The visit.

Nira's feet shifted against the cold stone floor of the courtroom.

"This union between our kingdoms will mark the beginning of something greater—peace." Queen Yesena smiled at Nira.

The words rang hollow. Peace had never existed between Virun and Koetryr, only an uneasy truce. Five years ago, when the Srevig was stolen—supposedly by a human from Koetryr—hostility had flared. War had loomed until both sides begrudgingly settled.

Nira never understood why the fairies had chosen to negotiate. They could have wiped Koetryr off the map, yet they hadn't. It made no sense.

Queen Yesena paused. "It seems I am boring you, Nira."

Nira's hand flew up. "My apologies, Your Majesty. I just… lost focus for a moment."

A twitch in the Queen's face. Her smile tightened.

"Step outside for a moment, Nira." Her voice dipped slightly.

Nira bowed, casting a glance at Elrath. He refused to meet her gaze.

Stepping into the hallway, she shut the door, releasing a quiet breath.

Queen Yesena was intense and unreadable.

The corridor stretched empty. She wandered down until she found a small waiting room. Slipping inside, she sank into a chair.

A book lay on the table.

She picked it up.

Old. Thick. Untitled.

Odd.

Glancing around, she flipped it open, skimming the pages.

Indecipherable. The words curled in twisting, unreadable script.

Did the fairies have their own language?

She had never heard of such a thing. The symbols made her head ache the longer she stared.

"It's rude to read a book that isn't yours."

Nira jumped. A man stood at the door, lips pressed into a slight frown.

She snapped the book shut and set it down. "Pardon me. I was just curious."

He stepped closer. "That's alright. You wouldn't have understood much."

His tone wasn't mocking—just observant.

She shrugged. "Not really. Is it the fairies' tongue?"

His fingers curled around the book. He was pale, his brown eyes deep, earthen—like the soil of Koetryr. His lighter brown hair fell loosely over his forehead.

"You're human, aren't you?" His gaze sharpened.

She blinked. "Yes."

He nodded. "That explains your scent. And why you don't know who I am."

Nira frowned. Who was he?

"I'm Cresav. The crown prince."

Nira scrambled to her feet, bowing. "I'm sorry, Your Highness."

"It's fine. What's your name?"

She raised her head. "Nira."

Recognition flickered in his expression. "Right. Nira. The Princess from Koetryr. Elrath's bride."

There was a bite to his tone. He wasn't fond of Elrath.

"Yes, I am, Prince Cresav," Nira mumbled.

He nodded. "If you're interested, I can lend you the book."

She raised a brow. "I can't understand a word of it."

His lips twitched. "Ask Elrath."

"For what?" she blurted.

He stretched the book toward her. "It's something he does. It involves his blood. You might find it disgusting, but it works."

Oh!

Her cheeks warmed. She had rejected Elrath before. How was she supposed to ask him now?

The prince was gone.

She traced her fingers over the book. Elrath.

"What are you doing in here?"

She turned. Elrath stood at the doorway, irritation stiffening his frame.

"I was waiting for you. Are you done?" she asked quickly, tucking the book against her side.

His gaze flicked to her hands. "Whose is that?"

"Um—"

"You met Cresav." His voice was flat.

She stiffened.

"Of course you did." He sighed. "That book is gibberish. A language he made up."

Nira's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

Heat rushed to her face.

Elrath rolled his eyes. "Let's go home."

He turned and strode away.

The prince had toyed with her. She considered leaving the book but decided to keep it.

She hurried to catch up with Elrath.

The ride back to Elrath's home was slower, more peaceful.

No, Elrath seemed more troubled.

He wasn't taunting her like he usually would. She'd only spent three days with him, but she could feel something was off.

"Elrath, did the Queen catch on?" Nira asked. His fingers around her waist twitched.

"She didn't," he grumbled. His chest against her back rumbled.

Nira nodded.

"Elrath?"

"Yes?" He sighed, already exasperated.

"Um—"

"What is it, Nira?" he hissed.

Nira swallowed. She didn't want to upset him, but the question had haunted her since she arrived.

"Why did you agree to this marriage?"

A pause. He stilled.

Nira's breath caught. Had she pushed too far?

"I can't refuse an order from the Queen, Nira. This marriage is an order I am carrying out." He sounded insulted. Disgusted—with who?

"I've heard things about you, Elrath. Things that made you seem like a god. Following an order like this seems—" she trailed off. Elrath was the strongest fairy alive. His power exceeded that of the Queen and all of Virun combined.

"You don't know me that well, Nira. I'd suggest you keep your opinions to yourself, considering this marriage is the only thing stopping me from razing Koetryr to the ground." He growled.

Nira grew silent.

Not from fear—but from anger. Anger at his words. Anger at the Queen. Anger at her people.

Anger at herself for being weak.