Page 53 of Heir of Broken Souls

“We’ve sanctioned spies to head into the land. We need to know where their main base is before we do anything,” Darius declares as he comes to a stop beside the queen. He merely gives her a cursory glance. “Unless you beat me to the punch?”

Olivia looks down her nose at the brothers. “If you have men to spare from the front lines, boys, then be my guest, but I’m not allowing the human king an opportunity to infiltrate another inch of this land.”

“No, you just allowed them to take an entire court,” Elaric growls.

The queen of Air holds up her hand. “Tame yourself or run along. Tantrums are not permitted in the meeting room.”

I almost roll my eyes. Gods, she tries to treat us like children at every step of the way.

Elodie steps forward. “We need men sanctioned around the border of Cardania or else we will all fall. I suggest you take the men off your fence and send them where they are needed.”

Silence descends. Along with tension so thick you could slice it with a butter knife.

Delilah, at my side, seems to hold her breath, but I can’t keep the indignation out of my voice as I ask, “Is it true? Have you kept warriors sanctioned at your gate?”

Olivia flicks her gaze to Delilah and then to me, as if to say,Are you really questioning me right now?A snarl rises to my lips. Delilah has nothing to do with this; she is my mate, she has every right to be in this room?—

“Considering you have the tyrant’s daughter in this very room with us, Mr. Holloway, I suggest you don’t turn your questions my way.”

The room explodes. Magic seers to life.

Snapping a shield around Delilah, I throw her behind my back, flinching at her startled yelp. My shadows run for every direction, engulfing the room and the royals.

“Cease your magic immediately!” I bellow.

They ignore me.

“How dare you bring his filthy fucking spy here!” Elaric growls.

The Ornx brothers move in sync, their weapons drawn. “Hand her over, Knox.”

“She is the reason for our downfall!” the triplets sneer in sync.

Growling under my breath, I lift my hands, along with my power as I blanket everyone in the room, not only taking their sight from them but hiding Delilah. “She was a captive of his hand,” I explain. “He was the one who placed the spell upon her body to trap her in the human lands, andsheis the one who attempted to kill him. It washercunningness that drew out his true identity. She is not related to him. She is avictim!”

I’m heaving by the time I finish, and by the small hands clutching my back, I’m not the only one shaking either.

“Are you sure?—”

“Are you really asking the mind reader if I’m sure of thetruth?” I bark out a laugh. “Of course I’m sure! Let’s also not forget that Delilah and I are mates. We are physically bonded.”

Despite my proclamations, their magic continues to fight mine. With a curse, my entire body tightens as I slip into their minds, past their shields, and show them. Show them memory after memory of all Delilah has done to help the Fae race. How they should be thanking her for saving them, not trying to harm her.

A weighted pause ensues before I hear the shuffling of feet and weapons sheathed. With the reluctance acceptance from all except the queen of Air, who already no doubt knows the truth from her spies and won’t allow me into her mind, I tentatively retract my magic. I’m not at all surprised to find them staring beyond my shoulder, trying to catch a glimpse of Delilah.

“Now.” I clear my throat and straighten. “We need a plan of attack and a plan to ensure the safety of the neighboring courts. I suggest we stop bickering and get to work, because every second those filthy demonic creatures are in Cardania is another second too long.” My eyes cut to the queen, who knows Delilah, who knows what happened from our fight with Emmalyn. My next words are practically a spit of venom. “Instead of throwing out accusations against mymate, I suggest you use your voice for good. Perhaps offer your court to those in need hiding from the tyrant moving to conquer our home.”

Elaric claps me on the shoulder, moving with his Fae speed before I can react at his close proximity to Delilah. By her startled gasp, she didn’t anticipate the move either.

“Let’s get to work,” Elaric commands, his gaze boring into my mate.

The Ornx brothers pinch the bridge of their noses. “We’re in for a long night with this damage control.”

* * *

The brothers were right. Five hours later, we have a slightly feasible plan. But until the dark lord is dead, we have no chance of reclaiming Cardania. The best we can do for now is send in spies for information, plant a swarm of men along the border to stop further infiltration, and set up camps for refugees in the Air and Fire Courts.

Delilah and I arrive at the shambles of our home late in the night, and unsurprisingly, my court are waiting for us. They call out all at once, their voices far too loud with the headache that has been present since the moment the queen of Air stepped into that meeting room.