Page 28 of Vicious Fates and Vast Futures
Bryn
AS WE EAT, THE ROOMis subdued, quiet. The mood is tense. Adi mainly pushes food around her plate. I’m worried the stress is getting to her, but I know Ossy will make sure she eats something when we get back to our rooms.
My hand slips down to smooth the kilt Adi had made for me. I adore it. I had to dig out a thigh sheath for a small blade to wear under it, since my standard calf sheath wouldn’t work.
I look up the table to Seren, who seems tired and pale. Her eyes meet mine. I glance away but not before I see some thought cross her face. Shit. That can’t be good.
“So,cousins,” Olwyn starts, looking annoyed with anyone so much as glancing in her general direction, “either of you knocked up yet?”
Seren’s face darkens, but Adi, wild creature, responds quickly. “Not for lack of trying. My men love cream-pieing me.” She smiles sweetly as Seren coughs on her wine. I’m not sure what “cream-pieing” means, but I can guess.
Adi continues, looking to Eira. “Didn’t Grandmother want you to take a new consort?”
Eira looks irate. “I think she said ‘both of us,’ Adelaide.”
“Ah, but I have a new consort.” Adi is using her sweet voice, which means she’s ready to stab one of them. I force down a grin.
“Not one who could impregnate you,” Olwyn spits before turning to glare at En. I feel Ossy bristle.
“As it turns out,” Seren interjects smoothly, trying to keep her volatile granddaughters in line, “I foolishly did not include that stipulation. But, Eira, I do expect you to take another in addition to your husband.”
I fight the urge to rub my head. I’m ready to murder them all.
As they continue talking at a lower volume, Aidan catches my attention.
“Bryn, I have spoken with ourfriend,” he says quietly but loudly enough that I can hear, which means that others can too. My brows furrow. Idiot.
“He understands the...situation. With Adi.”
If I could bang my head against something right now, I would. Instead, I look away, hoping against hope that Aidan won’t yell it down the table, concerned that I didn’t hear him the first time.
Seren suddenly stands, dismissing the dinner portion of the evening. I need to figure out which houses are discussing rebellion, so I intend to slip away for some recon.
Adi stands fluidly as servants come to empty the table before it’s magicked away. The light dims as candles are extinguished, and a quartet of musicians, akin to what would have been around in a royal English court, sets up in the corner.
I rise, eyes going to Ossy. I step up to tell him to stay with Adi, but as I get close, his hand goes around the back of my neck and he pulls me in for a quick kiss on the lips. I beam. I had been waiting for him to show affection in public. I lean in and givehim another kiss, now that he’s shown me—and the court—that he’s comfortable with it. His adorable crooked smile in response could light up the room.
I catch Nairna watching us with a soft look on her face. “Did you want a smooch, pup?” I wink as she sputters in denial. “Both of you stay with her, hmm?”
I see Adi speaking with her father and turn to creep out a side door. Before I can reach it, however, Adi’s twin cousins waylay me.
“Urien, Albon. Can I do something for you?” For worthless royals, I like them well enough. Their care of Adi is why I don’t despise them on principle.
Albon responds, looking around nervously. “Adi has hinted that things might get...unsettled.” He looks at his twin, as if needing support. “We’ve talked and we want to help. Our sister is unhinged. Seren’s ready to pass through the veil from pure exhaustion at any moment, from the looks of it. Adi should be queen. She’d be a fair queen and make things around here...better, I suppose.”
It’s not safe—or smart—to take them deep into our confidence, so I don’t bother to correct their misconceptions of our end goal.
“Perfect, gentlemen. If you’re game, and able to keep your mouths shut, I have an assignment for you.”
Urien smiles, and it holds a vicious edge. I realize that they have probably been spared what I and other lower court males went through but that they have still seen their own share of abuse.
“I need you to find out if your sister meets Declan at a regular time.”
Albon blinks. “Captain Declan? Why would she—”
“They’re fucking. And organizing against Adelaide.”
They swear in unison. Slowly, Urien nods. “We’re on it.”
