What had been expected of Casteel upon his return? Questions bubbled to the tip of my tongue, but I held them back, figuring that the second I started asking them would be the moment they stopped talking. Right now, it was as if they had forgotten I sat between them.
“And things have changed since you left, Casteel. You’ve been gone for over two years,” Alastir advised, picking up his cup. “There is unrest among our people, especially the wolven.”
“I know that,” Casteel answered as I glanced at Kieran. He stood with a hand on the hilt of his sword, but other than that, I wondered if it were possible for someone to be asleep while standing with their eyes open. He looked that bored. “And I will do everything I can to ease that unrest.”
“By marrying someone who is only half-Atlantian? An outsider?” Alastir turned to me. “And I mean no offense by that, Penellaphe. I sincerely do not.”
“None taken,” I advised. He was right. I would be an outsider to Casteel’s people.
“She may only be half-Atlantian and raised in Solis, but my people will accept her because I accept her.” Casteel stated this as if there were no other option. “You know, you were partly correct when you said that marrying her gives us bargaining power. It does. With her at my side, we have a better chance of gaining back our land.”
Alastir sat back in his chair. “To avoid war?”
“Yes. Isn’t that what you want? Isn’t that better than sending our people off to die by the thousands?” Casteel demanded. “Do you want to see more wolven die?”
“Of course, not.” Alastir shook his head. “I want to avoid war. I’ve already lost enough to the Ascended, as you know.”
I felt a momentarily tensing in Casteel’s body. “I do. Gods, I do know.” He exhaled heavily, relaxing a bit, and I sensed that there was more, things not being said. “The part you were incorrect about is assuming that my only reason for marrying Penellaphe is for bargaining power, whether that be for my brother or the kingdom. If I didn’t feel the way I do for her, I could’ve simply used her in the way I originally planned.”
The truth stung, but the lies scraped over my skin like hot knives. I kept my face blank, showing no reaction.
“That is true.” Alastir dragged his lower lip between his teeth. “I can only hope the unrest is manageable. I’ve been trying, but the young ones…they have a certain view on how things should be carried out. And your father has agreed with them more and more.” Alastir’s gaze fixed on the cup he held. “He hoped that your time in Solis would prove fruitful. He has learned that it has. However, he has plans now, Casteel. And he is still the King.”
“Do those plans involve me?” There went the realization that I should remain quiet. Still, I couldn’t hold myself back. For far too many years, I’d sat in silence while others around me discussed me, my life, and my future.
No more.
The look of surprise flickering across Alastir’s expression gave way to a faint smile. “I have a feeling that many things involve you now.” His features sobered as his gaze shifted to the Prince. “I would like to speak to Penellaphe.”
“About?” Casteel queried.
“About all of this. I want to talk to her alone,” he requested.
Casteel leaned forward, pressing his chest to my back. “Why do you want that?”
“Do you really need to ask that question?” Alastir returned, his cheeks flushing with the first hints of genuine anger. “You will need my aid when it comes to convincing your father and the wolven that this is a worthy marriage—that this will benefit the kingdom, and that you truly chose her. You know that. Do you think I will go along with any of that if she is being forced into this?”
My respect for the elder wolven blew through the roof of the keep.
“No, I do not believe you will go along with it,” Casteel answered. “If Penellaphe wishes to speak with you, I have no problem.”
My heart rate kicked up, but when Alastir turned to me, I nodded. “I will speak with you.”
“Perfect.” Alastir gave me a tight smile as he rose. “Come. Let’s walk.”
Casteel’s arm slipped from around me, and I stood. “Just so you know, Penellaphe doesn’t need protection. She is more than capable of handling things herself. But that is my future you are walking away with. Guard her well. Your life depends on it.”
“Is it true?” Alastir asked as we walked the narrow halls of the keep, my hand tucked into the crook of his arm. Dim light flickered from the oil sconces, casting shadows along the unfamiliar stone walls. “You can defend yourself? Is that with or without a weapon?”