Page 111 of Degradation

With a signal from King Afton, the guards dragged Lord Thoning out, followed by a sniffling Lady Thoning. Their daughter wasn’t crying, though. On the inside, she was laughing.

“Margaret,” I called.

She paused to look back at me.

“You alone are welcome to visit me in Turre. The sister you’ve heard them whisper about was a great woman who also didn’t want to be forced into a loveless marriage to elevate her parents' standing.”

Lady Thoning grabbed her daughter and pulled her forcibly from the room.

“Those are our grandparents?” Eloise said in disbelief.

“They’ve never seen you as their granddaughters,” Father said.

“Not even now, knowing who we are to wed,” I said. “Margaret’s different, though. She knew only rumors of the disgraced sister who’s name she was given and was curious once she realized who we were.”

“Perhaps I’ll invite her to have tea with me,” Eloise said.

“I like your sister,” Eadric said.

I smiled at him.

“Perhaps we should retire to a quieter room,” the king said. “I would very much like to speak to you about your daughter marrying my son now that you’re here, Mr. Cartwright.”

“While I am honored by your deference, in this situation, I believe it best to speak to Eloise regarding who she wishes to marry and when.”

The king harrumphed. “After seeing your in-laws, I understand your hesitation. However, Eloise has already agreed. I wish to speak to you about…”

Their voices trailed off as they distanced themselves from us.

My sister gave me a quick hug and looked at my kings. “I am very much looking forward to getting to know my brothers. However, if I don’t hurry, King Afton will have me in a room with twenty dressmakers and an etiquette teacher before the day is done.”

Greydon bowed to me and allowed Eloise to pull him from the room.

I turned to my kings.

“Does this mean we’re welcome?” Garron asked hesitantly.

“Yes and no. The king won’t ask us to leave because of Eloise. However, my ability makes him uncomfortable, and my intent to wed all of you makes Greydonveryuncomfortable. He’s worried Eloise will get ideas.”

I shifted my weight on my sore feet. They all noticed, but Daemon beat the rest to sweep me off my feet.

“My poor Lamb. Let’s see if we can find a room to tend to you.”

The agreement of the others wrapped around me, and I felt my hunger stir. It had been a very long walk from the cabin, and though I didn’t feel depleted, I couldn’t deny my need.

As we neared the door, I felt Rose.

“Thank you for watching over my sister,” I said.

I felt her thanks in return and so much more.

By embracing everything that I was, I would help change both our kingdoms for the better. But before I traveled that exhausting path, I would need to replenish what I’d lost. My well was vast, but so too was the love my kings felt for me.

Be at peace and reign well, Kellen. Perhaps we will meet again in the future.

After that thought, I felt her leave.

EPILOGUE

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