Page 6 of A Reign of Malice
“I wanted to.” His gaze lingers on me, heavy with something unspoken. For a moment, it feels too much, and I reach for the coffee to avoid his eyes.
I’m sure he means well. He always seems to. And yet, there’s an undercurrent to his kindness—something I can’t put a finger on.
“You didn’t sleep well,” he observes, pulling a chair closer to the bed. His concern feels genuine, but his expression flickers with something hidden, though gone before I can place it. “Is it the ceremony? I know it’s happening quickly, but it feels as though we’ve been building toward this moment for months. Waiting any longer might make me combust with anxiousness.” His grin is charming, almostroguish, as he adds, “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll handle it all.”
Yes, that’s what he said yesterday. I’ve barely had time to process it. Aeson insists the event will be grand, even though it won’t carry the blessing of the gods. I wonder how his people feel about a bond unblessed, how they’ll view me as their queen. But when I voiced my reservations to Clara last night, she reminded me that there aren’t any other options. Not for me. Not for my pack.
“You’re being too generous,” I say lightly, trying to match his tone. “You’ve already done so much for me—for all of us.”
Aeson reaches for my hand, his grip firm but not harsh. “You deserve it, Sloane. After everything you’ve endured, you deserve to feel safe. You deserve happiness.”
The words should comfort me. They don’t. Not entirely.
I pull my hand away gently then slide out of bed and grab my robe. Aeson protests, but I promised myself I wouldn’t wallow any longer. This next conversation needs to happen from a position of strength, not while I’m lying in bed.
I grab another chair from the small mahogany table in my room and sit across from him, our knees almost touching. My posture is straight, my thoughts clear. Each breath I take reminds me of who I am, what I stand for. My confidence builds with every beat of my heart.
I’ve fought and won wars. I’ve outwitted kings and queens. I’ve stood before gods and refused to flinch. Just because I’ve suffered a blow to my pride, just because I couldn’t save my kingdom on my own, doesn’t mean I can forget who I am. Not when I’m needed most.
I’m still Queen Sloane of Alcaris, and it’s time I started acting like it again.
“I know I signed the contract—” I begin, but Aeson cuts me off before I can finish.
“You’re not reneging, are you?”
The flash of darkness in his eyes is unmistakable this time. It lingers, pointed and unyielding, long enough to send a chill down my spine.
“No. Well, not exactly,” I say, my tone firm despite the desire to do so creeping into my chest. “There’s something I need to be sure you understand before we continue down this path. That morning…I wasn’t entirely myself, and I realize now this conversation should’ve happened before I put my name on those papers. For that, I apologize. But it’s not too late.”
“You signed the contract.” His words are soft, almost measured, but the tightness around his eyes betrays him.
“Yes, and if I lose my title by not following through, so be it.” I meet his gaze head-on, refusing to buckle under his scrutiny.
For several beats, neither of us speaks. The tension thickens between us, but I wait him out. Finally, his expression shifts.
His smile returns, and the spark of warmth reappears in his eyes. “Fair enough.” He leans back, relaxing into his chair. “What is it you need me to understand?”
“First,” I say, sitting straighter, “while I know I’m agreeing to be your mate, I fully intend to be an active queen. You need to accept that I’ll have my own opinions and desires for this kingdom. I expect my voice to be heard and to act as a true partner in ruling Venaris.”
His chuckle is low and smooth, but it cuts through me like a blade. My wolf bristles at the sound, her agitation mirroring my own.
Still, I keep my composure, waiting for him to respond.
“Oh, Sloane,” he says, his tone bordering on patronizing. “Do you not see how much I already cherish you? I’ll giveyou the moons and the stars to make you happy. Of course, you’ll be able to do as you please.”
Now that my head is clearer, and ever since that dream, I’m trying to see him in a new light. Aeson has been patient and willing to accommodate me. But as I study him, I can’t ignore the nagging suspicion that creeps in. What if his patience isn’t the virtue I’m trying to believe it to be, but a calculated tactic?
Knowing I need to tread carefully and be certain of my thoughts before I push too hard, I let this subject go for the moment.
I’d convinced myself that this option was the only way to keep the thing I valued most: being the leader to my people. Aeson might think he can hold that against me, but as long as I remember that being a leader is more than wearing a crown, I’ll find a way to make this work—or break free if I have to.
My smile widens. “I appreciate your understanding. There’s just one other thing.” I pause, holding his gaze with deliberate intent. “My fated mate.”
Aeson doesn’t blink. He doesn’t even flinch. His casual response is unnervingly smooth. “What about him?”
“I don’t intend to go looking for him,” I begin carefully, “but if he happens to find me in this lifetime, I’d like an amendment to the contract. One that ensures I’m free to walk away without consequence. You’ve been mated before. You know I won’t have a choice. A true mate bond isn’t something I can deny, nor should I be forced to out of obligation. I want to be certain that won’t be an issue.”
His reaction is almost immediate. He leans forward, gently holding both my hands. His thumbs stroke over my skin in slow, deliberate motions.
