Page 61 of A Rift in the House of Bruin

“Don’t be upset with him. It’s not exactly a story he’s eager to share with you. But it’s not my story to tell either. I’m sorry, Mic.”

“Don’t be. I’m sure he’ll tell me when he’s ready.” I tried to sound understanding, but my mind raced, imagining what kind of torment Lu must have endured under his father.

“The dresses aren’t extravagant,” Fallon said, shifting the conversation without missing a beat, “but they’re better than a woolen house dress with holes in it.”

“I happen to like my plain house dress. I just didn’t have time to mend it—I spent all day prepping for the feast that I sort of forgot about myself,” I admitted.

“That’s why you’re the perfect choice,” she said, rifling through the silks.

“Perfect choice? For what?”

“When my brothers inevitably retake Hiraeth, they’ll need a strong female by their side. You’re exactly the kind of queen this realm deserves.”

“No, no, no. I’m not a queen. Nico has a betrothed. He wouldn’t give up a match that strengthens his claim to the throne. I’m just a sickly human—not queen material.”

Fallon gave a dry, humorless laugh. “Nyla Taryn? You think he cares about that simpering leech?”

“Well, I assumed?—”

“Please, Mic. That betrothal was arranged long before Nico ever got the balls to defy our father. Nyla was always in it for status, for proximity to the throne. Now that Nico’s no longer the golden prince, I’d bet she’s already licking Johan’s boots.”

“But it’s not about what he wants. He has obligations. Making a human his queen could ruin everything. I won’t force him to make that choice,” I said, swallowing back the grief of a decision I knew would have to be made one day.

“I’m going to tell you a secret—but if you repeat it, I’ll call you a liar and swear I never said it.” Fallon leaned in, lowering her voice. “All of my brothers would rather see Hiraeth burn to the ground before they’d ever give you up.”

“I respect your opinion, Loni, but you’re wrong. After everything they’ve been through, that kind of sacrifice just seems… reckless,” I said, trying to find gentler words for the truth none of us wanted to face. Beast princes, born to rule a kingdom, tied to a human girl who wasn’t meant to survivelong enough to see it? Surely Fallon, of all people, could see the futility in that match?

“I’m calling your bluff, Michaela Darling Carlisle. You’re not the kind of female to lead them on if you saw no future in it. Queens aren’t born with crowns. They rise when no one else can. You’ve already risen—even if you can’t see it yet.”

“I… well, I?—”

“I think this one suits you.” She held up a cream-colored gown, switching topics like turning a page.

“It’s beautiful. I can’t repay you for such a gift.”

“It’s not a gift. We’re simply being resourceful,” Fallon said. “Danya is dead. I doubt she’ll need the dress anytime soon. But speaking of gifts, I have something for you.”

She pulled out a parchment-wrapped package, neatly tied with a twill bow.

“It’s for Villrenna. Custom says that females are gifted an outfit for their first chase by the elders in her family, and she’ll wear it for every run thereafter until she’s officially spoken for.”

“Fallon, you shouldn’t have. I don’t have anything for you.” I took the package from her, wishing I’d had the foresight to get her something, while silently cursing Maxfield for not having mentioned this particular custom.

“That’s not how it works in Hiraeth. This is a gift. They’re given with no expectation of return. It would be considered rude if you felt obligated to reciprocate. Now, open it.”

I laid the package on the bed and pulled the tie. The parchment fell away to reveal a two-piece outfit made of velvety suede, decorated with tufts of fur and intricate beaded designs.

I lifted the top, realizing it would barely cover my breasts.

“Is this all there is?” I asked, heat blooming across my cheeks.

“It’s a mating chase, Mic. It kind of ruins the moment if they have to do battle with corset stays and laces.” She rolled her eyes, amusement flickering at the corners of her mouth.

“Are you running too?”

“Unfortunately, no. It’s only for unwed females.”

“I didn’t know you had a husband.”

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