Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 127026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 635(@200wpm)___ 508(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127026 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 635(@200wpm)___ 508(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
“I think I have some idea,” Kerrigan said softly. “I understand what it is not to be wanted, to be less than because of being half-Fae, and to have no tribe that would accept you. I was not enslaved and given away as a gift in my house. I can’t understand your trauma, but I do comprehend an ounce of what you have endured. What all half-Fae endure. And I want to end it. I want to end it all.”
Benton and Bayton stepped forward, drawing her into a hug and accepting the terms of her favor. They would be part of her house. They would be full tribe members and retain all the privilege that afforded them.
The twins rushed out afterward to apply some hasty cosmetics and get dressed. Then, Kerrigan escorted them down to their carriage and to their first ball.
They were as nervous as a brood of littlings, and Kerrigan’s heart soared to see their excitement as the carriage stopped before the House of Cruse estate on the Row. Her estate.
“Gods,” Benton breathed. “It’s enormous.”
“And so beautiful,” Bayton said.
“Would you want to live here?” Kerrigan asked.
Their eyes widened. “What?” they squawked together.
“We could live here, if you prefer. We don’t have to reside in the mountain.”
They shook their heads in unison.
“That’s maybe too big a step,” Benton said.
“We’ve lived so long in the mountain. Draco Mountain feels … almost like home,” Bayton said.
Kerrigan nodded, relieved herself. “I feel the same way. The mountain is home.”
Then, a footman opened the door and assisted her out of the carriage. Benton and Bayton fell into step behind her. It was still nearly impossible to imagine that this house now belonged to her entirely. She felt like an imposter in Bryonican navy, impersonating her father and his friends. She had never wanted this, but the land clearly had chosen her. So, she would accept it for what it was.
“Lady Kerrigan Argon, First of the House of Cruse of Bryonica,” the man at the door announced.
Benton and Bayton were announced behind her, and the three half-Fae women stepped inside the home for Kerrigan’s official name day.
All heads turned at once to get a glimpse of her. Kerrigan relaxed at the sight before her. Friends. All of her friends were in attendance. Clover and Hadrian stood just off the dance floor. Darby had her arm on Lord Trask’s sleeve. Audria twirled in place for Roake and the other former tournament champion, Noda, who had come all the way from the island tribe of Concha. Bastian wore a regal top hat and was engaged in a conversation with Hadrian’s sponsor, Fallon. Helly stood regally in Bryonican navy beside a tall woman with a bald head. Kerrigan was shocked to see Thea in person. She hadn’t seen her since Kerrigan had helped the Rights for All organization protest the treatment of humans and half-Fae in Kinkadia. And then there was Kerrigan’s father, but he wasn’t alone.
Kerrigan’s eyes widened in surprise to find Kivrin Argon beside Anya Van Horn. Their story was complicated. They had been in love before Kivrin entered the tournament. Then, Anya had fallen for Lorian Van Horn and ended up switching to tribe Venatrix to marry him, leaving Kivrin alone without his lover or entrance into the Society. Lorian had been executed for treason two months prior. Alura might never forgive Kerrigan, but perhaps her mother had. Perhaps it would heal another old wound.
There were only two people missing. Dozan, who Kerrigan had never imagined actually attending. And of course, Fordham.
Then, the one face she hadn’t wanted to see stepped up with a regal bow. “My lady.”
March held his hand out, and with another fake smile, Kerrigan put her hand in his.
“You’re a vision,” he said. “Just as I always imagined you would look on this day.”
He drew her into the room. She reached for that sense of relief at seeing all her friends in one place. The ballroom full of happy faces, here to celebrate her. They weren’t here for March. Tonight wouldn’t be like the crippling anxiety of yesterday. March just didn’t know it yet.
Kivrin intercepted them before they got much farther. “I believe the first dance goes to your father.”
Kerrigan smiled in relief. “As you wish.”
She let Kivrin take her hand and carry her into the fast-paced dance. Her laugh rang out through the room as she let the steps sweep her away. She was pushed from one pair of arms to another. Each dance blurring into the next. Only the slow number with March made her forget her momentary excitement. Finally, she escaped the dance floor to get a glass of punch and gossip with her friends.
Darby was the one who showed her the piles upon piles of presents in an adjoining room. Enough to befit her station from nobles from all over Alandria. Kerrigan’s eyes bugged at the sheer quantity. What would she even do with it all? But she didn’t have to decide tonight.