Page 51 of Court of Bone and Amethyst

“It seemed…it’s only one night. One night seemed worth it, to continue on our quest, to stop Avonia…”

He makes a slicing gesture in the air with one hand. “Do you know what something like that creature can do in just one night? She will feast on thousands of fae, wreak havoc you cannot fathom.”

Tears spill down my cheeks. “I didn’t know what else to do. Otherwise, we’d still be stuck in that forest, and Avonia wouldbe tearing apart Valaron, letting more and more nightmares free.” I wipe my tears away angrily. “I know it’s awful, but the alternative is terrible, too.”

Zyren’s expression softens slightly. “This is what demons do. They prey on our weaknesses. She knew you wanted to stop Avonia at any cost. She could see into each of us, see our greatest fears, play them against us.”

“I just thought… that maybe if we escaped, we could figure a way out of the bargain. A way to stop her.”

He shakes his head. “We’ll find a way. We have to.” But his tone belies his words. He clearly doesn’t think it’s possible.

“I’m sorry, Zyren. I didn’t know what else to do.”

“I know.” He stands, face stormy. “Let’s both try to get some rest. It’s another couple of hours before dawn.”

And he walks over to the chair across the room, leaving me alone with my shame.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Sarielle

Esbella summons meto her study early in the morning. When I arrive, Zyren on my heels, she gives him a pointed look.

“Perhaps Rivald and your guardian can both stay outside for a few minutes.”

Zyren scowls, but after a quick examination of the room, seeing no other entrances or exits, he reluctantly agrees to stay outside with Rivald. His gaze sweeps across mine as the northern queen closes the door between us. She gestures for me to take a seat opposite her, in a chair opposite a roaring fire. Bookshelves line the other three walls of the small space.

“Last night, I summoned all the lords and ladies of the north and their armies. Most will arrive by this evening. We will hold a ball, not just to celebrate you, but as a send-off to the warriors, many of whom will march to their deaths. It is tradition.”

I take a moment to absorb her words. It’s been one thing to risk my own life to defeat Avonia and save Valaron. And I’ve known this entire time that we were making this near-impossible journey north to obtain an army to defeat her. Part ofme never thought we’d make it this far, a big part of me. But now that I’m here, sitting with the queen of the north discussing the lives of thousands of fae, lives which are in my hand, lives which will be lost because of me, nausea spins in my stomach.

But if we don’t defeat Avonia, what happens next will be so much worse. Not just for Valaron, but for all of Aureon.

It doesn’t make it any easier.

I suck in a deep breath and meet the northern queen’s gaze. “Thank you. When do you think we’ll begin the march south?”

“At dawn tomorrow.” She pauses and turns to look into the fire for several moments. “Seeing that rip in the sky last night… we don’t have time to waste.”

“Agreed. Every moment spent hastens the destruction of Valaron, and threatens Aureon as well.”

“There’s another matter I’d like to discuss,” Esbella says, her violet eyes reflecting the light of the flames.

“Certainly.” I make a gesture with my hands for her to continue.

“In order to unite the north with the rest of Valaron, as you’ve claimed is your desire in exchange for my armies, I’d like you to choose a husband from the northern lords. This will ensure our alliance remains strong. We can both trust each other more.”

My eyes fly wide with shock, and seeing my expression, she misreads it.

“I know your husband just perished, so it no doubt seems rushed. But desperate times require sacrifice.” She pauses, eyes burning into mine as she waits for a response.

I open and close my mouth several times, trying to find words. I can’t tell her that Zyren is my husband, because it will shatter what little trust we’ve built between us. We hadn’t lied exactly, but it will come across that way. And either way, she clearly wants this union to ensure I uphold my end of the bargain.

“When do you anticipate this marriage taking place?” I ask.

“Tonight at the ball, you can meet all of the eligible suitors, and make your selection,” Esbella says, flicking her fingers in the air as if choosing a husband is the easiest thing in the world. “We could even have a short ceremony afterward…”

I cut her off. “I—I’d much rather wait until after the battle.”

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