Page 21 of Of War and Realms

“Let him speak.” All heads whip to me at the command. I hear a few suck in breaths while Bastian covers his mouth with a hand.

“What did you say to me, Anellah?”

I smirk at the challenge in her words; something she does when she tries to frighten me into submission. “You heard me, Aeryn. Let. Him. Speak.” Cyran cackles under her breath. I raise a brow to mother, daring her to refuse. She clenches her jaw, eyes melting from light gray to that of a raging storm.

“Fine.” A slow smile spreads across my face before I dismiss her, focusing on my father.

“Okay—I believe it’s important we keep this as brief as possible. Casmir, I’ve been told your army is already following a new training schedule?”

“Correct. Nell instructed several members of my guard in your ways, and they train daily with the camps. We’re unsure of when Andras will attack, so they have rigorous schedules.”

My father nods, pleased with this information. “Excellent. I may suggest some of our demi soldiers join your guard to help with preparations?”

“Thank you, Hale, that would be appreciated.” I reach for Cas’s hand, finding it easily as his and Em’s chairs are so close they’re touching mine. His thumb runs along my wrist, sending a shiver through my core. The small touch feels so intimate—and exactly what I need to make it through the rest of this meeting.

“I will speak with your captain to initiate this transition.” His kind voice hardens as he addresses the room fully again. “Now, as we have been prepared for another war for centuries, really the only matter left to discuss is this new realm we’re told has been opened. Anellah, what information do you have about this realm and its demons?”

“Unfortunately, not a lot. All we know is they are very tall and fast, with sharp claws and teeth. They possibly have no eyes, but are extraordinarily perceptive. We do not know how to kill or subdue them.” The silence that follows my disclosure is unnerving. We may be great fighters, but this is a rival we know nothing about that we’re being forced to battle.

“Well,” father’s quiet voice breaks the stillness. “We can at least increase agility training in all soldiers and sorids. However, it seems as though we will be going to war blind to who our enemy is. Are there any other suggestions?”

Casmir adjusts slightly, not releasing my hand. Panic shoots through me just as he speaks, because I know exactly what he’s going to say. “I may have some weapons that could be helpful; though I would first show them to you before any decisions are made.”

“What weapon could you possibly have that would best anything we brought to your realm?”

“Mother,” I snap, heat flooding my chest. The rapid beating of my heart quickens when she drags her sharp gaze to mine.

“What?” She sounds almost bored. One of her favorite manipulation tactics. “Why tell us of these weapons without explaining what they are? It’s childish.”

“Respectfully, I disagree.” The authority in my prince’s voice forces me to clench my thighs. “It would be best to show you before explaining.” He’s right. If Niair and Teryn had told me before taking me down there, I’m sure my reaction would have been much worse. I look to my males' parents as they bristle quietly in their seats, seeming uncomfortable with being surrounded by the beings that their hidden weapons can kill.

“Don’t you insult me, boy. I will—”

“Enough!” My palm slams on the table hard enough that small cracks form on the surface. I stand swiftly, causing my chair to slide back into the wall. “You will not speak to him like that.”

She smiles wickedly, thinking she has me right where she wants me: emotional and pliable. “Speak to your soul bond like what, Anellah?” she spits, grimacing, as if the taste of the words are the most foul things to ever touch her tongue. “The way I speak to you? Because I was being quite respectful, but if you would like me to treat him how you deserve, then I’m more than happy to oblige.”

“See that’s always the thing with you, isn’t it?” I laugh, the noise laced with raw hatred. Leaning forward on my hands, I hold her gaze tightly. “You seem to think you get to decide what everyone else deserves. Especially me. Quite frankly, I don’t give a fuck what you think of me. But my issue, mother, is who the hell decides what you deserve? Who gets the absolute privilege of choosing your scolding and punishment?” Her brows scrunch slightly. I’ve hit a nerve. “What? You think you’re perfect and above judgment? Because if I asked each individual in this room, you would have thirteen people who disagree with you. And what does that say about you other than just how little self-awareness you possess?”

She shakes her head, chuckling. “Please, Anellah. You are embarrassing yourself. This is just you showing off for your bonds, because you have never spoken to me like this before.”

“Yeah, well I’d also never been raped and tortured for twenty-five years before, either.” She clenches her jaw, and I stand to my full height, looking down at her across the table. “So you will submit to the prince, or you will get the fuck out and go stay at the camp.” I turn and storm out of the room, my males following closely behind.

“You stop this instant.” I halt, ready to rip my hair out. But maybe I could rip hers out, instead. That would definitely be more satisfying. I don’t face her, instead waiting for her to walk around our trio and stand in front of us.

“I will forgive your insolence, solely because I know what is said about how a triggered bond changes you. So you must listen when I tell you these males are just using you. How stupid can you be, Anellah? You hold no position of power, and yet why do you think they keep you around? So they can fuck you, and you play into their tactics like a lovesick youngling.” I feel Cas and Em step closer, just a breath away from pressing against my sides.

I’m done arguing. This is just another one of her attempts at manipulating me. “What’s this, then?” I hold up my left hand, showing the ring my males purchased for me yesterday when I finally let go of my guilt and said yes to their proposal. “Why did they ask me to be their queen?” Her eyes widen, the skin across her face reddening.

“You stupid girl.”

I burst out laughing before looking into her soul, allowing her to feel every ounce of fury I’ve been holding on to for decades. “That may be true. But at least I’m happy.” I lean in, forcing a deadliness to my voice. “Fuck you, and fuck your expectations.”

Chapter Twelve

Anellah

The door to Casmir’s room slams into the wall as I burst in, cursing myself in every language. I throw myself on the bed and push the heels of my palms against my eyes.

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