Chapter 33 #2
I faced her and held her gaze. “I don’t think anyone could do anything that won’t make the situation worse. The only solution we have right now is what we’re already doing.”
My marriage to Thayden.
“It shouldn’t be.”
“I know. But it is.”
She rested both hands on my shoulders, then we said nothing more.
There was nothing more to say.
The grand hall of the castle stretched before us like a monument to royal power.
Vaulted ceilings soared overhead, supported by marble columns carved with the kingdom's heraldry, while enormous tapestries depicted centuries of royal conquests.
Sunlight filtered through stained-glass windows, casting jeweled patterns across the polished stone floors.
Despite the numbness that had settled over me, I could still appreciate the beauty, and the memories I had of this place.
I remembered dancing here at the ball with my father on King Varis’ name day celebration when I was twelve. And Father bringing me here just because I’d asked to go with him on an adventure.
I was glad I still retained those memories. I never knew they would be a source of comfort in a time of need.
Thayden ushered me deeper into the hall with a possessive hand at the small of my back. My family followed close behind.
Prince Maelor stood at the head of the long dining table, every inch the perfect royal heir.
Dark hair was swept back from a face that held just enough firmness to convey authority without looking arrogant.
His clothing was understated elegance. Like Thayden, he wore a deep navy doublet, but his had silver threading and no unnecessary ornamentation.
He didn't need flashy displays of wealth to command attention.
I’d met him a few times before, but I was a young child. He was always off on some business for his father when we came to visit.
It was no great loss. He hated magic and those who were magic born.
He loathed it even more that my father married my mother and owned the land we had in the south.
Under the new proviso that would go into effect the moment King Varis died, that land would become Thayden’s through our marriage.
Nothing that my mother owned would be hers.
So, we had all of that to worry about, too.
Many of the restrictions that existed now were because of people like Prince Maelor.
People across the kingdom were wary of him. I felt they had every right to be, whether they were magic born or not.
Maelor was nothing like his father, who’d been so good to us.
Still, he smiled when we reached him.
I smiled back for the sake of keeping up appearances.
"Lady Elariya," he said, inclining his head with precisely the right degree of respect for my station. "It's a pleasure to see you again. And look at you. All grown up."
He extended his hand toward me, palm down in the traditional gesture.
I knew what was expected—the old formal greeting reserved for royalty.
I stepped forward and took his hand gently, bowing my head as I pressed a brief, respectful kiss to his knuckles.
The gesture felt strange, knowing how much he probably hated me.
"Your Highness, the pleasure is mine,” I murmured.
When I straightened, Prince Maelor's smile was warm and approving. "Perfect," he said, as if I'd passed some small test. "Allow me to offer my sympathy in regard to your father. The Royal House has always been fond of him.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
"Now that my own father is on the verge of departing this world, I understand the loss you and your family must feel.”
There was no malice in his words. In fact, I hadn’t expected them. I just didn’t like the way he was talking, inferring that my father was dead.
“I truly wish my father could have joined us for your celebrations," Maelor continued smoothly. "But I'm afraid King Varys' health continues to decline. The physicians say it's only a matter of time now."
“I’m so sorry to hear that. We are truly fond of the Royal House, too.”
“Please, take a seat. Let’s not trouble ourselves with the matters we cannot control.”
He gestured for us to take our seats, and we did as instructed.
As I sat, Thayden flashed me a satisfied glance. He looked pleased at my exchange with Prince Maelor, and pleased with my face.
The bastard must have known he’d leave a mark. And he knew we’d cover it up.
Conversation began pleasantly around the table as the guests filed in and took their seats. Soon, everyone was seated—around twenty people including Mattieu, Thayden’s father.
Prince Maelor gave a toast to us then inquired after our journey to the capital. I was surprised when he followed that by asking Mother about the harvest from our southern estates.
Everything felt so normal. And false.
We didn’t belong with these people. We felt no different from pieces on a chess board being carefully moved around.
Thayden took over the conversation, regaling everyone with stories from our engagement, painting himself as the devoted suitor who'd waited patiently for me to come of age.
My family offered polite laughter at the appropriate moments, though I caught the strain around Mother's eyes whenever Thayden's hand found mine on the table.
"The wedding preparations sound magnificent," Prince Maelor said, slicing into his poached pear with surgical precision. "Which brings me to something I've been eager to discuss."
The table seemed to collectively hold its breath. Even the servants moving between courses slowed their steps, as if sensing that something important was about to be announced.
Prince Maelor set his cutlery down and folded his hands calmly before him. "I have a pre-wedding gift for you both." His voice carried the weight of royal decree. "Something I believe will be... particularly meaningful."
The quiet that followed was absolute.
What the hells was he going to give us? Both of us.
A quick glance at Thayden’s father and the pleased expression he bore told me he already knew what the present was.
Something powerful, no doubt. Mattieu had the same power-hungry look engrained in his son’s eyes.
Prince Maelor's smile broadened. "You are all aware that recent months have required some... restructuring within the royal command structure," he began. "With this in mind, my father and I determined that fresh leadership is essential for our continued stability."
Thayden straightened in his chair. He knew what was coming, though he hadn't expected this conversation. I had a feeling I knew what was coming, too.
"Therefore," Prince Maelor continued, "it gives me great pleasure to announce that Thayden Blackthorne will assume the title of Lord Commander of the King's Guard, effective immediately."
Yes. That’s exactly what I’d thought was going to happen.
Only last week, Grandmother explained it would with King Varis’ passing.
She thought we still had time to get through the wedding and adjust. But it was happening now.
It meant Thayden would have a share of ownership of our lands starting tomorrow.
And he’d be lord of everything we owned.
All the things King Varis had afforded us would be shifted to his hands, and we would belong to him.
The announcement landed like stones dropped into still water, sending ripples of shock around the table.
Mother's fork paused halfway to her lips.
Grandmother's tea cup rattled slightly against its saucer.
Even Thayden seemed momentarily speechless, though he recovered quickly with what looked like genuine surprise and gratitude.
“Your Grace. That is truly a great honor,” Thayden said with a deep bow. Then he cut me a glance.
“Thank you, your Grace,” I spoke quickly.
"I thought it best to make this appointment now," Maelor explained smoothly, "before the darker days ahead with my father's imminent passing gave it a more somber association. This way, your new position begins with celebration rather than mourning."
“I couldn’t agree more,” Thayden replied. “My deepest gratitude. I will make you proud.”
"The kingdom requires stability in these times of transition. Strong leadership from men who understand the importance of order. I believe you're precisely what we need, my Lord."
The title rolled off his tongue like it had always belonged to Thayden. Like this had been planned for far longer than anyone at this table realized.
Maybe it had.
Regardless, everything had just gotten far worse than it was before.
This wasn’t just the last day I belonged to myself.
It was the last day of freedom for my family, too.