“We can restore your eye if you come to Hessia,” Prince Nefari said.

“When,” Devina corrected him. “When she comes to Hessia, not if.”

The prince gave me an apologetic smile. “Yes of course, Dev. I just hoped to not come out as imposing as you. You need to remember she grew up with Siya, after all.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” my mother asked, but she wasn’t angry. She was smiling. It didn’t do wonders to my already confused state. Rising from her throne, she came off the podium with arms wide open. “Devina, how great to see you. How long has it been?”

The mean fae hugged my mother like they were the best of friends even though I’d never heard a word about her.

“I’m sorry about the theatrics, Siya, but we really cannot afford the dispute no matter how much I’d like to see King Rothian burn.” She didn’t sound mean any longer. Even the tone of her voice had changed.

“I am not the one you need to apologise to, Dev,” my mother said after they’d released each other. Dev. She’d called her the same nickname Prince Nefari had.

Devina looked to Grath, who had not stood up from his throne yet and did not look pleased in the slightest with any of what had gone down during the council meeting. Welcome to the club, stepdad. Welcome to the freaking club.

“Him?” Devina asked. “You can’t be serious.”

My mother tilted her head, then shook her head. “No, silly, I meant Isay. I know you well enough to not ask you to get along with Vindicans.”

There it was. She knew her well. “Would someone please tell me what is going on?”

Devina turned to face me. “Hey, kiddo. I don’t really despise your mother. We were good friends actually before she swooped in and seduced my affianced. There’s no bad blood, yeah?”

“Kiddo?” I gawked at her. “No bad blood?” I repeated like the broken record I was. However, no other witty response came to me. None whatsoever.

“I don’t think Isay found your apology sincere enough.” My father smiled. His voice was soothing, and my stomach squeezed in nostalgia that I had no business feeling.

If he thought I found his comments any better, he was wrong. I didn’t. I preferred someone to start talking about the things I was concerned about. Like going to Hessia. Not that I minded a sightseeing tour in one of the realm’s best kept territories, it just didn’t sound like a holiday, and I didn’t have an option to refuse. Someone better get to it soon.

“Beautiful,” Karmuth murmured into my hair, “your emotions are going haywire. Breathe.”

I took a deep breath as he instructed, then worked on closing the bond like he’d done on me earlier this morning.

“No, don’t shut me out,” Karmuth chided with a comforting smile. “Please. Just keep breathing.”

Chewing at my lip I stopped the effort, feeling vulnerable with him feeling my anxiety now that he’d pointed it out.

“I’m sure the explanation will come shortly.” His breath caressed my cheek. The more I focussed on him, the easier it was to breathe.

“Thank you,” I whispered back.

“Nefari, we need to talk about you whisking my daughter away,” I heard my mother say and pulled myself out of the comfortable cocoon Karmuth had managed to sink me into. “As much as I appreciate the sudden interest, I’ve managed to raise her all on my own so far and will continue to do so without your interference.”

So formal. She sounded like she was issuing a decree of sorts, not talking to the man that had something to do with my conceivement. Was she purposely remaining unattached?

“Siya, dear, have you seen her eye?” Prince Nefari shook his head. “We can help and will do so. She is my daughter too, and she has no clue what to do with the power within her. She needs to be taught.”

Mother scoffed, “Where were you the past nineteen years? Do not tell me what Isay needs. You do not know her.”

“I am deserving of your wrath, but you cannot possibly think that staying here is better for her. I promise I will keep her safe. The Felrothians do not dare to breach Hessia. The warrior will be with her, too. I assure you, she’ll be well taken care of.”

“What changed?” my mother asked. “You wouldn’t be offering it if Neprion hadn’t approved it. So what changed? You came in scheme to fool the courts. You intended to take her from me before you even walked in.”

Nefari sighed. “You are right. We did.”

“Then explain,” my mother pressed.

“We’re unable to produce an heir.” Complete silence. Then a sigh. “My father is old and wary. He will not rest until our bloodline is secured. Only, we’ve had no success.”

“Its been only nineteen years,” my mother commented. “You haven’t even recovered from the last blooming. You can’t possibly say you’re unable.”

Nefari gave a lopsided smile, although sad. “We called upon a collecting to proceed early. Every life fae offered their ecos to give us the chance of conceiving. Yes, dear, we are unable. Neprion doesn’t have a century to wait. He is fading. So believe me when I say this, Isay is precious for Hessia. And when her insurrection opens up her full potential, we will guide her through it.”

He wanted me to play the role of a princess. To actually be a princess. I would’ve laughed had I not felt like crying. He needed me. Now? He needed me now when I was old enough not to need him.

“And Karmuth?” King Grath asked.

“Your boy will be safe, too. I did not lie when I said that he has access to life.”

Grath nodded once, then walked out of the throne room. No objections? Nothing. He just left. My mother did not have a lot of sway to let us stay. It seemed like we really were leaving.

Chapter 54

KARMUTH

I WOULDN’T SAY I HAD A GOOD FEELING ABOUT THIS, BUT I ALSO

did not not have a good feeling about this, which was about as good as it could get at this point.

I was alive, Isay was alive, and Vindica would go on the same way it had for the past fifty years with Queen Siya strengthening the court. I wouldn’t need to see King Grath and pretend I didn’t wonder how different my life would have been had I known he was my father. I also wouldn’t see Hiko. That hurt more.

We were standing in the courtyard, waiting for Isay, who had rushed to her rooms the moment the decision to leave had been made. I’d been steered away by Hiko to pack my own bags and had no chance to go after her.

Almost the entire court had gathered to see our departure. Most of whom I had never had nothing to do with, and I doubted Isay knew any of them either. Yet, here they were, to see us off. Some of  their eyes held relief, fewer sorrow.

I suppose having me and Isay gone from Vindica would be easier for everyone here. Less temptation. Less fear too.

“Come now, we’re leaving in ten,” Devina ushered, even though Isay wasn’t back yet. “We’ve already overstayed our welcome.”

“You’re being overdramatic.” Prince Nefari shook his head, but he was smiling.

They were both standing as far away from the gathered death fae as they could, likely unnerved by the crowd, even though their postures didn’t show it.

I hadn’t made my mind up  about Devina, but I liked Prince Nefari. While Isay had a hard time coming to terms with the revelation and Nefari’s plan—I knew she did, because I felt it—I wasn’t as worried as I likely should’ve been. There was something about her father that immediately made me feel comfortable. I hadn’t minded sharing my ecos with him and showing him my thoughts.

Unlike my own father, Nefari seemed to sincerely care for Isay, even though he’d been distant all of her life. There had to be a reason for it. For all of it.

Joining the Hessians, we would have time to find out, and Isay would be able to get to know her father.