“I have studied horse riding, owlry, sword and arrow skills,” she said crisply. That had not been what he’d wanted to know, but it was how she chose to answer all the same. Thane wanted to know what wifely, courtly skills she possessed. The answer to that was none.
Reyna did not know needlework, she could not play an instrument, and she certainly could not smile sweetly and listen to the dreary conversations between noble males.
Thane paused with his chalice halfway to his mouth, and then he eked out a very strained smile. “I see. Your father has certainly been lenient with you. Your sister, Eislyn…does she possess the same skills? What kind of training has she undergone? Similar to Glencora, I suspect.”
Reyna gave him a sharp look. “Eislyn is not here.”
Thane set down his chalice, sighing. “Reyna, I do not wish for conflict between us.”
“Then, let us change the subject to something else,” she said through gritted teeth. “I understand the importance of our alliance, but I do not wish to discuss my sister as if she is meat you wish to buy from the market.”
Silence hung heavy between them even as the roar of the feast filled the air. It seemed as though the entire Ice Court had turned out for the feast. Some of the lords and ladies were eager to meet their new ally, but far more were curious to lay their eyes on the enemy who would steal one of their princesses away from the castle. There had been very little outright hostility, though their veiled words had been clear enough. The ice fae did not trust the prince.
From the head table, Reyna stared out at the lively Great Hall. Two long wooden tables stretched across the stone floor, silver cloths draped along the length of them. Dishes were placed at regular intervals. There was roasted rabbit, venison pie with a flaky crust, and piles of buttery potatoes. The Ice Court had even imported slabs of sharp cheese from the Empire of Fomor specifically for this occasion.
Six banners hung along the walls, the court’s sigil proudly displayed in silver and blue. Before the war began a century ago, each banner in the Great Hall had been different, each highlighting one of the six courts of Tir Na Nog. Back before the realms had fallen apart.
“You care very deeply for your sister,” Thane said, lifting his golden brows toward the hawthorn tree tattoo that stretched across his forehead. “Both sisters, I expect.”
“I do,” she said. “They are the warmth that beats through these frozen lands.”
“Ah. Now I understand the words of your court.” He gave Reyna a slight smile. “I never knew my older siblings, so it’s difficult to imagine the protective instinct you must feel.”
“I would do anything for them.”
He turned and lifted his chalice once again. “Even marry a prince you do not like after formally removing yourself from the line of succession?”
Surprise flickered through Reyna’s mind. “I…”
He emptied his drink and then motioned at the nearest servant. “Do not look so concerned. This was never what you had imagined for your life, and I will not hold your resistance against you.”
“That’s very kind,” Reyna murmured, wondering if there was some kind of catch.
“I only ask that you remember what is expected of a princess, and of a future queen. It is quite different than what is expected of a warrior.”
Reyna frowned. “Perhaps it shouldn’t be.”
Thane let out a light laugh. “You may be right in that, but there is little we can do to change that. Instead, we must fulfill the roles that the Dagda has given us. If he decides that you ought to be my High Queen, then so be it. But Reyna, you must do what is required of you.”
Reyna grabbed her own chalice and drank deeply of the sweet wine. A mere second ago, she had forgotten how she felt about Thane and this entire alliance. He had almost seemed agreeable for a fleeting moment in time. Kind and understanding. But he was anything but.
“Unfortunately, I am not an option. I am no princess.”
Reyna suddenly felt the weight of a pair of eyes. She turned from Thane’s unyielding gaze and scanned the rousing crowd. The table that sat on the lefthand side of the hall did not hold the nobility. Instead, it had been packed with guards, warriors, druids, and stewards of the crown. One of them stared right at her.
She recognized the male as one of Thane’s personal guards. He had introduced himself as Lorcan, she believed. With chin-length black hair that hung in loose waves around his rugged face, his expression was shielded, but there was no mistaking the piercing dark eyes. He wore leather armor that clung tightly to his muscular frame, and a glinting Tamaris steel bastard sword was strapped to his back. As she met his eyes, his gaze never faltered. And something strange twisted in her gut.
Reyna flushed, sat back, and frowned. Why was this male staring so intently at her?
“Ah, you have spotted Lorcan,” Thane said from beside her. “He is my most trusted guard.”
“Does he often stare holes into stranger’s faces?” Reyna asked sharply. He was still watching her every move. It was unnerving.
Thane chuckled. “Oh, yes. He intimidates everyone he meets. But he has saved my life on more than one occasion. So, he can glower as much as he likes.”
“Saved your life?” Reyna cut her eyes toward Thane. His face was impassive, but a darkness churned in his golden eyes. “There have been attempts made against you?”
“You sound surprised,” Thane said. “We are at war. Many rightfully believe that my death would be a great blow to the Air Court. I have no living siblings. With my demise, there would be no heir.”
Reyna sat back in her chair. “I had no idea the Sea Court had become so bold.”
“Perhaps, but it could have just as easily been the Wood Court,” Thane said.
“You do not know which court it was?” she asked.
“It was one or the other,” he said. “This is why our alliance is so essential to the future of our people. Together, our might is stronger than theirs alone.”
Reyna frowned. She now understood why Thane was eager to continue with the betrothal, even if he found Eislyn less appealing than Glencora. Thane needed them just as much as they needed him.
“I do not disagree with you,” she said. “However, I am not the one you need to charm. I am a Shieldmaiden. Not a princess.”
“Here you are, your grace.” A serving girl appeared behind them with a jug of wine. She bowed low, pink dotting her cheeks. “Do you wish for some more wine?”
Thane frowned and held up his chalice, silently waiting while the serving girl poured his wine. As soon as she bustled away, he stood. “Excuse me for a moment, Shieldmaiden. There is something I need to attend to.”
Reyna scowled up at him. “You’re leaving during your own welcome feast?”
“I’ll return soon enough.” With that, Thane strode away from the table and headed toward the door that led out into the courtyard. An empty chair now sat beside her. On the other side of it, her father narrowed his eyes. He likely thought she had said something to run him off, but she’d only spoken the truth.
Frowning, she turned her gaze back onto the feast where the rest of the court appeared to be having a much more enjoyable night. Reyna watched Thane’s warrior edge toward the door. He cast a furtive glance around the feast as he pressed a large hand against the warped wood. Setting her chalice down before her, Reyna could not help but lean forward, head cocked. Did he plan to follow the prince? Then, why was he moving so curiously?