Page 18 of Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King

“So they do,” Thalen said. “And blackberry is better, because blackberry bushes have thorns, same as someone here.”

I gritted my teeth and turned to look at the three of them. Silus met my ire with stoic calm, while Thalen made no attempt to hide his mirth, his amber eyes dancing. Elara had the decency to flush and pretend her cough was real. She cleared her throat as delicately as she could and then straightened her posture, hands folded before her.

That warning glare gave me time to gather my own composure. The worst thing I could do was chuckle. And Briar seemed void-bent on ensuring nothing would be easy with her. She was still staring at me with those fierce eyes, her shoulders back as if daring me to join in the fun.

It would have been so easy to pick up a handful of that trifle or the mashed turnips coated in brown sugar and hurl it at her, the way I once had thrown snowballs and salt water sponges at Thalen and Silus.

Those days were long gone, and I couldn’t afford to let my guard slip even for a moment. I was a prince on the verge of becoming king. My kingdom was at stake, my family at risk of falling apart more than they already had.

I straightened and scanned the entire gathering with a glare. If I looked at Briar any longer, I might not be able to hide my reactions. “This is a disgrace. Every last one of you should be embarrassed by your deplorable conduct.”

Kaylen’s wings fluttered, her hair caked with pastries and cream. Her silver gown had picked up almost every shade imaginable, ruined beyond all non-magical repair. A snarl twisted her face. "That little wretch is the only one responsible for this!" She pointed a long finger in Briar's direction. The two fae on either side of her nodded. "That abomination is making a mockery of everything!"

I turned to fully face Kaylen, shoulders squared. My blood chilled with the rage that surged through my veins. What kind of coward was she, to pretend that she had no role in this? "Briar is the only one responsible for this? Did she force you to participate with her magic? Did she make you pick up the food and throw it?” Disgust curled my lips as I stared Kaylen down. “I did not realize she was so much more powerful than you. You must be quite ashamed."

All color drained from her face. Her voice took on a sickeningly nasal tone, like that of a child unwilling to accept any share of the blame. “No, Your Highness. You ordered that there be no more bloodshed tonight—”

“And those were your only options? To kill her or engage in a reckless and wasteful food fight?” My brow furrowed, my anger deepening. Something about this woman grated on my very soul.

Kaylen drew back half a step. Her lips moved, but no sounds came out.

"Everyone out," I ordered. As Briar started to leave, I shot a glare in her direction and jabbed my finger at her. "You. Stay.”

Most of the contestants immediately moved toward the door, heads down or eyes averted, eager to depart. Elara retreated back to the doorway, nodding and speaking softly to them as they passed. She’d brushed against one of the chairs and gotten a smear of dark-purple and white trifle on her dark-gray skirt.

I brought my attention back in time to see a purple-haired fae with bright pink eyes whisper to Briar, “You’ll regret this.”

Briar scrunched her nose. “The only thing I regret is that I didn’t get to push your face into the middle of that pudding.”

Damn her. She had spirit, but it was going to get her killed. There was nothing save murder in the purple-haired fae’s eyes. But that didn’t seem to faze Briar.

The white-haired Sylvan Fae in the green dress now covered in pastries and night cordial lingered a half breath longer, her wide eyes seeming to search for confirmation Briar would be all right.

I glared at them both.

The white-haired fae cringed and darted toward the door, where Elara waited to usher her out. Elara put one hand on the small fae’s arm and followed her over the onyx threshold into the dark hall.

Silence descended upon the room, broken only by the soft plopping of sugary frosting and fluffy trifle sliding down the wall and hitting the floor.

I tightened my jaw, trying to maintain my composure. How did I start this conversation? What could I even say to her about her behavior? Still, I had to say something. She had no idea what she was up against.

My insides clenched as I stared into her eyes, and the heat returned in my blood. The tug in my chest intensified, urging me closer, something unknown drawing us together.

I could have her if I wanted. Yes, the Shadow Fae Council would be annoyed, and I'd have to admit my father was right. But if I—

No.

What am I thinking?

I forced myself to cut those thoughts off at the root. It wasn't about what I wanted. I had to have the strongest bride. I didn’t care about the outcome aside from that. I couldn’t.

Fate help me. Why was I so drawn tothisone?

Suddenly I heard the sound of moving liquid. I turned to see both Silus and Thalen sitting at the table, Thalen pouring night cordial into golden goblets.

I’d been so focused on Briar I’d failed to notice that Thalen and Silus were still here. Thalen propped his feet on one of the trifle-stained seats while Silus had his arms folded on the table, his elbow treacherously close to a tilted bowl of strawberry jam.

“I saideveryoneout,” I growled.

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