Page 14 of Glow of the Everflame

“My son announced your surname as Bellator,” Remis said. “I’m afraid I’m unfamiliar with that House. What region of Lumnos do you hail from?”

I almost laughed. Among mortals, my father’s name was legendary. For Remis to be Regent and not know the name of a famed mortal war hero who lived in his realm... it only further confirmed my plans.

“I hail from this region,” I answered. “In fact, I’ve spent my life a stone’s throw from this very palace.”

Luther tensed.

Remis lifted his eyebrows. “Surprising, indeed. I thought I knew all the Houses of Lumnos City.”

I smiled coldly. “Perhaps you’re not as familiar with the inhabitants of our great realm as you thought.”

A vein twitched along Remis’s forehead. He returned the smile and nodded. “A flaw I will endeavor to correct immediately.”

Alixe edged closer to the group. “Are you any relation to Andrei Bellator?”

“My father,” I confirmed.

Remis turned to Alixe. “You know him?”

“I knowofhim. I thought everyone did.”

I was beginning to like her more and more.

“He’s a highly respected army commander,” she continued. “The highest-ranking mortal in our history. He’s been retired for some time, but they still tell tales of his leadership.”

I couldn’t suppress a proud smile.

“A mortal?” Garath practically spat the word, as if saying it left some foul taste on his tongue. “You have a mortal parent?”

I debated my response. I had not forgotten Luther’s cryptic advice—Tell them as little as possible—but I also knew I could only hide my lineage for so long. Soon enough, it would become painfully clear how little I knew about the Descended and their culture. Attempting to hide the reason why would only generate greater suspicion.

“Two of them, in fact,” I answered finally. “My mother is mortal, as well.”

Gasps and whispers floated through the room.

“You’re... mortal?” Remis said, frowning.

“No, she isn’t,” Luther cut in before I could respond. “Andrei Bellator is her adoptedfather.”

My head whipped to him in surprise. Even the people in Mortal City didn’t know that, and I certainly had never toldhim.

“And your birth father?” Garath asked.

I gritted my teeth. “He died before I was born. I do not know his identity.”

More shocked noises and twittering voices. I kept my face stony and offered no reaction.

“Forgive our surprise, Your Majesty,” Remis said. “Children of mortals and Descended are...”

“Forbidden,” I said flatly. “I’m aware.”

“We’ll have to... that is, many will demand...” Remis shifted in his seat. “The other Houses will expect there to be an inquiryinto your parentage.”

“It’s unlikely to be fruitful. My father has no knowledge of my sire, and my mother is...” I hesitated. “...no longer with us.”

The whispers had turned to outright cacophony. Remis looked nauseous. Garath and his wife were sneering like I’d grown horns. Luther’s friend Taran was grinning.

Luther rose and straightened his doublet, then cleared his throat. The talking silenced instantly, the entire family looking to the Prince with hushed respect.

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