Prince of Bears: Autumn Court #2 (Rosethorn Valley Fae Romance) by Tasha Black

Author:Tasha Black [Black, Tasha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 13th Story Press
Published: 2020-08-15T18:30:00+00:00

17

Willow

Willow stood trembling before the huge double doors.

“Princess Ashe of the Winter Court,” a servant cried, throwing the doors open.

The room inside was as big as a basketball court, with a floor of gleaming marble and a ceiling so high it practically disappeared above her.

Chandeliers with thin white tapers caused the light to dance and waver as it reflected in the marble.

Somehow, the room even smelled cold.

At the far end of the great chamber, two narrow thrones sat atop a dais.

“Come, child,” a woman’s voice called, the words echoing in the cavernous room.

Willow moved forward, wiling herself to remain calm.

These are supposed to be my parents.

As a matter of fact, they were her biological parents.

But Willow felt no connection to the cold voice in the echoing room, no warmth at all from the two figures seated on the thrones.

“Daughter, you have returned,” the queen said crisply.

Willow was relieved to see nothing of herself in those patrician features, or the condescending expression.

The king nodded and Willow found herself gazing into dark eyes, like her own.

“That Autumn princeling kidnapped you. But now we have him in our custody,” the queen said with a horrible smile. “You will have your vengeance, my dear, for yourself and for your sister, Wynter.”

Tears blurred Willow’s vision for a moment.

“My dear, she is so pleased to see you,” the king said, misinterpreting her show of emotion, and sounding moved.

“You have not been the favorite in the past, Ashe,” the queen said sympathetically. “But Wynter’s loss is your gain.”

Willow was startled out of her upset by the heartlessness of the statement.

“Your mother has found you a husband,” the king confided fondly.

“A prince of the Spring Court,” the queen said lightly. “He’s not sharp. That whole court is soft-headed, if you ask me. But we will need the allegiance in our coming battle with Autumn. And you, my dear, will seal it with a quick marriage and a quick heir.”

Willow stared at them, horrified.

“I am told on good authority that he is attractive,” the king said mildly.

“Yes, yes, he’s a very pretty boy,” the queen said. “And more importantly, he understands what you may have suffered at the hands of Autumn, and he will have you anyway.”

Willow blinked at the queen, horrified.

“He’ll be coming along any moment now,” the queen continued. “Do close your mouth so he won’t think he has been betrothed to a fish, Ashe.”

But she was already betrothed, already carrying an heir.

Willow swallowed hard and looked down at her hands, safely hidden in the gloves Iona had so kindly provided.

For now.

“Prince Harland of the Spring Court,” the servant announced as the large doors opened again.

Willow turned and watched the man approach.

He was tall, with wide shoulders and the long hair she was coming to associate with the Fae princes. The king wasn’t wrong, the Spring prince was very attractive.

But Willow could only think of Heath, waiting in the dungeon for his family to claim him.

“Your Majesties,” Prince Harland said in a deep voice, giving a very gracious bow.

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