The Exile--Book One of the Fae by C.T. Adams

Author:C.T. Adams
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781466829329
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

21

KING LEU OF THE SIDHE

It was a terrible way to die, and a horrible thing to see happen to one’s child. Leu couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Ulrich, in a very real way he’d lost both of his sons on this morning: Viktor might live, but was not the man his father had believed him to be, and Lars was dead without honor.

And yet, while he had sympathy for Ulrich, he also found himself rightfully proud of his daughter. It had taken courage for her to show them that day and not just because she was in the presence of the truthstone. At only fifteen she’d faced the risk of being torn to shreds by the gargoyle when it was necessary for her escape. It made him proud.

It also made him furious.

It should never have happened. When it did, she should have come to him.

She hadn’t.

He’d wager Helena had taken part in that decision.

Leu’s fists clenched, and he swore under his breath. Damn the woman. He’d loved her—and hated her with pretty much equal passion. She’d been the only person who ever truly stood up to him, defying him outright with the courage of her convictions.

Their relationship had been an unmitigated disaster in terms of his rule.

But she had given him their daughter.

And what a daughter she was.

Brianna would make a magnificent queen if it came to that. Such a pity the Sidhe nobles couldn’t appreciate it. Then again, they couldn’t appreciate anyone who wouldn’t bow to their influence. The only reason they supported Eammon was the belief that they could manipulate him.

They’re wrong in that. He is intelligent, but less clever than I’d wish him. Strong, and stubborn—and he holds a grudge ’til doomsday. Ruala has been good for him, too. She leads him to what he needs to see without trying to push. I could not have picked a better woman for him. He will do what he believes is right, and damn the cost.

Rodan … Rodan took after his mother’s family. Asara was descended from the Northmen—and Valjeta come to that. Rodan has the cleverness Eammon lacks, along with a streak of ruthless practicality needed in a king. But there is a thread of cruelty that runs through him that’s concerning. Rodan would be a strong king, but he might not be a good one.

Leu stood at the library windows, facing the garden, but staring at nothing. The treaty signing was over. He had decided to claim a few minutes of solitude before whatever the next crisis that required his attention raised its ugly head. So he’d come here to think, leaving orders that he was not to be disturbed for the next hour.

It would be one of those three, Leu could feel it. Not Lucie, and not just because she’d dropped off the list. Not Rihannon, whom he loved but would gladly throttle for having been stupid enough to become involved in drugs and unwilling to wean herself of them.

Which one? In times of war the High King could choose his successor.

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