Page 2 of The Ruthless Fae King
Her eyes filled with tears. “The winter king can be very convincing,” was all she said.
I scoffed, stepping closer to her. She had the same bright red hair as I did, and today we both wore lime green dresses without knowing the other would be doing it. We often did this and I liked it. I’d felt a closeness with my mother my entire life, but now I just felt betrayed.
“Mother, he’s awful,” I pleaded.
She sighed. “Don’t say that. He was a boy who lost his mother and he… acted out.”
She was defending him?
“He lost his mothersixyears ago,” I growled. “What’s his excuse now?”
His mother died in a tragic accident. She was riding with young Lucien Thorne when she was bucked off her horse. She fell on her neck and it snapped, killing her instantly. Because they were on an innocent horseback ride, there had been no healing elf present. I did feel bad that a young boy had to see his mother die like that, but it was no excuse for some of the stories I’d heard about him.
“Mother, he eats raw meat. He’s killed with his bare hands. Not to mention what he did with the Great Freeze. He’s a monster.”
My mother sighed. “We don’t know ifallof those stories are true.” She didn’t sound too sure about that.
“Is it the dowry he’s paying? Because I can raise my own money and pay you and Daddy back—”
My mother cut me off with the shake of her head. “No, honey, it’s law. When the reigning king asks for a royal’s hand in marriage, it cannot be refused.”
I frowned.
Law? A stupid little legal edict was standing in the way of my freedom? It wasn’t that I was against duty, or marriage. My parents were arranged and had a wonderful marriage. I knew my day would come soon. I was just against the idea ofhim.
“Why does he want me?” I crossed my arms and tipped my chin up. “I’m from Fall Court. Duchess Dunia of Winter would be amuchbetter match. They grew up together, she knows him. Their offspring would be better suited.”
My mother sighed, stepping forward, and grasped my hands in hers. “He has heard of your power and beauty. He wantsyou, Madelynn, to be his wife and the mother of his children. Your son could be future king.”
My heart sank. My power and beauty were not things I thought would one day seal my fate to an evil prick, but here we were.
“I’m sorry, Mother. I can’t. Anyone but him. Help me say no. Say I am betrothed to another, or—”
“Madelynn! That would embarrass your father and our entire court. You’ve already been promised.” She looked at me like I’d grown two heads. Her perfect eldest daughter. Most powerful with wind magic. Top marks in school. Never stepped a toe out of line. Sure, I was independent and headstrong, but I never disobeyed my parents, or a royal edict… until now.
“I’ll see you later, Mother,” I said cryptically, and then ran to the horse barn to find my mare.
There was no way in Hades I was marrying Lucien Thorne.
* * *
I rode into town alone,disguised under the hood of my cloak until I came to one of my favorite courtier’s houses, Maxwell Blane. He was handsome, rich, funny, and a total lothario. It would be perfect for what I was about to ask.
I knocked on his door hurriedly, as the street beyond his house in town was bustling and I didn’t want any rumors. I’d never been alone in another man’s presence without a chaperone, but I didn’t want a witness for what I was about to ask of him.
When his housemaid opened the door, I slipped inside without being asked to do so.
She squeaked in shock, backing up, then I pulled off my cloak. “Sorry for the intrusion, Margaret.”
“Oh, Princess Madelynn.” She bowed, seemingly relieved that she knew who was barging into her home.
My lady-in-waiting, Piper, and I came to Maxwell’s house once a week for one of his famous cocktail parties. He was the courtier to know, and put on the most entertaining parties I’d ever been to. There was singing, games, and drinking. I didn’t drink of course, it wouldn’t be proper but I played the games and we always had a wonderful time.
“Is Maxwell around? I have an urgent issue.”
She nodded. “Right this way. He’s in the study.” She looked behind me at the door as if nonverbally asking where my chaperone was. I said nothing, only letting the heat of my cheeks speak for me. Without a word, she took the hint and asked for my cloak.
Maxwell’s parents came from old money, and when they died in a boating accident they left him everything. He was a spoiled brat and a dear friend. I knew he would help me with my request.
