Page 35 of Chosen By the Fae King

“Then why bother with the betrothal?” I posed.

“Insurance, I suppose? In case King Orson never stepped down? They saw great benefit being tied to the Duersian Clan of Ephandor.”

When I frowned, Raina clarified. “Liam's surname is Duersi. Brahm is his father.”

“Whoa,” Sofiya breathed.

The Duersian Clan was a terrifying force of berserker fae, deeply rooted in their ancient tribal customs. Whispers among the other fae spoke of them as barbaric and ruthless, not to be crossed lightly.

They were the only ones willing to guard Stirroghar Crossing, the sole portal connecting our realm to the treacherous Otherland. Even though their rule over the crossing was necessary for protection, it sent shivers down the spine of any fae who dared to challenge them.

It wasn't lost on me that the clan operated outside the direct control of the kingdom. Ephandor, their territory, was more of a neutral province that maintained a working relationship with the King. Or, perhaps, it would be more accurate to say they tolerated each other's existence.

I couldn't fathom why Brahm, their leader, had allowed his own son to serve under a king when they so greatly valued their independence.

Another thought came to mind. “The clan just let your parents walk away from the betrothal?”

“No. The contract gave both parties a financial out, which my parents took, paying them an exorbitant amount of money. Now they say I owe them the debt. If I don't win this, I'll be banished.”

Sofiya, who rarely showed anger, shook with it. “You'll come to Greenhollow after this nonsense is over.”

Raina's brow furrowed. “You barely know me.”

“I know enough,” Sofiya sternly replied.

“But–”

“I wouldn't bother,” I suggested. “Once Sofiya's mind is made up, that's that. Tuck it away for now.”

Raina nodded, glancing again at Liam for the tenth time since sitting down. They locked eyes and turned their heads away at the same time.

“Did you want to marry him?” I asked gently.

Raina shook her head. “It no longer matters. My parents made sure he would never want me.”

“And Nox?” I prodded. “Do you wish to be his queen?”

“No. Not in the slightest.”

I resented the relief I felt at her answer and blamed it on my attraction to his physical appearance. And the feel of his lips on mine. The weight of his stare ... of his body ...

“I would be content to never marry anyone,” Raina sighed, interrupting my mutinous ruminations. “My parents only see me as a means to gain power and wealth. I want to choose my own path.”

I leaned forward, meeting her gaze. “Then choose it. Do not let anyone take away your freedom. Don't let them make you a victim of their plotting.”

Raina leaned back, staring at me as though she'd never even considered the possibility. A spark lit in her eyes. She gave me a fierce smile in return. “Thank you.”

In that moment, I knew Raina and I would be friends.

Throughout the rest of the morning meal, I noticed Liam watching Raina. His gaze would linger, jaw clenching. There was a storm of emotions in his red-brown eyes. Anger. Longing. A hint of regret.

Whatever history they shared, it was complicated. I wondered if he still cared for Raina. If so, it explained the tension between them and his protectiveness toward Nox where she was concerned.

My musings were interrupted when Liam appeared at my side. “Lady Aeryn, King Nox requests your presence in his private study.”

I tensed, Raina and Sofiya throwing me concerned looks. What did the insufferable male want now?

Liam's mouth quirked at my reaction. “Don't look so worried. If he meant you harm, I'd be escorting you someplace other than his office.”

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