Page 31 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

I hated that my attention darted over his shoulder to the guards. Unlike the Unseelie, who wore dark armor, the Seelie soldiers wore golden armor with intricate designs. Three of the guards were men, and one was a woman who was lithe and as tall as the other three.

“She doesn’t know what she speaks of, and her manners and loyalties to our people were forgotten during her time onEarth.” He spoke the last word as if it were a curse. “She will remember her place. She just needs time.” He took two steps toward me, using his half-foot height advantage to bring home the lingering threat in his voice as he wrinkled his nose at me.

“If you harm her, I will ensure that you experience the same pain you bestow upon her,” Tavish vowed in a low growl. “Father or not, you don’t get to touch my mate with reckless intentions or insult her. The wrongs you’ve committed against the ones I love continue to add up.”

Father placed a hand on my shoulder and shoved me out of the way. His strength caught me off guard, and I flew into the stone wall, injuring my shoulder.

Eiric rushed into the room and helped me to my feet as Father placed the tip of his sword to Tavish’s neck.

A scream lodged in my throat as cool, refreshing magic swirled inside me. I’d begun to push it toward Father to force him back when Dad stepped up beside him and said, “Your Majesty, think about the consequences of killing him. The unbalance will be catastrophic.”

Arm shaking, Father exhaled and lowered his sword.

I yanked back the magic, not wanting him to know that I’d planned to use it against him. I’d do whatever it took to save Tavish because I refused to live without him.

Dark skin glistening under the lantern lights, Dad turned his gaze on Tavish. “Release Lira from the illusions you placed on her. If you care for her at all, give her that.”

“Believe me, when this all began, Tavish wished the bond was an illusion he’d cast on her.” Finnian nodded his head in Tavish’s direction and then mine. “But what they have is real. I know it’s hard to fathom, but theyarefated mates.”

Mom shook her head, causing her curls to hit her shoulder. “The same illusion could be placed on you. Your statement holds no merit.”

“Then listen to my words.” Tavish’s stormy irises darkened as he held my father’s gaze. “Lira is my fated mate. I would die for her the same way she proclaimed she would die for me. Our souls merged into one. I love her and will have her as my wifeforever.”

My heart raced at his proclamation. We’d never discussed marriage, but his words made perfect sense. It wasn’t even a question.

“It isn’t an illusion. Do what you must to prove that, but let me be clear.” I clenched my hands at my sides. “If Tavish or Finnian is harmed, I won’t forgive you.” That decision would have me allying with the Unseelie in every way because Father would have declared war on me.

“As if I care about that.” Father’s nostrils flared, and his head snapped toward me. “Your forgiveness isn’t something I need or desire. I am yourking,and you will abide by what I say since it islaw. Now go to your room and don’t come out until you remember your duties and who you are.”

My blood boiled, and I wanted to lash out. Ignoring the way my chest heaved, I refused to budge from my spot. “I’m not a child.”

“Then stop resembling one,” he snapped.

“She fears you’ll hurt them.” Mother spoke slowly and placed a hand on his shoulder. “If you give her the reassurance she needs, I’m certain she will happily oblige.”

“We are the rulers, not her. She doesn’t get to dictate the terms.” Father lifted a hand. “Take Lira to her room and ensure she remains there.”

As all four guards headed toward me, I shook my head and widened my stance, preparing to fight if needed. “This is wrong. Tavish hasn’t done anything to you or the Seelie. Just like your decision right now goes against what I believe in, and that shouldn’t be a reflection of me and what I stand for.”

Go with them,Tavish connected.Don’t put up a fight.

What? No!I tore my gaze from them to him.I can’t leave you like this.

Father’s wings spread out, and he glared at me in a way he’d never done before, not even when I was an insolent child. “It’s in your best interests to remain silent from this point forward.”

Listen, Lira. I don’t want you to leave either, but we don’t need them watching you.Tavish’s eyes lightened to the light-silver shade he showed when we were alone.Because wearegetting out of here, and I need you to pretend to be the good, obliging daughter until then. Do you understand?His face blanched, and he shared the strength of his determination through our bond.I came for you, and we’ll leave here together. Trust me on this. We need to work together to get out.

When the guards reached me, I exhaled.

Eiric stood as tense as a statue at my side.

I shook out my hands, ignoring the way my shoulder panged with discomfort from the wall’s greeting. Then I took a step back and lifted my hands as they reached to grab me.

“I’ll go back to my room of my own accord.” I shuffled a few steps back, though the yanking in my chest tugged me toward Tavish.

Sprite, I swear to you that he won’t kill me. If he was going to, he would’ve done it moments ago. He needs me alive so that our magic remains in balance. Seelie can’t continue without Unseelie, and vice versa. It’s the way of our realm.

He was right. That had been their intention in bringing the injured Tavish here as a boy. Though, when I’d found him all those years ago, they hadn’t mended him yet. They’d planned on someone tending to his wounds. They’d merely wanted him to remain as weak as possible so he couldn’t use his newfound power from his parents against them. And with the injuries he’d sustained, they hadn’t been able to place him in chains to lock his magic. I’d learned all that after Eldrin had rescued Tavish from the holding cell.

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