Page 104 of The Poison of the Earth
They snap open when Finnick says, “I am the youngest, and an accident, as my brothers love to tell me. My mother almost did not survive my birth, another strike against me. And I was so obviously not a fire. My father can barely stand to look at me. Growing up was... hard.”
His voice breaks here and it takes him a moment to continue. “But I spent time in the griffon roosts, and in town whenever I could sneak away. My mother found me a water Fae tutor who became like Grandmother to me. She taught me to use my magic. And once I could use it, well... I was able to stop the regular beatings from my brothers.”
My hand rises and I stroke his green chest. His arms tighten around me and he tucks his face into my loose hair.
“So you see, beloved, we’re both wounded. But we’re stronger together, Oleander.”
A smile plays at my lips, tears seeping from beneath my eyelids.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Lonan
Kai and I did indeed fuck all night. But it was frantic, fragile, overwhelmed. When we finally had had our fill, we had clung to each other in bed, both of us missing the body of our mate between us, but neither willing to speak on it.
When we arrive, Korben in tow, to the dining hall for brunch, the entire Larkstead family is there and Ordained Eliska is standing at the head of the table. We sit, as everyone else is already settled. Several of the sons are looking as if they had been sucking on lemons.
The door opens and Finnick and Oleander enter, her arm tucked carefully against his body in the crook of his arm. His hair is braided intricately and a vision of Ollie carefully tending his hair hits me and I almost groan with jealousy.
He leads her to the Ordained and they stand in front of her.
“Oleander Stonesthrow, do you swear before the Lord and Lady that you and your betrothed consummated your bond last night?”
“I do so swear,” she answers.
“Finnick Larkstead, do you swear before the Lord and Lady that you and your betrothed consummated your bond last night?”
He pauses but firmly says, “I do so swear.”
“Truth. The Lord and Lady are pleased,” Ordained Eliska says, a smile on her face.
They move to sit, Finnick joining Ollie on this side of the table.
“So, my son,” Lord Larkstead starts loudly, “You’ll be expected to speak for the betterment and advancement of your family despite your marriage bonds.”
Finnick raises an eyebrow but doesn’t bother answering.
I dig into my meal, ready to finish up a few meetings today and leave on the morrow, back to Thistle Grove.
I hear the Larkstead sons arguing softly as Ordained Eliska inquires politely on our plans with Ollie.
“Now, pumpkin, you’ll have to send for me as soon as you have the seat of power at RedWater and we can plan your wedding!” Lady Larkstead says excitedly.
“Well,” starts Lord Larkstead, “You know, you could both stay here. Leave the fighting to your Gener—”
“No.” Ollie says it firmly. “I am a part of this. I will not sit on the sidelines while Fae sworn to our cause battle and die. I am not like Alder.”
Pride swells for my little mate.Who am I to judge her for taking this alliance? She is using her body as barter for fuck’s sake.I feel a prickly sensation and as I shovel eggs into my mouth, I realize it’s shame.Fuck.
A servant comes hurrying across the room and stops behind me. I turn, surprised.
“A message my lord,” he says quietly, holding out a rolled up note, surely sent by crow.
I take it and unfurl it, feeling as if I cannot wait if it was marked urgent enough to interrupt family meal time.
My eyes scan it quickly. Fuck.Fuck fuck fuck.I hand it to Kai silently as I process our next move. I feel him tense as he reads it. Oleander’s eyes are locked upon us, her body upright and stiff. She can read us, can tell this is bad.
I wipe my face and push to my feet. “Lord and Lady Larkstead. Thank you for your hospitality. Thank you for yourkindness and your alliance. We shall not forget it.” I take a deep breath.
