Page 44 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

His honesty caught me off guard, and the barrier I’d put up between us became less sturdy. Still, I couldn’t agree. Not yet.

“Are you going to hurt me emotionally or physically if I go with you?” I tilted my head, searching for any sign that I should be cautious.

“Only if having good conversation and laughter harms you.” He shrugged. “But I won’t put you under any physical or emotional duress. I like you, Briar. I want to trust me.”

“And you’re going to tell—” I started.

He placed a hand over my mouth and lowered his voice. “Yes, but we need to go now, before someone catches us.”

“Fine.” I hoped to Fate I wasn’t making a bad decision. Wait. No. I didn’t want Fate involved, or I’d probably wind up flung out a window, based on my luck with her lately.

“Good girl.” He winked and led me down the hall, past guards who stood as still and cold as statues. We moved into a darker section of the palace, and every step away from my allies gnawed at me.

The decor became even more fancy and the furnishings richer, and the quiet had the hair lifting on my neck. I should’ve changed my mind and left, but honestly, if I had to choose, I’d rather die by his hands than Kaylen’s. Still, not dying would be preferable. “Maybe we should turn back.”

“Don’t fret, Chaos. It’s unbecoming.” He headed to two huge wooden doors and pushed them open.

My feet froze in place.

The space was huge, a massive bay of glass windows curving into a domed ceiling. Dark wood and gleaming metal bookshelves lined the walls. An enormous telescope stood in the center.

It was like nothing I'd seen before—magical, surprising, and somehow, more like home. Dusky notes of sandalwood, parchment, and smoke with just a hint of peppermint curled into my nose, easing some of my tension.

Thalen closed the door and headed to a large cabinet in the corner. "We need this right now." He removed a dark bottle from the back and filled two glasses. His eyes were serious. “Sit with me, Chaos.”

I didn’t argue. My legs felt like water, and I followed him to the back corner, where two massive leather couches sat. I sank onto the seat farthest from him but on the same couch, and he handed me a drink before settling beside me. The liquid smelled like smoked cider, but it tasted far sweeter.

He took a long drink, then sighed. “Politics.” He clicked his tongue and then draped his arm across the back of the couch. "Politics among our kind are far more complicated than just royals and the people who do what they say. There’s one council for each kingdom and another neutral council that oversees the entire realm of Nytharia. The recommendation for the queenship is decided by these councils, and they use magic that is beyond our abilities, because it’s combined with the magic of the Aurelines."

I froze.

My many-greats-grandfather’s voice replayed in my mind.Whatever you do, don’t let them know you’re an Aureline. That would be even worse than them knowing you’re a wolf.

“The Aurelines ensure Fate's will is done, while the specific kingdom's council looks to the well-being of the kingdom. In the end, the prince can choose, but he is strongly advised to follow the will of the councils. Most people follow the councils' advice." Thalen didn’t seem to have noticed the change in me. "King Merrick didn't follow the advice. He married for love. The old fae is a romantic at heart, even if he hides it now. And the queen’s death nearly destroyed us all. I still remember where I was that day." He swirled the dark liquid in his glass and stared at it. "But what's relevant is, he did not follow the councils’ wishes, and King Maverick and Queen Valora had many happy years together before tragedy struck."

Queen Valora. Vad’s mother.

Some of the anger left me. I understood what losing a parent felt like. I’d lost both of mine at the hands of vampires. I didn’t know what to say, because "I’m sorry" wasn’t enough.

Thalen took another drink, and his expression softened. "I just wanted you to know that, after what you did today and how you’ve handled everything—well, I'm proud of you. Hard as it was, you were out there being my feisty Copper Chaos. And if I wasn't already proud of you for fighting for the women who were betrayed, I'd sure as the scaffing void have been proud of you for biting that fecking harpy on the arm. I just wish you’d snapped it off and fed it to her."

I choked on my drink and began a strangled combination of coughing and laughing. Thalen joined me, as we held our glasses toward each other for a cheers.

The door crashed open, and I jumped from the couch, nearly spilling the drink in my hand, ready to confront whoever it was.

Vad stood in the doorway holding a bottle of wine, his face reddening with a scowl. My heart stopped.

Thalen stayed relaxed and seated. He grinned and motioned for Vad to come inside. “I wondered how long it would take you to get here.”

“Thalen?” Vad slurred, his eyes wild beneath his tousled dark hair. He staggered into the room and dropped his bottle. “Thalen. Tha—”

The glass exploded against the floor, and a dark red liquid similar to the crimson water of the healing pool gushed everywhere.

Vad didn't seem to notice. Instead, he charged at Thalen, pure hatred narrowing his pupils.

ChapterFifteen

Vad

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