Page 104 of Secrets of Avalon

“No,” she cuts him off. “You’re more than welcome and I’ve sent my personal maid to search out more from my friends in the city. Most people keep some around. We should have at least that much for all of you by the end of the day.”

“We are most grateful, your majesty.”

She nods and slips back into her chair next to her husband. “Now I have a coronation and wedding to plan. And has anyone seen Destrien? He wasn’t in the tower. And none of the staff has seen him either.”

The wedding. Right. My breath catches in my throat. Somehow in the craziness I’d forgotten that was happening.

A chorus of head shakes ripple around the table. An uneasy silence falls over the group.

A weird sensation of suspicion floats through my bond with Hawke.

You think something is wrong? I ask silently, pushing the question to him.

Hawke’s answering words slide ominously into my mind. I don’t know yet. But Destrien often has selfish reasons for his actions.

“I’m sure he’s fine, my love,” the king pats his wife’s hand. “Destrien is nothing but resourceful.”

“I know, I just worry about him. I want all my family safe within Vandimoor’s walls.”

"I'll send some runners to look, but I'm sure he'll turn up later today." King Theon signals to a nearby servant, who hurries off without hesitation.

A young messenger runs through the doors of the great hall, his face pale and slick with sweat. He gasps for breath, clutching a crumpled parchment in his trembling hand.

"Your Majesties!" he cries, his voice cracking with urgency. "Forgive the interruption, but?—"

"Speak, boy," King Theon commands, rising to his feet. "What news?"

"Sire, Prince Destrien has sent word from Lunaris. He will be arriving in Vandimoor tomorrow with his bride–the lady Vencia Darkwood.”

CHAPTER 39

Time For Dessert

Hawke Stormblood

My brother married Vencia Darkwood.

I reach for Melinda’s hand under the table. Her eyes meet mine, concern swirling in their depths. I send a wave of reassurance through our bond before turning back to the messenger.

He’s traveling from Lunaris. How? When? Why? What is he getting out of this? He doesn’t love her… I know that for sure. So what other reason could he have for wanting to marry that snake in the grass?

My father’s face is red, his composure cracking. "When?" His voice cuts through the silence, sharp and demanding.

Mother's hand flies to her mouth, her eyes wide and searching. She stares at me, desperate for answers I don't possess.

I shake my head. I have none.

My brothers in arms and Kellan are all silent and still at the table.

The messenger flinches. "The ceremony took place yesterday, Your Majesty."

Mother's voice quavers. "But... why? Why would he do this without telling us? And in the middle of everything. She was meant to be your betrothed. Was he in love with her?" She looks at me again.

I clench my fists. My brother has aligned himself with the very family that tried to have my soul match murdered. “No. He wasn’t in love with her. And the only thing Vencia cares about more than her vanity is her social status.”

“I want to be informed the second they arrive tomorrow. And tell the staff Destrien and his new wife are to be put in the guest quarters on the other side of the palace away from the family wing.” My father’s tone is dark and filled with hostility.

A grim satisfaction settles in my chest at his words. "Good," I growl, my voice low enough that only those closest to me can hear. "Let them feel the chill of their betrayal."

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