Page 120 of Kingdom of Briars and Roses

“My son, without consulting me, offered you resources to solve the Summer Court’s current predicament.”

His vague wording, the way it removed the emotion and horror, irritated me. But I nodded. “He did.”

“And yet you have no army to provide in return for his generous offer.”

I stiffened. “Not until the curse is lifted.”

“If it can be lifted,” he corrected.

My hands curled into fists. I forced them open again.

“Not only has my son put our resources at your disposal, but he has provided a kingdom and a home when you had none.” His words were designed to stab, but I didn’t let them. Not when they were all watching me closely to see what barbs hit their mark.

“He has been a male of his word,” I said. “Honoring the terms of our marriage alliance of seven years ago.”

“Generous when you have not honored yours.”

“My army is indisposed,” I said tightly. “A situation I made clear from the beginning.”

“Be that as it may, an alliance requires an offering on both sides.” The king’s gaze sharpened. “The Summer fae are known for their connection to the land. A bottomless magic that flows from the Fates themselves and renews the earth from one life cycle to the next.”

My entire body tensed at his words—at all the ones he wasn’t saying yet but soon would. “The Summer fae were very lucky to have such a connection,” I said carefully.

He frowned, clearly noting my use of past tense. The other three males shared looks of concern.

“That connection is your gift to this alliance,” Duron said. “Before you take your vows with my son, I need to see it.”

My heart kicked harder against my ribs. “See what?”

“Don’t play coy, Princess,” he said, stepping closer. “Yourmagic. I need to see what kind of power you possess if I’m to continue offering resources.”

“I am sorry to disappoint you, Your Majesty, but my magic was lost to the curse seven years ago.” I kept my voice steady, though it felt like it was taking every ounce of my strength just to breathe. “I’m afraid I no longer possess what you’re asking for.”

The king’s jaw tightened, his eyes hardening as he took another step forward. “That’s not what my soldiers tell me.”

Fuck.

The soldiers who’d seen me battle the Obsidian. And drink its life force as it died.

My pulse quickened. “I’m not sure what your soldiers think they saw, but I can assure you I do not possess the magic?—”

“A donation center burned to the ground last night. Witnesses say a lone figure razed the entire structure with a fire the color of midnight.”

I stilled. “I’m not sure what that has to do with me.”

“My soldiers say that figure had hair the color of summer sunshine. And eyes of cobalt blue. They say that figure was you.”

“Your soldiers are mistaken.”

“Are you calling my soldiers liars?”

“No,” I said. “Only that they might’ve been mistaken in the chaos.”

His voice dropped low. “My son says you are more powerful than any fae he’s ever seen. Do you call him a liar too?”

I blinked.

Callan.

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