Page 34 of The Cursed Crown

A few paces down the table, Denos coughed his drink up. Anyone in hearing range was either gaping or repeating his words to the next guest in a hushed whisper. It hadn't escaped Rydekar's notice that he'd made the making of seelie heirs seem like his concern.

This court was readily fooled, and easily entertained.

"If she's to leave us so soon, the queen may wish for your company, sire," Havryll tossed lightly, with a feigned carelessness.

He was giving Rydekar what he needed: an excuse to give in to his desire to follow after Rissa.

Part of him wanted to resist, because that impulse was too overwhelming, like an instinct, a primal need. His mind raced, control battling against longing.

In the end, control won, as it always did. He shook his head, eating another spoonful of soup. "If she wished it, she would have asked for it."

He had to go to her, but it could wait. It would wait. He had a set of duties to perform. He hadn't even received any petitioners yet, and his council was to gather right after breakfast. Checking on Rissa's welfare was at the bottom of a very long list of obligations. Farther up was his need to hear what she had to say about the poison, so he'd have to see her soon. For the right reasons.

Khal snorted. "That shows what you know of women, cousin."

He didn't grace that jab with his notice.

At the bottom of the table, in the corner he hadn't glanced to since she'd left it, the boy she'd enjoyed speaking to rose to his feet, and bowed low, wordlessly taking his leave.

Then he ran out the room.

Rydekar watched him follow Rissa's trail out the heavy doors.

His spoon stilled before his lips.

"Ah! It looks like the queen may not need you after all, Rye," Khal teased.

Rydekar pointedly spun to face his cousin and smiled, showing every single one of his teeth. "You've volunteered to play king for the rest of the night.Well done, Khalven." He slid the leather circlet he wore on Khal's head, setting it at an angle. Getting to his feet, Rydekar addressed the court. "Bring your requests to His Royal Highness until I return."

Khal groaned. It was hardly the first time he’d delegated his duty, and each time, Khal abhorred it. The court brought trivial matters they'd never bother Rydekar with to Khal, begging him to intervene in petty squabbles and give the crown's money to the stupidest of ventures. It had been some time since Khal had last served as king; since they'd first heard the whispers of war, Rydekar had remained in charge. But if anything of note occurred, his advisors would have the sense to look for him. At least, if they valued their heads.

Leaving the weight of the crown behind, Rydekar exited the great hall mere moments after the autumn prince.

He didn't need to track him or Rissa far. They were in the first corridor. So pale her skin had taken on bluish tones, she leaned against a wall, head buried between her hands. The boy was attempting to get her to follow him. "—can take you to my quarters."

Rydekar snorted. "I think not."

He had the pleasure of seeing Rissa pale further, then painfully lift her head to stare at him. Her dark eyes had never been brighter, or more beautiful. In their depths, he saw hints of amethyst, reflected on her lips and at the tip of her feathers.

She struggled to stand properly, unwilling to show weakness in front of him.

Rydekar didn't like it one bit. She hadn't minded being vulnerable a moment ago with that boy.

"You're ridiculous. I've seen stronger knees on a fawn."

She narrowed her eyes. "Well, you're…"

They'd never know what insult she might have spewed. In a few steps, he reached her, then lifted her up, cocooned in his arms. She yelped.

"Rydekar, really—"

He ignored how well she fit against his chest. He ignored how much he liked her this close. He ignored every feeling and sensation, save for his utter contempt for the boy glaring at him. "You can go, now. I'll take care of the queen's needs."

The boy didn't move. "She's unwell. I'd like to see her settled."

Rydekar could admit he had guts. "She's settled. With me."

He looked at Rissa for confirmation. She glanced between them and sighed, closing her eyes. "I'll be fine, Teoran. Your concern is appreciated. The king will see I make it to my rooms."

---