Disenchanted: Advanced Copy by Brianna Sugalski

Author:Brianna Sugalski [Sugalski, Brianna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Parliament House

14

Lilac had lost it. She sounded like a dying animal, but she couldn’t help it.

The crowd held their breath. Through her giggles, she could almost hear them.

What would the girl with the Darkling tongue do next?

But as her laughter died, the hysteria only grew. Mere days ago she’d escaped the turreted castle confines, shortly after which she’d fallen prisoner to a vampire who turned out to be the new leader of the Brocéliande coven. And, moments after he granted her freedom, she found herself held for ransom by a deranged faerie.

Kestrel was either psychotic or ignorant enough to believe she would have any influence over the king and queen’s decisions. This revealed how little he truly knew of the human realm. As the only mortal in the room, only she knew better.

“Something... the matter?” Kestrel arched a brow.

“You have the audacity to think,” she replied, snorting again, “that my father would consider rescinding his law?”

It was evident the faerie did not appreciate being scoffed at. “Of course, they would. Don’t be a fool. You’re to be crowned in a couple of days.”

She shook her head condescendingly. “That doesn’t matter to them.”

“I’ll do what I have to, even if it involves having your vampire at your throat.”

“No, I don’t think you comprehend what it is I’m saying. King Henri and Queen Marguerite would rather let me suffer, even die, than change their policies. Such actions would show cowardice—furthermore, it might upset their supporters. Something they will never do. That, I am sure of.” She hiccupped twice and grinned lazily at the faerie. “It won’t matter that I am their daughter. I was their prisoner for nearly a decade because of my Darkling tongue. What makes you think my missing would change their political stance? They would simply replace me with Sinclair—the only son of the duke, as you know.”

Kestrel watched her intently, and so did the vampires in the background.

“Like my parents, the Le Tallecs harbor a deep hatred for you all. Deeper, still. My parents are steadfast in their ways. I can promise you, their resolve would remain immovable.”

With the underlying bitterness to her words, the humor finally left her. Whether or not it was true, she did not know for sure. To her mother and father, she’d already been tainted by the same darkness plaguing Brocéliande. What more would it be to simply let her go, never to be found again—especially if threatened by the Fae? Giving into a ransom would only display weakness.

She squared her shoulders and glared at her audience of three in the foreground. “I’m sure you’re aware of the Paimpont riots. My own people don’t want me as queen.

I know, deep down, they too believe the duke’s son is more suited for the throne than I. However, the kingdom ruled by Sinclair would only lead to your destruction. The man is insane. He kills Darklings for sport and gets away with it.”

Kestrel put a finger up as if he were going to interrupt her. Instead, he noticed his floating finger, frowned, and put it down again.

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