Page 83 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

Callan frowned. “Of course not. I am doing this for our people. Once the curse is broken, we will have the strength of two kingdoms behind us.”

“And who exactly is going to break this curse?”

Callan looked at me. “Aurelia and I will find a way.”

I see,” the king said so sharply that I nearly winced. “And does either one of you have a plan to accomplish this task?”

I met his gaze evenly, the words tumbling out vehemently. “I intend to do whatever it takes to break the curse and take my vengeance on the one who cast it. My contribution to this alliance is being willing to drain myself of everything the Fatesgifted me with if that’s what it takes to bring Heliconia to her knees.”

The king raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “And what kind of magic do those gifts include, exactly?”

I blinked, realizing too late I’d opened myself up. “I wield the same power as my father.”

It wasn’t a lie.

The king leaned back in his chair. “I see.”

His gaze flicked to Callan beside me, some sort of silent exchange passing between them. Callan’s hand rested lightly on my arm, a steady presence amid the tension swirling around us—and a gesture the king didn’t miss. Duron’s mouth quirked up like he was somehow pleased Callan was being so affectionate with me.

“We are sympathetic to the fate of your king and queen,” Duron said, at last looking back at me. The sorrow in his eyes went just deep enough to make his words seem sincere. In this moment, I could see where Callan got his charm, false as it was.

“My son is right,” Duron went on. “A promise is meant to be kept. We will aid you in whatever way we can to end this curse. And we welcome you into the Autumn Court—your new home.”

Callan exhaled.

I forced a smile. “Thank you for your support.”

“Of course. Callan will provide you with whatever you need.” He waved a hand, offering up riches and resources as if they were nothing but air. “And we’ll throw a party the likes of which the courts have never seen.”

“You don’t have to do that?—”

“Of course we do,” he snapped, silencing me. “We are the light of the realm. Our unwavering strength is our greatest defense against the blight of the Winter Queen. We’ll throw a party where you will swear yourselves to one another beforeevery court in Menryth.” He looked at Callan, eyes glittering. “This will be the first of many alliances to come.”

Then he signaled for more wine, and that was clearly the end of our negotiation.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Callan asked a moment later.

“The chicken is particularly good,” Duron said before I could answer. “You have our thanks for the contribution.”

I frowned. “My contribution?”

“You brought them with you, did you not?” Duron asked, confusion marring his thick brow.

Callan’s bright expression faltered.

Realization bloomed like a poison in my gut. I nodded, forcing my expression to remain neutral. “I did.”

Duron grunted and went back to his food. But I caught the cruel enjoyment on his face before he lowered it for another bite.

I forced myself to eat the chicken, but I didn’t let my guard down. Not an inch.

Whatever the king wanted from this alliance, it wasn’t just about politics or power. There was something more, something I had yet to fully understand. Rydian’s warning echoed in my mind, but I shoved it back. I had the prophecy on my side—and the power of the Fates inside me. If anyone was going to be used, it was the Autumn King.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Rydian

The quiet just before dawn was a different kind of silence. The kind that didn’t settle but prowled. The kind that made you feel like the world held its breath, waiting for something to break or bleed.

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