Page 134 of Fated to be Enemies

“Don’t discount my Summer Fae.” Orla straightened, seeming taller. “We have just as good a chance of gaining the seat.”

This felt important, and I wanted to understand. “What’s the point of the tournament? Whoever gets first blood wins?”

Eamon laughed loudly, startling me.

When Kaley sliced a hand through the air, he stopped and looked at me. Whatever he saw in my expression made his olive complexion turn almost as pale as King Kieran’s.

“The point of the tournament is to decide who will fill the vacant seat on the High Court. It’s doctrine that there must be six members at all times, so we can’t go long without a sixth.” Orla turned to me, her face tight. “The last person standing is the winner.”

That was how most competitions worked. There was one winner unless everyone got a participation trophy. “And the losers go back to doing whatever they did before the tournament?”

“There is only one winner because they’re the last one standing.” King Kieran focused entirely on me, and I couldn’t move. Under some sort of trance. “The last one standing is there because they have killed everyone else, proving they are worthy of being on the court.”

I gulped because, surely to goodness, I’d heard him wrong. Still, I wasn’t sure how I could’ve misunderstood his direct statement. “Killed killed? Like, no heartbeat?”

“Heart?” His forehead creased. “We aren’t like elves. Our magic returns to Mother Terrea to be used and regenerated again.”

Unable to stop myself, I placed a hand on my chest. My heart thumped against my ribs, and my eyes burned as relieved tears filled them.

“Nonetheless, the ending is the same.” Orla nodded. “The losers cease to exist.”

This was barbaric. Here they were, offering up people they loved to take part in this deadly tournament. “Why not just vote for someone?”

“Because the original council was forged from battle and bloodshed as every High Court member has been from that point on.” Quinley lifted her nose. “It’s an honor and a privilege to participate. We all did.” She gestured at herself and the other four members sitting at the table—everyone besides King Kieran, Orla, Dallas, and me.

The five of them had killed no telling how many people to win their position. The thought made me sick.

“From the Winter royal line, Prince Nolan will be the contender.” Quinley gestured to Orla at the front of the room. “Who will represent the Summer Court?”

My stomach roiled … because I was certain I already knew.

Chapter Five

Iwatched Orla’s face shift from a grimace to a mask of indifference.

That was all the confirmation I needed.

“I’m queen, and Alina isn’t herself. She can’t lead, and since there are two members of the royal line, there’s no reason for the king consort to become acting king.” She wrung her hands together and hung her head. “Therefore, I must nominate Alina.”

My vision blurred, but I blinked, refusing to let any tears fall. My supposed sister had approved of people ruthlessly killing me. I thought I’d seen the worst in people, but this was next level. She was trying to make it sound as if she were the victim, not me.

“You’ve got to be warming me,” King Kieran growled, his hands clenching. “Do you want her to die? It would make keeping the crown easier for you.”

His words punched me in the gut. He was right. If people believed I was Alina, sending me to die in the tournament would eliminate the issue of them wanting me to take the throne.

“Uh … King Kieran.” Quinley placed a hand on her hip, her face like a piece of ice. “This is a Summer Court decision.”

If she wasn’t telling the king to shut the fuck up somewhat nicely, then I was a pig’s uncle … since clearly pigs were my thing.

Orla’s fingertips glowed red again, and she fisted her hands. “I don’t want Alina to die, but my hands are tied. I am the crowned queen, and it would be chilly to cause turmoil among my people. Besides, her memories should come back soon, and we all know Alina was a fierce warrior. She may well win the seat. Until then, I’ll make sure she’s adequately trained for the Comortas.”

“I can train her.” Dallas stepped toward me. “I am the most qualified here in Summer to do it.”

Frowning, Orla went unnaturally still.

“That’s an excellent solution.” Kaley placed her hands behind her back. “Dallas is the best swordsman in all of Summer, if not the entire kingdom.”

King Kieran snorted, making his point without saying a word. A cocky grin spread across his face, but somehow, it was damn alluring. I stepped closer to him, his crisp scent both calming me and making my stomach flutter. Maybe I was coming down with a virus or something.

---