Total pages in book: 197
Estimated words: 186911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 186911 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 935(@200wpm)___ 748(@250wpm)___ 623(@300wpm)
“I cannot say, but I don’t need to. The ice melting is a good thing,” he said. “It’s what we’ve been waiting for. Soon, we’ll be free.”
“That’s good, but—”
My attendants walked in, loaded down with baskets holding face paints and all the tools made to transform the famed beauty of the east into a creature even lovelier.
“Are you ready, my lady?”
“Ready,” Emiana said, rising from the water. “I will allow you to attend me, but will endure nothing pink, red, or orange. You, bring me spiced cider, and you, send the bird man away.” I glared at the smirking beast. “Or I’ll have him flogged if he comes near me with another bucket!”
Bradach rose up. Winking at me, he bowed before leaving—taking all six feet of dripping wet, naked, and gorgeous with. It’s a shame he can’t mask those disgusting feathers and wings like his brother can. Shamer still that he’s so insolent. And more’s a shame on top that I couldn’t bed him without his brother’s marking revealing the affair.
I hummed, slipping into the robe they held out and claiming my seat before the vanity. There must be a way to rid myself of that mark, and these blasted marriage runes. Affairs aside, I can’t stay faithful to the beast king. As surprisingly great a lover he is, one day I will need daughters to continue my line—claiming the throne of the true high empress. I cannot have his filthy blood sullying them.
Sighing, I closed my eyes as they spread the tightening and shadow-reducing cream. I could confess to myself that I would rather go the route of removing the mark and finding a secret lover. Alisdair Shadowsoul was proving to be a kindred spirit and powerful ally. Everything that mattered had been stripped from me, and then he came along, promising to give it back and then some.
I did not want to kill him, so for his sake, he’d better free me from the marking scent, so I won’t have to.
Emiana faded from my mind, but she didn’t leave behind shock or horror. Honestly, it was a relief to finally know her true intentions. She was happy to go along with the wedding and all that came with it, because Alisdair was prepared to hand her the highest power in the land. Of course she didn’t love him, and of course she was willing to kill him. This was the same woman who wanted her father and all of his allies dead.
The only good news to come from that horrible train of thought was that she wouldn’t try to harm Alisdair until after she was crowned high empress, and after she decided she was ready to have kids. I had until then to remember my fucking name.
“Ladies,” I spoke up, ending their chatter. “Would you mind telling me all the female names you know?”
“Names? I’m not sure I understand,” Carlin replied.
“Never too early to start thinking baby names.” I patted my stomach. “I’d love some ideas, if you wouldn’t mind helping me.” Because maybe you’ll say the one that triggers my memory.
That set them off jumping up and down, squealing.
“Oh my Meya, yes! We’d love to help,” Carlin gushed. “What about Brona? That’s my mother’s name.”
“Oooh, so pretty,” I murmured, but felt nothing. No tingle of recognition.
“Evaleen?”
“Kiara?”
“Finella,” Eadaoin threw in.
They pelted me with names from all sides. Mine would come up eventually. I was sure of it. Meya knocked sense into my stubborn head, so I’d finally wake up and see the man she had meant for me all along. No one was going to take him from me.
Alisdair loved to speak of the little bird who belonged to him, and that was fine. Because every night I lay next to the beast who belonged to me.
“—life or death! I must speak with her now!”
“Let him through,” I heard Bradach bark from the other side of the door.
Riordan, the vegetable-seller burst in and slipped on the wet floor—crashing flat on his back.
I blinked at him, robes high. “What on earth is going on? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine!” He shoved up, huffing and puffing. “I’m sorry, my lady, I... I ran all the way here.”
“I assume it wasn’t to wish me well on my big day?”
“No, it’s—it’s terrible, my lady. Terrible, terrible news!” He surged at me and a blur shot into my path.
Riordan bounced off Eadaoin, nearly winding up on his back again. “That’s close enough.”
“Riordan, just calm down, and tell me what’s going on,” I said, rising up.
Riordan sought me over Eadaoin’s shoulder, face stricken. “My lady, it’s Aya Olene. She and Meliora have been arrested for treason. Some of the treasures I gave them had the Wind and Wild crest on them. They’re saying it’s proof of payment for espionage!
“Queen Ana, they’re to be executed tomorrow at daybreak!”