Daughter of Winter

Chapter 23

Whatever you do, don't offer him food. Kendryek's words bounced around my skull. If you offer him food, the magic could interpret it as an acceptance of the mating bond. Just talk. Don't eat, don't drink.

Lysander was in his room, I was in mine. Kendryek and Rosalind were nearby, ready to assist if I were to be attacked.

Servants had prepared the room, setting out piping hot water, biscuits, and jars tea at the table for us. I was at my seat, already having poured myself a cup and selected a type - one that smelled strongly of vanilla.

The clock struck three. I held my breath.

Terrin entered. He smiled warmly at me, but I saw straight through it. There was no feeling in his eyes.

I sat up straighter, pulled my shoulders back, and smiled back at him. I did not have a plan for what was next.

"How has The Gathering been for you so far?" he asked as he took his seat. I took a deep breath.

"It has been a tremendously unique experience," I replied. "It is incredible, meeting all of the different High Lords and Ladies. I never imagined I would see them with my own two eyes, let alone attending a Meeting with them."

"Did you ever imagine being one?" Terrin asked. He selected the same type of tea as me and spooned it into a strainer. I shook my head, maintaining eye contact with him.

"I never did."

"Neither did I." I blinked. He stared at his cup as he poured water from the pot. "I was born expecting to be under my father's rule until the end of time, but the madness changed everything. I believe the Autumn Court understands what I mean." I did not respond. I was not going to give him any information.

I took a drink from my tea, then placed it as close to me as possible on the table. He laughed humorlessly.

"I'm not going to poison you, Allyn," he said.

"But you would go to war for me." He shook his head.

"No, I would go to war to save myself from madness. Wouldn't you do the same?"

"Often, the female is unaffected by a rejected bond," I replied.

"Are you willing to throw away your mate's life to save your own?" he asked.

"Are you?" I asked. "The Autumn Court is my home. The people there are my...family." Terrin cocked his head and leaned forward.

"Are you sure?" I swallowed and looked down, breaking eye contact for the first time so far.

"Yes."

"Don't you know a fae could smell a lie from a mile away?"

"No, they can't," I replied. Looking at him now, I realized how similar he was to Lysander. They had the same eyes, the same chin, the same cheekbones. Only he was missing the humor and the scar. Then again, so many fae had the same chiseled look.

"I cannot literally smell a lie, but I am smart enough to tell when one was said. When Lysander attacked Samanthia and took a portion of her memories, she did the same. What she learned was brief, but important." Shit. The air was sucked out of my chest. I took another deep breath to steady myself. "Kendryek does not treat you well there."

"Lysander's memories do not tell you the full story," I countered. Things weren't great, but I could not complain.

"If they were your family, you would not feel the need to use your persuasive magic on them." I felt that statement like a punch to my gut. I couldn't come up with a response before he said, "Kendryek owns Lysander, Hadrian, and you. His will is your way. In my court, that would not be the case." I shook my head.