Page 69 of A Court So Dark
“If you’ve come to tell me you haven’t been able to talk Father out of his evil scheme,” she set the brush down, “don’t waste your breath. I already know. He scolded me for sending you to intercede on my behalf.”
“No, that’s not why I’m here.”
“Then don’t waste my time.” She sighed, frustration evident in the way she tugged at the laces of her corset. “I need to get ready for dinner where I’m sure he’ll inform me exactly how to behave tomorrow. I’m supposed to smile and keep my mouth shut.” She sniffled. “He has lost his mind, Kryn. Mythorne will not take kindly to Father’s betrayal. He crafted an alliance with the Seelie King and Queen, and now he expects the Unseelie King to play second best. Honestly, I don’t think his mind is sound.”
“I agree. That’s why I’m here with a proposition for you.”
She hesitated for a moment, but then curiosity got the best of her. Looking down her nose, she plumped her cheeks and faced her brother.
“I’m all ears.” She waved a hand. “But be quick about it. I don’t have all night.”
“I propose that you don’t go to Nerethien.”
“Oh, brother, you’re a genius!” Sarcasm dripped from her voice in a way that seemed universal to younger siblings. “I already tried to escape. It got methisbruise and a horrible threat.“ She held up her wrist to show the imprint of a hand wrapped around it. “The threat also extends to our mother—not that she tried very hard to go against his wishes.”
“You know she’s utterly beaten down by him.”
“Just like I will be when he marries me off to that monster.” Mylendra pressed a hand to her mouth, and I feared she would start crying, but she blinked rapidly and took a deep breath, effectively reining in her emotions.
“You will not marry him. All you have to do is stay in my chamber tonight and act like you’re not here.”
“They’ll go looking for me,” she protested.
“They won’t because someone else will take your place.”
She blinked her big green eyes. “W-who? How?”
“Don’t get scared.” Kryn put a hand up as if pacifying a horse, then nodded toward the corner where we were hiding.
Slowly, Kalyll pulled the shadows back to reveal our presence.
Mylendra gasped, covered her bosom needlessly—she was overdressed by any modern human standards—and took a step back. Her gaze jumped back and forth from Kalyll to me several times before she found her words. “Prince Kalyll.”
“My lady,” he bowed his head.
“King Kalyll,” Kryn corrected.
“I’m sorry.” Mylendra curtsied, a very slight bend of her knees and a bob of her head. She seemed to forget all about her outfit.
Kalyll waved a hand. “It is of no consequence, especially since I have no kingdom at the moment.”
“You’re here to… rescue me.” Mylendra touched a hand to the bare top of her bosom, looking as if this was what she’d been expecting all along.
I took a step forward and interlaced my fingers with Kalyll’s, staking my claim.
Her satisfaction turned into sour incredulity.
“My lady, this is Daniella Sunder, my…” Kalyll turned to look at me, “My betrothed.” He smiled and cocked his head to one side.
I nodded once, letting him know I had no trouble with that title. He could call me whatever he wanted as long as it meant we would always be together.
“Betrothed?” Mylendra glared at me. “Beware, lady, that title means nothing to this male.”
“Sister,” Kryn scolded her.
“What?”
Kalyll interjected. “I mean no disrespect, Lady Goren. I simply wish to make things as clear as possible to avoid confusion. Our engagement was one of convenience, established under circumstances much different than the ones we face now. Your father withdrew his offer as soon as I fell out of favor, which set me free to pursue the female I truly love. Now, my only intention is to avoid a war and, in the process, save you from a fate worse than death. If we succeed, I hope you will then be free to do as I did and find someone you truly love.”
