Flirting with Darkness: A Fantasy Romance (Broken Fae Promises Book 1) by Emma Moon

Author:Emma Moon [Moon, Emma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-09-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Lyra

Seated in another constricting, ornate gown, I couldn't escape the sense of tension that filled the grand dining hall. As I looked at my mother, the queen, her gaze fixed on me like a predator eyeing its next meal, I felt the room's lavishness turn suffocating. The crystal chandelier above threw intricate patterns of light and shadow across the table, making the already charged atmosphere seem almost surreal.

The extravagance of it all grated on me, given the suffering in the realm—people struggling even for basic necessities. But what truly set my heart pounding in my chest was the fear that she might sense the new bond between Darius and me. The only thing that made it tolerable was Alistair’s steady presence behind me.

My mother's piercing gaze fixed on me as she cut through her steak with calculated precision. "You've been quiet, Lyra. Still thinking about your potential suitors from the reception? Which well-bred, reputable young man has caught your attention?" She smiled suggestively, modulating her voice so only those closest to her—the queen's consorts—could hear. The rest of the dining court was far enough away to afford us a semblance of privacy.

"Oh, I'm not ready to make a decision yet," I said cautiously, picking at the embroidered tablecloth.

"What about Lord Elric? He comes from a strong line, quite wealthy," she prodded, inspecting her wine glass as if it were an object of great intrigue.

"Lord Elric is...not to my taste," I replied, struggling to keep the disgust from my voice. The image of Darius filled my mind, amplifying how unappealing Lord Elric was to me.

"Now is not the time to be picky, daughter," she admonished, setting down her glass with a soft clink.

"I don't know, Mother," I said, my voice wavering. Oh, how I wished I could just blurt out that I was already emotionally bonded to Darius, King of Shadows, the man who would likely be deemed an enemy in her eyes. "I thought my bonds were up to me."

Her eyes narrowed, "That's why we have these gatherings, to give you an opportunity to know them better. Should I arrange private meetings with any of them?"

I suppressed a sigh. "I'm not sure private meetings would make the decision easier at this point. Perhaps more group settings would allow me to understand their true nature?"

"You're being evasive," she said, her voice taking on an icy tone. "Remember, the alliances we form now will shape the future of our realm. I trust you won't take this lightly."

The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. "I understand the gravity of the situation, Mother. But it's a decision that can't be rushed. We're talking about lifelong commitments, not just political alliances."

"I'm glad to hear you're committed," Mother said, her eyes sharpening in a way that made my stomach knot up. "That's partly why I've decided to help you."

"Help me?" I echoed, dread pooling at the base of my spine.

"Yes, darling," she continued, savoring the words as if they were a fine wine.

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