Page 78 of A Court So Dark
I glanced in Cardian’s direction for just a second, then let the breadth of my attention settle on Mythorne. My intention was to convey that I understood it was he andnotthe youngest Adanorin brother who had brought about Kalyll’s dethronement.
“Sheisheadstrong, so be advised.” Kalyll chuckled.
“You lie,” Cardian spat. “You were taken with him. Both of you.”
I allowed my gaze to lazily go back to Cardian as I twisted my mouth in distaste. “With all due respect,Seelie King,” I sounded respectful not at all, “I do know my way around politics, and I also know how to follow orders, even if I don’t like them.” I followed this with a cheeky wink toward my supposed father.
“A female who knows her place is the best kind of female,” the Unseelie King said.
As we’d guessed, Mythorne wanted a dutiful wife. It was a balance to show a bit of attitude, and at the same time, paint the picture of a female who would not go against his wishes. I nearly rolled my eyes. Some males could be so predictable.
“You should not trust this,” Cardian started, but Mythorne put a hand up to stop him. Cardian’s lips sealed as if by magic.
Witchlights.If he really thought he was a King, why allow anyone to treat him this way? Immediately, I chided myself. Why ask myself such a stupid question when I already knew the answer? With Kalyll free, Cardian didn’t feel like a king at all. He was scared that his older brother would soon return to tear him from the throne and shatter his ambitions to bits.
Mythorne rose from his throne and descended the dais. My hands started itching, eager to wrap around his neck, but he hadn’t come close enough.
“Kalyll Adanorin isn’t weak,” he said, taking me aback.
His statement was true enough, I could feel my mate’s latent strength radiating from him even now, but I didn’t expectthismale to admit it.
“Kalyll Adanorin killed my son,” he continued. “Moreover, he survived a not-so-welcoming stay under our care.” He stretched his arms upward and swept them to the sides as if introducing his humble abode to us. “So you are mistaken, my lady.”
I drummed my fingers against my waist. “Perhaps not weak,” I admitted. “But weaker.” I lazily swept my eyes from the tips of his boots to the top of his head.
“That is yet to be seen,” he responded.
“Never took you for a humble male,” I said. “I must admit I am surprised.”
“Don’t be. I am anything but. That, however, does not mean I am stupid. Adanorin is at large and still poses a threat to my allies.” He pointed vaguely toward Cardian. “And to me. Not to say that I am intimidated by that. I welcome a good challenge, and I have not had one in a very long time. I would like nothing more than to meet him face to face.”
What a fucking liar! A good challenge, my ass.He had tortured Kalyll, keeping him behind a force field, while he stood safely on the other side. He was a coward.
Kalyll’s right hand tightened into a fist, no doubt entertaining the same thoughts I was, wishing to smash his hooked nose with one swift punch.
“Oh, Father,” I reached for Kalyll’s fisted hand and gave it a squeeze, “isn’t he just like I told you he would be?”
“Exactly so, my dear,” he replied.
Mythorne examined us very carefully, his expression so severe that I feared he was seeing right through our charade. I almost exhaled in relief when he smiled genuinely enough and spoke with the charm befitting a king. “I am delighted you have come, Earl Qierlan and Lady Mylendra. I appreciate the offer of a more meaningful alliance between the Unseelie Court and the Fall Court. I don’t take it lightly and feel I must seriously consider this opportunity. Obviously, dear Earl, the first order of business is for me to become acquainted with your lovely daughter. I must learn if we are compatible. More than her impressive beauty will guide my decision.”
“This is already more consideration than the former Unseelie King offered me,” I said, lifting an eyebrow toward Kalyll.
“Will you ever cease pointing out how wrong I was,” “the earl” chided playfully.
“Never, Father. Never.” I laughed and shook a finger at him.
Mythorne clapped his hands, and two servants scurried in from a side door. They bowed low, their faces etched with servility and defeat. It was clear they knew what would happen to them if they did not obey their master’s every command.
“We have guests,” he announced. “Ensure their comfort.” He turned to us. “For now, I have matters to attend to, but I will be delighted if you join me for dinner.” He left, which seemed to carry an implied order for Cardian because he hurried after him, going so fast he barely had time to give us a dirty look as he exited.
The servants guided us to a separate wing of the palace that seemed to house guest chambers.
“I hope you will approve of your accommodations, Earl Qierlan.” One of the servants threw a door open on the left side of the hall.
“Where is my daughter’s chamber?” He demanded, treating him with as much civility as Mythorne had, which was to say none.
“Just over here.” He ran ahead a few paces and pointed to another door on the opposite end of the hall.
