Page 163 of The Fallen Fae King

“Your father, right?” I arch my brow. “You have a chance to start something new. Different. But let me be clear. I don’t think that you are good enough for my cousin.” Aquila’s eyes widen in affronted shock. I dismissively turn away from him to his Alpha. “Do you still want this disgrace of an Omega?”

Ignatius tightens his hold on Aquila’s hand. “He’s my dragon rider. I’ll only get one of those in my life. I can’t lose that bond.”

“Possibly, but Lucius knows more about these things than anyone. Splitting up a dragon and their rider is unprecedented. But this is my army. I am not clinging to the old ways. If there has been a mistake, and you’re not well matched, then he’ll find a way to find you both new partners.”

“No.” Aquila stands, throwing his arms around Ignatius’ neck. He rubs his nose desperately against the Alpha’s scent gland. Ignatius looks bewildered by the sudden affection, as well as Aquila’s tears that are wetting his skin. “Please, don’t part us. He’s my Alpha. My dragon. I was wrong. I understand. Just punish me.”

Ignatius wraps his arms around Aquila, patting him awkwardly on the back in comfort. “I swear, I will do better in my relationship. We will talk. Let me handle my Omega, Relius.”

I watch them both for a moment longer.

Something else is going on between them that I don’t understand.

Yet my mind is too tired to work it out.

I exchange a glance with Lucius, who shrugs.

“I am giving you both this one chance,” I reply. “Lucius, stay here and talk with them. You know my expectations.”

Lucius nods.

Lucius’ official role within the court is to help Omegas who are parted by war or death from their Alphas. I hope that he can help Ignatius and Aquila’s relationship or find a way through it if they need to separate.

“Thank you,” Ignatius says, softly.

He shouldn’t thank me. I intend to have Wraith secretly investigate his beloved Omega, along with his father, Cato. If there is anything irregular that I can pin on either of them, then I will be executing them.

I don’t believe that someone like Aquila would be acting like this without a reason.

I have been raised in this court. If you can see ripples on the surface, then you must look for what is causing them, if you don’t wish to be dragged under.

I push past Ignatius to open the door into Consort House.

My frown fades at the domestic scene inside.

My nestmates are sprawled in front of the hearth on a pile of my golden blankets, which they have worked into a nest. Five is curled up next to them, purring.

The fire crackles and pops. Smoke scents the air.

Freya looks gorgeous in ivory consort clothes, although I hate to see both of them forced to wear them. Daire is sitting behind her, brushing her long, fiery hair casually like this is their routine.

He is singing some ancient fae song, and each note falls like snowflakes, haunting enough to make me shiver.

It hits me in the gut.

I could have this.

They are mine.

Suddenly, what I have in my pocket feels even heavier.

But why do I feel like an intruder, when this is my fucking kingdom?

I glower, stomping into the room to make my point. They must have heard me enter.

Freya turns her head, although Daire doesn’t stop singing.

“You’re here!” Freya leaps out of the nest and throws herself into my arms.