The war Kahlem has waged against Arya and her allies is escalating. Fearing for his father’s safety, Malich sends him to the Seelie Court where Arya guarantees his father’s protection. In exchange for his father’s protection he would give her as much Intel as possible about Kahlem’s movements.
After Sen’s death, Kahlem hasn’t been the same. He relies heavily on Dezi, his previous favorite wife for comfort while he slowly begins to unravel.
Bevi and Arokin have distanced themselves from the ailing King, but they still do his bidding. His other brothers are in hiding. They will more than likely remain out of sight until Kahlem either succeeds in murdering Arya or she murders him.
In the meantime, Kahlem is careful to keep Malich where he can see him. He’s fearful Malich will plot behind his back and hand him over on a silver platter, if given the opportunity.
When Queen Boleyn ruled in Arya’s favor, Kahlem went into a rage, killing several of his own soldiers for sport. If he could take it out on Malich, he would, but he needs him to wield the Red legion like the finely tuned weapon they are. Still, there are other ways of getting to Malich and his brother knows it. The way Kahlem looks at Lizbet and her growing womb unsettles him.
“Goof morning brother,” Kahlem smiles, in a suspiciously happy mood.
Malich nods, unsure of what to make of Kahlem’s suddenly cheery disposition. “Good morning.”
“You seem well.” Lizbet adds.
Kahlem’s smile widens. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Malich narrows his eyes at his brother. “We’re heading into a war that will kill thousands of men.Mymen…men who have family that love and depend on them.”
“Well you’re a just ruler,” Kahlem waves him off, “I’m sure you’ll find some way to appease them.” Malich’s jaw clenches, but he can do nothing. Kahlem holds all the cards. All he can do is wait to for Arya to send word that she has his mother. “I didn’t see father when I went by the Winter Court last moon. Have you stashed him somewhere?”
Kahlem’s line of questioning intrigues him. The only reason he’d care is if Arya has indeed been successful at seeing his mother to freedom. A smile tugs at the corners of Malich lips.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
“Mother would like to see him.”
Yet another carefully worded statement…
In other words, he doesn’t know who has her and he’s testing to see if Malich does. “Would she now? Well, tell me where you’re keeping her and I’ll bring father to her.”
“Why don’t you bring father to me and I’ll see to it that he and our mother are reunited?” Kahlem counters.
“I would, but something tells me you don’t have her,” Malich shows his hand, “After what you did to father, you know I’ll never let you near him ever again. And since you don’t have my mother, I no longer need to do your bidding.”
Kahlem’s eyes drops to the table, his lips curling into a wicked grin. “You’ve always been quick-witted. Too bad you aren’t as quick at protecting those you hold dear.” He nods to one of his men. Moments later two of Kahlem’s guards drag Lizbet into the council room.
Malich tips his head back and roars with laughter. “If this is your plan, I must say brother, I expected more from someone as cunning as yourself.”
Lizbet meets Malich’s gaze with pleading eyes. “She carries your heir,” Kahlem points out. Malich nods. This anyonecould see.
“I can have more.”
“True, but I doubt anyone in the Winter Court will willingly serve a King who would allow his Queen and heir to be slaughtered like animals. They will turn on you in a heartbeat and the Queens own aunts will orchestrate the hunt for your head or abdication,” Kahlem places his hand to Lizbet’s womb.
This is true. If Lizbet dies, the Winter Court will turn against him, especially with how he’s openly treated her in the past. “What do you want?” Malich asks.
“I want you to do what you do best and persuade the Autumn Queen to our cause. Bed her if you have to, I don’t care how you do it, just do it. The lives of your wife and heir depend on it.”
Malich’s gaze slides to Lizbet’s who looks utterly horrified. “I’ll be back for you,” he assures her. She swallows hard and nods.
“Speaking of coming back for her. No more rescue attempts. If I even sense an uprising or rescue attempt, she’ll die before they can even breach the fortress.” Kahlem warns.
Malich nods, holding Lizbet’s gaze. It’s a silent promise that he willcome back for her. Lizbet nods in acknowledgement and he leaves for the Autumn Court to persuade the young Queen to change her mind. It’s a long shot, but if he wishes to rule the Winter Court without opposition, he must try.
Malich gathers a small protective detail consisting of Zahn as his lieutenant and twelve Red Dragons. They quickly set out for the Autumn Court with a planned detour in mind. He needs to go to the Seelie Court to confirm his mother is indeed safe and reunited with his father.
Thankfully, it’s Malich’s own soldiers who are stationed just outside the border of the Seelie Court. As he crosses into Seelie territory his soldiers are sworn to secrecy and he makes his way to the palace.
Evander greets him just outside the palace gates. An armed guard escorts them inside the palace walls and up to the front steps. For Arya’s protection, Malich’s soldiers are forced into a single room bolted shut from the outside and only Zahn is allowed to accompany him inside the palace. He wonders if this is at Arya’s instruction or Evander’s.
He gets his answer when Arya enters her sitting room, her brow pursing together in confusion. She levels Evander with a look and he does all he can to avoid her steel gaze. Ihsan enters behind her, his irritation with Malich’s presence visibly noticeable.
“Should you be here?” Ihsan asks.
The corner of his lips curling up into a smile, Malich shakes his head and says, “Probably not, but I wanted to make sure you were able to secure my mother unharmed.”
“You don’t trust us?” Arya asks, studying Malich carefully. It’s a loaded question.
“Of course I do, but I want to see her for myself. It’s been a long time my love.”
Arya ignores Malich’s term of endearment and nods to Evander who leaves the room. Her gaze trails back to Ihsan who looks as if he wants to rip Malich’s head off, before flicking her eyes back to Malich to gauge his reaction. “Kinghood does you well,” Malich offers up a compliment to Ihsan.
Ihsan doesn’t even try to play nice. He ignores Malich, focusing his attention on Arya who is now trying her hardest to ignore them both.
Evander returns with Malich’s mother and father in tow, and not a moment too soon. Seeing his mother alive and unharmed, a weight is lifted off of Malich’s shoulders. He embraces his mother, squeezing her tight. She smells the same as he remembers, of Rosemary. Tears fall from her eyes as she kisses his cheeks, hugging him back.
Malich looks beyond them to Arya and nods to her in a show of gratitude. She gives a slight nod back before turning her gaze to Ihsan. The closeness between the two provokes his jealousy once more. Now that he has both his parents back he can’t help but pine for the assassin turned Queen. She’s sacrificed so much for the sake of his happiness and he will forever be indebted to her. He wants more than anything for the two of them to be together, but they can’t be. Not now. She promised Ihsan her hand in exchange for his help and he’s trapped in a marriage he can’t get out of.
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