Page 4 of Of War and Realms

“Yes, I do, because that is the truth.” Casmir’s hard voice rings through the room. The way he’s commanding everyone’s attention…seated at the head of the table, relaxed in his chair as if he’s not the least bit stressed. His muscles flex under the tight shirt he’s wearing as he grips the arms of his seat. His jaw flexes and those hazel eyes darken as if the light in the room went out. He’s all prince right now…I force my gaze away before everyone knows exactly how Cas makes me feel without even trying.

“Tell us again where you heard this information? Because I don’t believe this is true. We know Prince Andras! He would never do something like this!” Geneva exclaims loudly, ensuring every fae in the room heard her. Out of the eight council members, she’s clearly the most opinionated. Honestly, I don’t think she even likes Cas. She discredits everything he says without knowing all the facts.

I’m not certain how he’s dealt with her, or any of them, all these years. He definitely has more patience than I do. I bite my cheek each time one of the members speaks; if only they knew what Andras was really like. Casmir insisted on not telling them where he truly heard the information, or anything about me other than I’m to sit in on the meeting. He wanted to see how they would react to the news before bombarding them with how the gods play into this.

He warned me they can be difficult. I warned him that I can, too.

My prince sighs, clasping his hands on the oval table. “We are wasting time arguing over nothing. I told you an anonymous source—”

“Oh, please! Casmir, these lies are childish. Niair would never have said such things just because of a petty feud between princes.”

My hand involuntarily slams onto the table. “What—did you just say to him?” My eyes slide to Geneva, glaring at her through the depths of my soul. Hers widen, and she blinks a few times before clearing her throat.

“Apologies, Your Highness, I meant no disrespect.” I clench my jaw and look away from the female before I lash out. A hand squeezes my thigh under the table, pulling my attention to the right, where Emrys’s brows are raised at me. I suppose I am feeling rather possessive of them…courtesy of our strengthening bond. But that does not give any fae the right to talk to my prince like that. Bond or not, I will not sit back and watch them be disrespectful.

It’s fine, princess. I told you what to expect. I narrow my eyes at him, not deigning that comment a response.

Cas just waves her off, leaning forward. “Regardless of your opinions, this is happening. We must discuss the implications this will have on the city. I know nothing about Andras’s strategy or plans, so it’s important we prepare as much as possible.” He looks to each council member, locking eyes with the three females and five males, before glancing at Em and me.

“What are your proposals?” the quiet one, Lila, says into the silence. She appears much younger than the rest of the council, with a soft, rounded face and long, raven black hair. At least someone is taking this seriously.

“First, I do not wish for this news to cause mass chaos with the fae; I believe it’s necessary to arrange…a speech, of sorts. Control what information is given to them.” Cas rubs his jaw, staring at the stone wall across the room as if he’s deep in thought. “They will know something is wrong soon enough, so the faster we can speak with them, the better.

“The army is already making preparations; working on new training regimens and increasing weapon supply. We must go over safety and evacuation protocols.” He meets my eyes briefly before biting his bottom lip, taking a deep breath and settling into a decision. “I do not believe Andras will bring his fight to the city, though I feel it’s important we have the protocols finalized for the residents, regardless.”

“What do you mean Andras will not bring his war here? Is that not what you just told us he’s doing?” The male with long chocolate hair sits forward, resting his elbows on the table. I don’t remember his name…

Who is he? I ask Em, trying to keep from distracting Casmir.

Conan. His hand squeezes my thigh harder, and I get the feeling Conan is just as difficult as Geneva.

The council all look to their prince, Geneva with a smirk on her face, probably thinking they just caught him in a lie. My blood thickens, rushing through my body so quickly that it’s the only sound I hear. I’m fighting to keep my breathing even, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult. I’m not normally so quick to anger, but if they keep challenging him…

Cas, just tell them the full truth. It’s fine if they know who I am. His head whips in my direction, brows furrowed deeply.

No. I’ve no doubt each one of them would find a way to give you to Andras if they knew the full truth. I won’t risk it.

We’ve bickered about this several times; it’s hypocritical of me, seeing as I haven’t told them about Ivana yet. And she’s the reason I know I’ll be fine. Honestly, the council is the very least of my worries.

Taking in a deep breath, I repeat what I’ve been saying to Cas all morning. I will be okay. There is no reason to worry about them.

He doesn’t respond, only shaking his head and looking away from me. “Yes, he will bring his fight to this side of the mountains, though I do not believe he will come for the city. His priorities are elsewhere.”

“Where? What does that even mean?” Conan spits, his eyes narrowing on Cas.

“That is information I am not able to disclose at this time.” His face shuts down, closing him off from showing emotion to the group.

I wish he would just listen to me, though I understand why he doesn’t. I probably wouldn’t either, given my history of thinking I’m safe when I am not. Glancing around the room, I take in the wary expressions on each of the council members. Elana and Lila sit next to each other, both appearing indifferent about the argument happening around them. Elana has stunning blonde hair that could make any female jealous. It’s clear she’s a powerful woman. I store that information away—it could be useful in the future.

I could swear Geneva, Viktor, and Conan have a three-way telepathy going with how similar they all look: disgusted and ready to push back on their prince any chance they get.

Gods, I’m frustrated with how this is going.

Gabriel is directly across the table from Casmir, lounging in his seat as if this is the most entertainment he’s had in a while. The window to his right showcases the sun, allowing its light to run over his skin, making him look ethereal. He’s an attractive male. I grimace…so is Conan, and I am very close to flattening his nose.

Roech runs a hand through his sandy curls, glaring daggers at the three members causing issues. His thick muscles flex as he crosses his arms, and I briefly wonder what he does each day to look like that. I never formally met any of the members at the party months ago, but I didn’t expect them all to be so…mundane.

And these are the fae causing my bond problems?

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