It really is lovely.
The sun shines brightly off the river along the city’s border. People are out enjoying the beautiful day. It seems so normal. But whether they know their former king and queen are dead and the once-prince, now king, rules from the dungeon is unknown.
“Do you intend to let Isiah rule here?”
“If he agrees to conquer the human lands, then yes. The other kings would frown upon replacing an established family line.”
My head jerks back as I let out a clipped laugh. “As if you care what the other kings think.”
A wolfish smile curves his lips. “No, I don’t suppose I do. It is nice to pretend to care occasionally. It makes me feel almost…human,” I roll my eyes, and he continues. “With King Tullid on my side, all the kingdoms aside from Daminae will serve me with the promise of the relics.”
I can’t argue with his logic because he’s right—all the other kings will side with him, leaving Isiah alone in his opposition.
Niethal shoves his hands in his pockets before turning toward me. “Would you like it if I allowed him to rule here? Would it gain me favor with you?”
I stare at him, thinking he might be taunting me, but his face is serious.
“If ruling and following your demands keep him alive, I will ask for that mercy. However, I would have preferred you hadn’t killed his parents.”
Niethal cocks his head, his eyes narrowing. “How do you know about Isabelle?”
Shit.
“Servants talk. Killing the royal family is bound to start rumors. Why did you do it?” The lie rolls off my tongue easily enough. If he picked up on it, he’s chosen to ignore it.
“If I said because I could, would you believe me?”
My blood chills at the idea he could be so cruel, but that doesn’t fit. He stands there confident and controlled as always. I just can’t see him murdering another king on a whim.
“No, I wouldn’t. You may be ruthless, but I don’t think killing another king would be something you’d do so impulsively.”
His brows raise at my response, as if my answer surprised him. He clears his throat. “Killing Rikard was a planned move long before Isiah interfered with you. It was necessary in order to put Isiah on the throne. As much as Idetestthe prince, Rikard would never have joined my cause, and if he held out, King Tullid might have second-guessed his allegiance.”
I don’t hide the disgust on my face. “And Isiah’s mother? Was her death necessary to your plan as well?”
He grimaces. “Isabelle was not to be touched. While I was handling Rikard, one of my guards tried to subdue Isabelle, and she fought back. When I found out, that guard paid the same price.”
The fact he killed his soldiers over Isabelle surprises me.
“Careful, Niethal. People may think you have a conscience if they hear that.”
“Do not be mistaken—I care little of what anyone besides you thinks of me. Isabelle was not my enemy. She could have lived her days anywhere. She could have stayed at the castle with Isiah if she wished. Rikard was the target, and the plan fell through. I may be ruthless, but I am fair in my punishments.”
I don’t know how to respond, so I turn back toward the city and watch the people going about their day. “So, what are we doing besides taking in the scenery?”
“I am going to teach you the ritual. I believe it’s time.”
My stomach churns thinking about it, but learning the ritual is necessary to gain access to Anaeris and find the bloodstone. My bargain with Niethal only went as far as bringing down the magic. It specified nothing after that. Gabriel and Alessandra may have bargained with him, but Fates be damned if I honor a deal I did not make.
“All right, teach me the ritual.”
“You are putting too much emphasis on the first syllable. It should be more fluid throughout.”
It’s the hundredth time he’s told me this, and his voice is beginning to grate. “Apologies. I wasn’t aware knowing how to speak an ancient fae language was part of our bargain.”
If he catches my sarcasm, he doesn’t react. “Again.”
I slam the book, that looks a lot like the one from the library, closed. “I don’t know how else to say it. I thought Iwasdoing it how you said, but apparently not!” My fists clench at my sides when I stand. I’m usually faster at picking things up.