Page 107 of Wrath of the Fae

‘The human trafficking is between Ivan and the King. We had no say in it. We have no say in anything.’

‘Did you fuck my sister?’

‘No.’

Truth.

‘Have you kissed her?’

‘Yes. Five times. But not through choice. As you have seen, it’s not easy-’

‘Touched her intimately?’

‘Held her hand. Hugged her. I grabbed her arse once in the banquet hall, but only to get the others to leave us alone.’

‘You fuck anyone else whilst I was gone?’

He angrily scoffs.

‘Ask the right question, Princess. And I’ll answer it.’

‘Meaning?’

He leans closer, uncaring that the dagger digs in, threatening to spill blood.

‘Apart from what I have told you, I have not willingly or wantonly fucked, fingered, kissed or received anything sexual from anyone since you.’ He raises his brow. ‘Am I lying?’

No. He’s not.

‘Willingly?’ I repeat uneasily.

‘I think you can use your imagination from what you just witnessed. Any more questions? I can give you details if you like. But I would rather not if that’s okay with you.’

Anger twitches in his face. It burns through his eyes.

‘Rhea said you treated her well. Has Reid? Or does he usually burn her as he burnt me?’

‘I do my best to protect her, as does he. But she’s a stubborn girl who regularly refuses to hold her tongue and do as she is told, just like you. If anything, she has treated us well. Considering what we did to you and your mother.’

‘You mean the whole locking her up, stealing her throne, clearing the path for Ivan to tear down this and the human world all in the name of power? Or do you mean killing my brother? Or lying about-’

‘All of it, Princess. I know what I’ve done. I already offered you my life as payment in that cave back at the Seventh Kingdom, and my artery is half an inch to your left. I won’t stop you.’

‘You think something as simple and easy as your death will make up for what you have done to me, Cyrus?’ I scoff.

‘No. Not by far. But it’s all I have to offer you. If it’s my life you want, take it. It’s always been yours anyway, so do with it as you wish. End it now, or make it long and full of suffering. Either way, it can't be any worse than living without you, so be my fucking guest and stick that dagger through my heart. I beg you.'

I could. So easily. He won’t stop me. Every word he says is the truth.

‘Tell me a lie,’ I say, wanting to know I can sense them with him. That this isn’t some trick.

‘I can’t think of anything to say-’

‘Two lies and one truth. Now!’

‘I don’t love you.’

The lie ripples through me and leaves that vile taste in my mouth.

---