Page 60 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“Why? Why are you offering these things when I can’t give you anything in return? What’s in it for you?”

He sighed. “Things are a bit bleaker than when we last saw each other.”

“Heliconia hasn’t attacked anyone else,” I said.

“It’s true, Heliconia hasn’t marched on the other courts. But she’s been slowly killing us in other ways. Her soldiers poison crops and destroy harvests so villages starve. They steal fae from their beds so she can turn them into Obsidians with her dark magic. They say the north is now filled with monsters she’s conjured from the pits of Hel. They slip into our northern cities at night to hunt and eat. People won’t even leave their homes after dark because of it. At this rate, when she invades, we’ll be too weak and full of fear to fight back.”

Empathy panged in my chest. The idea of so many living in fear. Children stolen from their beds—made into monsters… it was horrific. But I couldn’t do anything to stop it. Not without leaving my own people defenseless.

“How does an engagement help any of that?” I asked.

“The realm needs a spark of hope, Aurelia. I think bringing home the lost princess of Sevanwinds could be that hope for them.”

“What are you saying?”

“Marry me. Unite our kingdoms, and inspire the fae to fight for their own families as you’ve fought for yours. In exchange, I will help you break the curse.”

Chapter Nineteen

Aurelia

The earnest vulnerability in his expression was the only thing that kept me from laughing in his face. Still, there was no trace of hesitation in my voice as I said with absolute finality, “No.”

Callan blinked. He looked…stunned. Like he’d never even considered the possibility I might refuse.

I did my best not to roll my eyes at the entitlement in that. “You can stay tonight,” I added. “But if you’re not gone by the time the sun is over the trees, I will finish what I started with this sword.”

“Aurelia, can we please talk?—”

I stepped back. “My answer is final.”

His eyes hardened enough that I knew he at least understood there would be no more discussion.

“You can sleep in here. There’s wood for a fire and chairs enough for you and your men.” I strode to the door and pulled it open. The soldier called Fletcher nearly fell from where he’d been leaning against it but managed to catch himself.

I gestured for them both to enter.

They did, watching me warily as they passed.

“Good night,” I said stiffly and started to leave.

“Uh, excuse me,” the one called Holt said. I turned and found him glancing down at the sword I still carried. His sword. “Can I have my weapon back?”

I frowned. “It’ll be outside the door in the morning.”

The door clicked shut behind me. I tapped my hand on the knob, using the locking ward Lesha had shown me. The click was soft but final as the magic sealed them safely inside. Then I propped the stolen sword against the wall.

I couldn’t let Callan just leave. Not without swearing to keep his mouth shut, and even then… Wiping his memory would be wiser. Which reminded me…

Sonoma.

The urgency in my chest propelled me forward, each step faster than the last, until I was nearly running.

Something was wrong. I could feel it in my bones.

The knot in my chest twisted tighter as I turned the knob, bursting into her small bedroom in the servant’s quarters.

And stopped short.

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