Page 146 of A Fate so Cruel

Everyone looked up at the sound of her boots thudding against the marble floor. “Leave us,” she commanded.

None hesitated. Alec didn’t even bother looking up as they scrambled from the table. “That was an important meeting,” he said in a bored voice.

Saoirse clenched her fists and stood at the bottom of the three stairs that led up the raised platform. She was already shaking as she said, “I want you to look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t command the assassination of our little brother.”

Alec didn’t move. “He’s no brother of mine.”

Her blood heated. Blazed. “He is our blood. Our responsibility.”

“Not anymore.”

“Why?” She threw up her hands. “Because of a prophecy? What did he do before his magic appeared? Nothing!”

“And yet, when it did appear, he killed our father.” Alec didn’t raise his voice, didn’t speak as if he felt any emotion at all.

Saoirse just stared at him as if he were a stranger. Her brother. Alec was her brother too, and yet, ever since their mother’s disappearance, he’d morphed into someone else. He wasn’t the same male that had taught her how to ride horseback, how to hold a sword, or control her magic. Maybe she should confess everything right here. Admit that she’d been the one to cut down their remaining parent.

But if she did that, there’d be repercussions. Rion was injured; she couldn’t risk being detained.

Her voice was cold and lethal as she said, “You will never touch him again.”

Alec finally looked up. His face reminded her so much of their father. “Last I checked, I was the High Lord, not you.”

Saoirse didn’t back down. “If youeverraise your hand against him again, I will make you regret it.”

He stood to his full height and his lips pulled back in a snarl. “Is that a challenge, Saoirse?”

She scoffed. Laughed. “You’re worried about your throne? How low have you fallen to think I’d want the stupid thing?” She stepped forward, her magic tingling beneath her skin, begging for freedom. “Leave Rion alone, or I’m out.”

His gaze hardened. “What do you meanyou’re out?”

“I’ll leave.”

He smirked at that. “And where would you go?” He turned his attention back to the maps spread across the table. As if her threats were nothing more than a child throwing a tantrum.

“The human lands. The western continent.” She shrugged. “Maybe I’ll find another continent below the southern isles.”

“Don’t be dramatic.”

He reached for a pen and Saoirse exploded. Magic fed the seeds stored in her sleeves and the greenery raced through the air and hit the table so hard it slammed against the back wall and shattered. Alec’s maps and documents went flying, floating through the air.

“You will not touch him again.”

Her brother growled. “Go cool off before you do something foolish.”

She met his unflinching gaze. He was so much like their father that it hurt to look at him sometimes. But he wasn’t their father and he didn’t control her.

“Enjoy your lonely reign, My Lord.” He grimaced at the title and tone, then she sketched a bow and pivoted on her heel.

“I’ll see you in an hour,” he called to her retreating form.

No. He wouldn’t.

***

Saoirse returned to Rion’s room and thanked Fin upon finding Rion safe. Fin was happy to report that Rion hadn’t stirred. She almost wished he had, just so she’d know he was okay.

Saoirse began planning. She sent a slave to pack her belongings. Just a few things. It would be a few days before she could move Rion. Until then, she’d remain here and watch over him.

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