Page 52 of The Crown of a Fallen Queen
“Yes. And Devi will go with you,” he sighs. “You shared your intentions to marry. As much as that plan disgusts me, you’re both old enough to make your own decisions. If you succeed in your mission, you’ll be free to marry, and Devi will be granted a formal pardon.”
A weird itch weasels its way inside my chest. It’s too easy. By my count, three out of six royals were appalled by the mere thought of Devi coming back to Faerie as my fiancée.
“You got my mother to agree to that?” I say, my voice thick with disbelief.
Elio’s eyes narrow. “We got a majority, which is enough.”
“Who switched sides? You?”
The ice freckles on his neck gleam under the chandeliers, and despite his soothing tone, he won’t meet my gaze. “None of your business.”
“I could marry her without the crowns’ blessing. What are you not telling me?” I ask point-blank.
He opens his mouth to speak, but Mother steps out of the library with her arms crossed, her lips curled in that cruel way she wears so well.
“You couldn’t marry Devi without breaking the law. She’s still a traitor for now, my precious weed. With enough luck, spending time with her during this foolish mission will make you see how much of a manipulative cunt she really is.”
Elio flinches. “Be civil, Freya, or I’ll have the guards escort you to your room. Devi is now an agent of the seven crowns, whether you like it or not.”
“If you had any children, you’d understand.” Her gaze darts to me, and she clutches my arm. “She’s not for you, Sethanias. She’s only pretending?—”
Elio cuts her off. “Devi is not the kind of woman to marry a man she doesn’t respect. She’s not you, Freya.”
I gather my mother’s hands in mine and gently but firmly push her away. “I want a crown, Mother. Devi Eros can give me yours, and she happens to be the most clever and beautiful woman I’ve ever known,” I say, trying to appease her. I can’t have her trying to murder Devi again.
Elio’s fists clench at his sides, but he doesn’t say anything.
Mother fans herself dramatically. “Well, as long as you don’t forget—that woman is incapable of love.”
Something still doesn’t add up.
Am I really supposed to believe they’ve decided to spare my brother and the ringleader of the rebellion after one quick, closed-door meeting? If they think I’m going to play the fool, they’re in for a rude awakening. Something else is going on, and I won’t let them use me. I’m going to figure out exactly what they plan to do, and why.
I may not have been born to rule. But Iwillbe King.
Chapter 16
Assassin
DEVI
It cuts that Elio invited Seth and not me. I keep busy after their departure, waving cheekily at my ex-lieutenants from my tall seat at the bar. The members of the Spring Fae delegation stick to their corner, watching me with glum, fearful looks. The lot of them turn my stomach. If I ever take back my crown, I’ll make sure they suffer for their betrayal.
Percy stares down my second shadow mule cocktail, arms braced on his hips, wings flicking impatiently at his back. “Is it a good idea to get pissed right now?”
“Good idea or not, it’ll be more fun.”
He lands on the back of my hand, stopping me from taking another swig. “You’re upset they only invited Seth to their little meeting, aren’t you?”
He knows me too well.
“It’s offensive,” I grumble, switching hands to finish the drink.
Percy scolds me. “It’s good enough they didn’t arrest us.”
I open my mouth to argue, but he adds, “I’m not saying we deserve it, but they’ve never been smart or fair to begin with.Freya downright tried to murder you in front of everyone. I’m not letting you out of my sight again.”
Beth sits next to us and hails the bartender. “I’ll have whatever she’s having,” she tells him, and he nods, stealing not-too-discreet glimpses at her.
