Page 83 of The Court of Thorns and Wings

“You were meant todie.” Eldrin’s face strained with anger. “You only survived because of Tavish’s interference. He was the king our people needed until he brought you back from Earth.”

A lump lodged in my throat. No wonder Tavish had changed so much from twelve years ago. He’d believed his cousin had saved him, and he’d wanted Eldrin’s approval. “If that’s the case, why did Tavish have to stab you the first year he became king?”

His face darkened to the color of a bruise. “The day he stabbed me, I realized he had become vicious enough to lead our people in our trying times. I merely stood beside him and guided him until he grew weak once more.”

“Do you think we’re that stupid?” I spat, trying to get the horrid taste from my mouth. “You’ve been preparing for this moment the entire time.”

He shrugged, and all the tension eased from his face. “None of that matters. Now we strategize how to protect the Unseelie from the Seelie.”

“Your Majesty, I thought you said we wouldn’t kill her.” Lorne sounded disinterested.

Eldrin arched a brow. “If I say I changed my mind, will you have a problem with that?”

“I would’ve worn something else. This is my best armor.” He frowned. “If the Seelie attack, I’d rather know the blood I’m coated in came from warriors on their side and not mix it with such an easy kill.”

All hope vanished. Lorne wouldn’t aid me. I felt like a balloon that had lost all its air, but I refused to give up because that was what Eldrin wanted—to break me.

“We aren’t going to kill her, but we do need a decent amount of her blood.” Eldrin gestured to the bowls. “We can’t handle a full Seelie attack yet, so we need enough to create a strong barrier like theirs. They used my uncle’s blood to keep us from entering Ardanos, so we will use the Seelie princess’s blood to keep them out.”

There was one flaw in that logic. “How will that work with Seelie inside? Won’t that negate the barrier?”

He rocked back on his heels. “Not if your magic is bound.”

I swallowed. I hadn’t considered the chains. Was that why Father had placed them on Tavish and Finnian so quickly, to rebalance the magical veil? I had to think more like a royal and consider everyone’s actions. Maybe Eldrin had a point, which burned deep in my chest to admit.

Lorne yanked me closer and removed his sword. “Get down on your knees,” he rasped.

Throwing his head back, Eldrin laughed. “I love the enthusiasm, but you don’t get the privilege of making her bleed. I’ve bestowed that kindness on someone who deserves the right to do with her as he wishes.”

He had to mean Bran. I’d killed his sister during the trials. She’d attacked me—it had been her life or mine, and part of mehad reacted before I understood what I was doing. Bran didn’t agree with that sentiment. All he knew was that my hands had held the blade that ended his sister, and I couldn’t fault him. He was right.

“Enter, Malikor.”

The walls closed in around me as the tall, muscular man with one white wing entered the cell with wing chains in his hand. His eyes were as white as his remaining wing, and a deep scar marred each cheek. Before he attacked me, he’d had only one scar. He’d attacked me in this holding cell, hoping to scar my face the same as his since the Seelie had given him the mark. Tavish had arrived seconds before he could stab me, and he had cut off Malikor’s wing and given him the injury intended for me on his other cheek.

Even then, Tavish had protected me, though he’d insisted it was because he wanted to be the one to kill me. Looking back, I knew it was the fated-mate instinct that had driven him to those measures.

One corner of Malikor’s mouth tilted upward as his freaky eyes focused on me.

I wanted to shudder, but I’d already allowed enough Unseelie to feel strong.

Lira—Tavish warned.I need to know.

Malikor is alive and here to make me bleed so they can strengthen the barrier.I couldn’t hide that from him. He’d see me when they finished what they’d started.

Clanging metal echoed down the hallway. “Eldrin! Don’t you dare hurt her! I swear to Fate, if you or Malikor harm a hair on her body, your breaths will be limited.”

Eldrin’s brows shot up. “I always thought that mind-melding between fated mates was pure legend. However, for him to yell, that means you informed him of my plans. He hadn’t beenalerted to that because I wanted him to see you weak and broken.”

I made sure my face remained indifferent because I was tired of being so easily read. “Maybe you aren’t good at keeping secrets.” I shrugged, ignoring the way Lorne’s fingers dug into my skin. He’d tightened his hold slightly, and I had to accept that, even if I got away, he would be able to cut me and catch enough of my blood for their means. Still, I refused to give up fighting.

“Even in prison, the dethroned king is arrogant.” Malikor removed a dagger from a sheath positioned behind his sword.

“If Malikor was alive, why wasn’t he in the gauntlet?” I managed to keep my voice level, but my heart galloped with fear. Eldrin might want to cause me pain, but he wouldn’t want true revenge on me… unlike Malikor. Tavish protecting me had made Malikor’s anger more personal. His goal wouldn’t be to make me bleed—that would be the end result for Eldrin—but to make every cut hurt in the most painful way.

“That’s none of your concern.” Eldrin shook his head. “But enough talking—the Seelie could arrive at any moment. We need her blood to reinforce the veil.”

Malikor strolled toward me and commanded, “Force her to the ground and hold her wing over the bowl. There’s no point in starting slow since we’re in a hurry.”

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