Chapter 2 #2
Shoes, so polished I almost saw my reflection, came to a rest before me. ‘Rise.’
Obeying, I stood. Romero held his thin lips in a tight line. The king tilted his head. The ice in his searching gaze forced a shiver through me. I could have sworn the corner of his mouth tugged up.
‘I’m afraid, my sweetest Sorrow, you shan’t be our Tribute after all.’
Gasping, I closed my eyes and offered a silent prayer to Evella. Despite knowing how it would annoy him, a smile split my face as our gazes met.
‘Such a shame,’ Smythe said from the doorway. ‘She was really looking forward to it, too.’
I earned a blessed moment of reprieve as the king narrowed his eyes at the guard. ‘Believe me,’ he said, his voice laced with sincerity, ‘no one regrets the sudden change of circumstances more than myself. However, I’ve secured a more… suitable Tribute. One truly worthy of Vyrus.’
A stab split my heart as I thought of the poor soul who’d be taking my place, before images of the library swam through my mind.
Gods, what if his intentions were darker?
Would he take me back to his keep? What if he’d learned the truth and wanted me tested for hidden gifts?
The only place I’d truly be safe was back among the towering shelves, groaning with history and fables.
‘When I return to the library, I’ll work harder. I’ll get a whole collection of assistants.’ My words flew out in a jumble. ‘I swear, my liege. We’ll have answers soon. I’d made such headway in our search for the Vyrium sites before I came here. I’m so close. I’ll—’
The king laughed, the hollow sound cutting me off. I raised my chin, steadied each harried breath. His hands slipped into the pockets of his coat as he took a step back. Swallowing, I searched for Enfys, but she’d receded back to the shadows, her expression lost.
Realising my mouth hung open, I snapped it shut, steeling my spine.
‘Oh, my sweet Sorrow.’ I bristled at his tone. ‘The library isn’t for you, is it?’
‘But…’
The king raised his manicured brow, and I bit down my retort. The man was not to be interrupted. A lesson I’d learned many times during my childhood.
‘You were given every opportunity to prove you had some worth to my crown, but you squandered it.’
‘Father…’ Enfys’s weak voice broke through. He didn’t even spare her a glance.
‘It wasn’t your fault, I suppose. You never planned to tumble off that damned horse.
But the loss of your sight and Evella deeming you so unworthy she stripped you of your gift has led to this.
No, Sorrow. You spent almost eight years in my library, eating the food I provided, wearing the clothes I bought.
You’re not even my own flesh and blood. And what did I get in return? Nothing, Sorrow. Absolutely nothing.’
My face burned. How could he disregard all I’d discovered? Without me, he would never have located the northern mine. He’d have barely any Vyrium left without my efforts.
‘However’ – he took a step back, draining the last of the tea from his cup – ‘it seems the Gods have decided on a new fate for you. A new way in which you can repay me for the years I’ve endured your existence.’
His gaze curdled my marrow. Despite the dark shadows descending across my sight, I swore I’d never seen such a grin on his face.
Enfys came to my side, pressing a warm hand to my arm. ‘It’s good though, Sorrow. The news is good. Tell her, Father.’
I forced my fingers to grip my skirts as his smile widened further, true unadulterated mirth flickering in his eyes.
‘Do you recall how I said no one in their right mind would ever marry a half-blind bastard?’
My chest heaved, swirls clouding my sight. I nodded. Romero regarded Enfys.
‘Well.’ He stepped forward, tilting his head as I dug my heels in, refusing to baulk and step away. ‘It seems even I can be wrong on occasion.’
A low rumble ran through Pablo, and I tugged his fur as the king wrinkled his nose.
‘Am I… am I right in thinking you’ve arranged my marriage?’ I could hardly force the final word past my lips.
‘In return for certain boons, I’ve secured an alliance for you. Not only have I personally found you a husband, but I’ve aligned you with one of my fellow kings.’
My shoulders shook. Marriage? To a king?
I’d been so close to escaping. How would I face swapping this stone prison for another twisted, gilded version?
I blew out a shaky breath as images of the three potential husbands flew through my mind.
One stuck, stealing my breath at the memory of his green eyes, his damned smile.
My gaze flicked over to Enfys, fighting back tears as my chest cleaved.
It couldn’t be him. Not after I’d learned who that particular king was due to marry.
Which left two other, painful possibilities.
I steadied my breaths. ‘May I ask who I’m to be shackled to?’
King Romero sighed, before gripping my chin. Yanking me up so I couldn’t avoid his glare, his expression hardened. ‘Always so curious. Just know I couldn’t be happier with your match. However, I thought we’d keep his name as a nice surprise.’
‘Father…’ Enfys’s voice trailed off as Romero dug his fingers in, tilting my head higher.
‘Now,’ he said, finally releasing me, ‘aren’t you grateful?’