Page 6 of The Shattered Kingdom
She smacks her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “Zaha doesn’t compromise, and we shouldn’t risk angering her by trying. Delysum has been a growing problem for years, and if Zaha has agreed to halt its growth, we aren’t in a position to risk anything more.”
She’s right. The shifters have been cultivating the plant for too long, and it’s only a matter of time before they use it against us. We’ve prepared for it as best we can, but there’s little we can do to defend ourselves. Delysum reacts violently with magic, and despite the thousands of hours of research we’ve poured into it, we’ve found no way to combat its devastating effects.
Lady Cassandra straightens up, preparing to speak. “I agree with Her Majesty. Prince Kieran made an agreement with Zaha, and we must honor it.” She frowns, her violet gaze settling on Mason. “We’ll have to be delicate in our announcement, and we should push back the coronation. Weeks, if we can manage it.”
“No,” Anox says. “Pushing back the coronation will be seen as hesitance. People will speculate that we’re looking intoalternatives, and the shifters will sink their claws into that weakness. The coronation should continue as scheduled.”
Mother nods. “I agree. Kieran?”
“Yes. We shouldn’t postpone the coronation.” I drag my thumb through the condensation of my cup again, smearing the buildup. “What do you think, Mason?”
He’s being largely ignored, and while that isn’t unusual, it will only spell trouble. Mason is intelligent, and he holds grudges. He notices the subtle snubbing of the council members, and if they don’t adjust their attitudes accordingly, it will only make the transition period harder.
Mason blinks, his expression perfectly composed. “I agree.”
“Of course he does.”
The snide remark comes from Lord Bishop, who quickly sinks into his seat when he notices the several sharp looks shot in his direction. The council members may not speak directly to Mason, but they remain respectful. They know better than to start a war with their future king.
Mother clears her throat. “We should sleep on the news and reconvene tomorrow morning.” She turns toward Mason and me. “Would you care to share yourothernews?”
“There’s more?” Anox sounds exhausted.
I feel the same.
Mason takes it upon himself to answer. “We’ve found our mate.”
“The human you were spotted parading around the property?”
“No. The faerie.”
“What faerie?”
“The human led us to her. Lillian Collins.” There’s a collective intake of breath as Mason shares her name. “Kie found her in the human realm, and the bond has been triggered.”
Lady Cassandra shifts nervously in her chair, and Lord Bishopgapes with wide, shocked eyes. Mother and Anox are the only two who remain composed.
“She…” Anox visibly hesitates, then continues. “Lillian Collins, as in the young girl who was accused of murdering His Majesty?”
Mason nods. “That’s the one. We haven’t spoken with her yet, but we intend to do so as soon as this meeting is finished.”
“We wish to be present while you speak to her,” Mother says. “I’m most interested in hearing her side of the story. We know Callie was sharing information with Alpha Theon, and I suspect she manipulated her daughter into giving my husband the delysum-infused tea.”
That’s not going to happen. I have my suspicions regarding Lillian and her mother, but she’s my mate. She’s weak and so visibly frightened, and I won’t allow her to be interrogated by the council. Mason and I will speak with her privately and decide which details to share.
“No,” I say. “Mason and I wish to speak with her alone. We will relay any important information to you.”
I pause, waiting for my mother or the council members to argue, but my decision is met with quiet reluctance. I’ve been taking charge of the council these past few years in preparation for my ascension, but I wasn’t sure my authority would remain intact after they learned of the deal I made with Zaha.
“Kieran…” Mother starts.
I meet her gaze, unwavering in my position. She must sense it as she falls silent.
“We can’t possibly announce that a shifter is taking the title of our kingandthat Lillian Collins is to be our queen,” Anox says. “It’s too much too quickly. We should keep your matehood quiet until the news of Prince Mason’s ascension has settled.”
That’s not a bad idea.
“People have already seen her,” Mason points out. “They’re going to wonder who she is.”
