They’re technically made of earth, so if I just—
“Even think of harming me, and they will cut you down,” Kolstov warned. “And while they may be beings of your element, they’re not yours to command, but mine.”
I considered testing that theory, but the writhing snake-vines slithering along the iron posts had me retracting the idea. On top of that, I still couldn’t feel my element. Closing my eyes, I searched the fractured connection, frowning when I found frayed ends flickering with lost power.
A hiss from the gate had me jumping backward.
Kolstov tsked. “Careful with your thoughts, sweetheart. They’ll be on you in a second, and you can bet your ass I’ll let them bite a few times before I call them off. Just to teach you a lesson.”
Meaning he could control these vile creatures.
“Prince Kolstov,” I mused out loud. “You’re next in line for the Midnight Fae throne.” Hence his ability to tame the beasts. I’d read enough about international fae politics to know the important names throughout the realms. It was why I’d been surprised by his presence at Cyrus’s coronation.
And maybe I’d been a little interested because of his looks.
Not so into those traits now.
“Just as you’re Princess Aflora, the sole Earth Royal,” he returned, pressing his palm to my lower back to give me a nudge. “On you go.”
I stumbled forward, my heels not made for the pebbled pathway. “If you know who I am, you know how wrong this is. The Earth Fae need me and my access to the source.”
“Yes. We’re working on that.” Another push to the base of my spine compelled me to walk alongside him. “Your bindings are temporary until Councilman Chern can develop a better harness for your natural gifts.”
Bindings? That explained why I still couldn’t access my element. “It’s dangerous to keep me severed from the source. I’m the conduit that allows the Earth Fae to thrive.”
“We’re aware,” he said, directing me to the left.
Gothic architecture met my vision. The entire campus resembled a castle of horror set against a moonlit landscape. Large trees void of any life or leaves decorated the ground with black branches, their roots thicker than both Kolstov and I combined. Bats dangled from the limbs, along with other foreign winged animals of varying sizes.
A phoenix landed on top of one of the obsidian towers in the distance, its fiery wings fluttering in the breeze.
“Given your royal status, you will be housed with the Elite Bloods. Specifically, in my family’s wing. Our suite has four bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, a study room, and several bathrooms. I think you’ll find it to be up to your standards.”
“Elite Bloods?” I repeated, swallowing. I have to live with this guy?
He stopped to gape down at me. ?
??You haven’t studied the Midnight Fae lines?”
“N-no.”
His expression told me that was not an appropriate response. “You’re the Earth Fae Royal, and you know nothing about our political structure. How is that possible? I can tell you everything of importance regarding the Elemental Fae Council.”
“Interspecies politics is on my course agenda this year.”
“Was,” he corrected. “Your new schedule will be assigned this week. I’ll see what I can do about having Midnight Fae politics added to it.” He shook his head and continued walking. “Absolutely ridiculous.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting to be kidnapped and forced into attending school in this realm. My bad for not taking a course about vampires.”
He halted once more, turning slowly. “Careful, sweetheart. That tone could earn you a lot of hurt on these grounds, especially when in reference to our existence and what we are—Midnight Fae.”
“Bloodsuckers. Yeah, I’m aware.”
Kolstov stepped forward, invading my personal bubble. “You know all about that, don’t you, love? What with Shade having already snacked upon your neck?” He hummed, the sound low and menacing. “Call me a bloodsucker again and I’ll give you a thorough demonstration of what a Midnight Fae can do.”
“As you said, I already ‘know all about that.’?”
“Oh, sweetheart, no. A bite is nothing compared to the power I can unleash upon you.” He reached up to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear, then cupped my cheek to allow me to feel the energy throbbing beneath his skin. “I could destroy you in seconds, baby.”