Lords of the Hunt (Wilde Fae, #1)

by Kate King

He should have been the Prince of Wrath. Perhaps the Ruler of Resentment. The Sullen Sovereign.

“You may as well be a lovely corpse.”

“Her highness is both suspicious by nature and a bit rude. You may or may not get used to it.”

She gasped finally, as though remembering to breathe, and it was all I could do not to offer her congratulations for not dropping dead.

“Your Majesty?” A female voice asked, tentatively. “Iola we’ve discussed this!” The knock came again, louder this time, accompanied by a garble of uncomfortable greetings. “Your maj…Lonnie—Er, miss, Eil…Well…”

“Don’t concern yourself with Mordant, little monster,” Prince Bael said, rather loudly. “I certainly never have. I have considered killing him on many occasions but then I remember that his entire existence surrounds serving the whims of my mother, and that is the cruelest punishment I could ever think of for anyone.”

I didn’t fear death. Not exactly. But I did fear helplessness. I feared being put back in the darkness to rot.

I’d intended to say “Slúagh” and changed my mind at the last moment. I did not care to analyze why.

You do not seem the type to read.”

“The musicians will not start until the highest ranked member of court has allowed them to, and Aisling help us all, that is you.” “Oh.” I waved my hand. “Well, they can start. Please, carry on.” Gwydion snorted a laugh and even Thalia cracked something resembling a smile. Mordant, however, seemed incensed. “No, you undeserving simpleton. You must dance.” “Mordant,” Scion’s voice sounded from the back of the group. “I would be careful when throwing insults around that could better apply to yourself.”