Page 121 of Brighter Than Gold

“From the Sisterhood?”

“Some. But from our own people too. We’ve been able to oversee—at a distance—what it is the Sisterhood was speaking of.”

“You mean spy?”

“In a way, yes.”

“And? What decision has been made?” She seemed so nervous, and it made me hesitant to tell her.

“The Realm wants to avoid war at all costs, but the North struck first and that cannot go without consequence. It has been decided that a delegation will travel to the Kardonian Mountains and demand an audience with the leaders of the North.”

“Who is going?” she whispered.

“Me. And you.”

After a few moments of stunned silence, Reyah shook her head. “No. I won’t go.” Her cheeks and neck flushed an angry red. “I’m not going, Kaspian!” She shoved away from the table and marched into the bedroom.

I sat dazed, not understanding the reason behind her vehement refusal. I followed her into the bedroom and found her out on the balcony. I stood beside her, and we watched as hundreds of people joyously celebrated the naming ceremony just beyond the palace walls and well into the city. There was music and dancing, and somewhere in the distance fireworks popped and sizzled against the night sky.

“Why do you need me to go?” she asked finally.

“Because you are a Queen of the Realm and also their blood. We want to fight for peace, Reyah. We are hoping you are the key.”

“You’re using me.”

“We’re not using you.”

“Of course you are. My heritage was a betrayal to you until you realized it might save you from a war.”

“Is that so wrong?” I turned her to face me. “We are trying to spare thousands and thousands of lives, on both sides of the border. Would you really be so stubborn?”

“I left for a reason; they are not my people anymore Kas. I hate them as much as you do for what they did. More, even. Trust me.”

“What happened? Tell me why you left.”

I saw a whole story flash behind her eyes, but her lips formed only a single word.

“No.”

“This journey isn’t a choice, Reyah. You will come with me, as my wife and as an ambassador of the Realm. You will help me force your brother to see reason, and then we will come home.”

Reyah glared back at me. “Fuck you.”

Something inside of me snapped and I snatched her hard by the arm. She winced as I forced her inside, slamming the balcony doors closed behind us.

“Would you like to repeat that, Princess?” I snarled through my teeth. She looked back at me and her expression shifted between ire and fear. I stepped in closer to her, forcing her backwards with my chest until she hit the writing desk and she stumbled.

“I’m not afraid of you,” she said staring up at me.

“If your lip hadn’t just trembled, I might have been inclined to believe you.”

“I’m sorry, all right? I’m sorry I cursed at you. I was frustrated.”

“Don’t back down so soon, Little Raven.”

“I’m not backing down, I’m…apologizing.”

She still didn’t understand, so I pushed her against the table harder, making sure this time she could feel just how aroused this little power exchange was getting me. She blinked and swallowed when she finally understood. I grabbed her hand and put it against my cock. She tore it away and I pulled it once more against me, rougher this time. I took a handful of hair from the pretty bun at the base of her neck and pulled her head back enough so that she was looking up at me.

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