Page 45 of Heir to His Court

Embry turns his head back toward me slowly, a thick trickle of blood coming from his mouth, and focuses his tired eyes back on my face. “Have you seen a body, little sister?”

“You are not my brother,” I scream, and slit his throat.

His blood gushes over my hands and I have a moment to feel taken aback at my burst of scarlet temper. He inadvertently spoke the one sentence guaranteed to trigger me into a murderous rage.

No, I haven't seen my brother's body. Not like I saw the remains of my mother's body delivered to us.

I don't know whether Danon is dead or alive.

I stare down at Embriel Gauthier, anguished. What have I done?

I said that out loud.

Irises of the purest cerulean open and stare up at me. “Don't blame yourself, Aerinne,”hemurmurs, this maleI’venever encountered in person though he says my name like he knows me, his lids closing. “Butdon't hide from theconsequences. Power withoutconsequencesmakes nightmares. The Dark Fae never learn.” Then he grabs my wrist, the speed and strength in his grip shocking. “Go to the University. Get the book. Now leave me.”

I push to my feet, stumbling back as life leaves Embry. As my temper cools, the dishonor of my action stinks in my nostrils. I stare numbly at my bloodstained hands.

Embriel had barely defended himself. Had tried to reason with me. I should have broken Faronne’s rule and at least taken him hostage.

But I murdered him. A male who surrendered and ask for mercy. I think—I think he didn’t want to hurt me. I think he underestimated just how broken I really am. Now he’s dead.

“Aerinne!“ a familiar voice shouts. “We have to get out of here now!”

I turn toward Juliette. “We need to bring his body with us.”

Now I'm panicking. I killed Lord Embriel of House Montague, the only son of Prince Renaud.

Oh shit.

PRESENT

I jerked out of the nightmare, pushing out of my bed through a spiral of dizziness. I couldn’t keep going like this. Too many sleepless nights lately, and I needed a sharp, well rested mind.

I walked into the bathroom and splashed water on my face, disguising the tracks of tears, a ritual that had become a part of my life every evening. Bracing against the counter, I poked around my insides, tasting my control. I couldn’t leave my room like this.I’d get myself or someone else killed. I had no skin.

If I concentrated, just a little, for a moment a second heart beat in my chest, the rise and fall of breaths that were not mine. Renaud slept. We had another day or two before we would have to answer the Prince’s final demand.

I walked to the window and looked out.Darkan?

I waited, but Renaud didn't stir. Instead, I felt a familiar presence rise and turn toward me. The last of my suspicion hardened into certainty.

You should be resting,he said.

Darkan spoke to me, butRenaudstill slept.Why haven't you mentioned Embriel?

The silence stretched between us, but for once I felt no sense of evasion from him.

He doesn't know,Darkan said finally.

He?

Renaud.

I had to choose my words very carefully.But you are Renaud.

Yes.

I closed my eyes, leaning my forehead against cool glass.Your personality has fragmented.

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