable to accept it. If rumors hold worth, then you have professed your love to the man who beat me. I certainly hope these rumors are untrue. I hold no need for an apology from him, and more so, do not want one.
As for us,
My heart hammered. I held my breath as I read it once more.
I’m so sorry for betraying you. I have told this to you before, but I’ll say it again. I never wanted to hurt you and will always hold our time together in the highest regard.
I have been advised of your proposed treaty to Berovia. I am staying at Kiros’s court and will be going with him to Niferum on behalf of the light fae royal family. My brother will also be attending. I beg of you to not seek vengeance against him for what happened to your brother. There are many casualties in war, and I hope our past relationship will give you halt in your feelings toward him. We are being sent as representatives of my mother and father.
Always a friend,
Cedric Evermist
Blaise read it over my shoulder. “Is that the brother who—”
“Yep.”
“He’s coming to my kingdom?”
“Yep.” I stared at the letter tight-lipped. The fae prince who murdered my brother was going to be at peace negotiations. I could almost laugh at the irony if I weren’t so filled with rage.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Morgana walked down to the entrance with her head held high. Lord Abor watched after her with a pointed stare. Others who joined them matched his tensed appearance. My mother joined them, but only to wave good-bye to me. She didn’t hate Morgana, because unlike them, she knew Morgana well. They’d also been trapped on Inferis together. She waved us good-bye, but Abor’s anger stole the moment.
They still demanded her head, but I’d pardoned her, something I was sure would come back to bite me at some point. I didn’t care. I needed to protect my friend. “Ignore them. They know no better.”
She glanced at me sideways. “That sounds like advice I would give you.”
I smirked. “I’ve learned from the best.”
“Is Blaise meeting us out front?”
“Yes.” I pulled my traveling cloak tighter, nestling into the fur trim. It would be much colder in Niferum, and for a moment, I missed the weather in Berovia. I received a letter from Kiros that morning, agreeing to the treaty. Blaise’s terms had been met. He was going to receive the Ring of Immortalem. I guessed he won that bet.
