Page 71 of A Bond in Blood

Olen’s teeth ripped at the sleeve of my gown, pulling me back.

Ulrich’s eyes glistened behind his death mask.

He circled Leif’s brother, gripping the back of the man’s hair, pulling his head back. Humiliating the prince before us all.

“Your family is such a disappointment,” the king sneered.

Harold’s jaw tightened. “We understand he did not do his duty.”

My heart stopped when Ulrich pointed Harold’s body in my direction. “Recognize her?”

Harold stared at me, his face unmoving. Expressionless. No recognition in his eyes.

“I have never seen that woman before in my life,” the prince grunted.

Ulrich shoved Harold to the ground, stepping on his palm while he approached me. His wrist wrapped around mine, pulling me toward the prince.

“Stop!” I protested.

“Watch, Brenna,” he whispered.

My knees hit the dock and pain shot through my body as Ulrich threw me before the fae.

“Harold,” I whispered.

“Lady,” the prince eyed Ulrich hesitantly. “I do not know you.”

“She wasbetrothedto Leif, Harold.”

The man blinked in shock, shaking his head. “Impossible.”

My heart sank.

“Tell him who you are,” Ulrich commanded above me.

“I—” My mouth closed. Was it possible? Did Leif not say anything?

Shadows wrapped up my body, tilting my head back. Ulrich leaned down, his hand caressed the length of my neck.

“Speak, princess.”

Tears lined my eyes, but my words remained in my heart.

The king gave me a disappointed scowl then dropped me, circling around me and Harold.

“This is Brenna of Nóatún, Harold. She’s been writing to your brother for the last three years. Or—” Ulrich winked at me. “Was.”

Harold kept his eyes on me. “Nóatún? That pathetic mingled island of half-fae miscreations?”

The words bit into me, stinging my soul.

“Excuse me?” I replied. “How dare you?”

Harold turned his eyes to Ulrich. “Your grace, what is this game?”

“Leif wrote to her, at my behest.”

My mind separated from my body while the king spoke. I was weightless, a spectator watching, while my body slumped with defeat, collapsing into the dock. My tears began to fall without my control.

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