Fire magic strode closer, and a weaker sense of earth accompanied it.
Faust turned his gaze to the door.
The doors flung open, and Duke Kieran Easton strolled in with a few knights at his side. He wore Windilum’s war armor with a helmet under his arm. It was mostly metal. Fur tufted out, over the shoulders, and a long red cape trailed behind him. Kieran’s reddish-brown hair was pulled into a tight, short ponytail, and his auburn gaze bore ferocity born from war.
A young woman with the same complexion as Ignas walked just behind the duke—Kees Easton, Kieran’s daughter. Her long brown hair had a red tint to it and held the traditional ornaments. Her dress was a mesh of furs, leather armor, and expensive silks. She was dressed to impress, a poised, noble warrior.
Faust hadn’t seen Kees in years. She rarely left Arkney.
“Duke Easton.” Emoris motioned for the man to take a seat. The deity’s lips twitched with a frown at the way Kieran fell heavily into the chair.
Kees pulled out her chair and sat with little sound, but her gaze locked with Faust’s.
Faust kept his expression neutral as his magic coiled with hers in a brief exchange absent of a challenge. The reason eluded him. He’d single-handedly brought about the demise of many people in her kingdom. Kees should hate him.
Emoris passed over a contract on the table. “This is what we will offer you at this time. I believe you will find it to your liking.”
Kieran glanced over the terms, flipping through the pages. “What of Duke Baldwin?”
Emoris smiled. “He will not be a part of this negotiation. We recognize you as the rightful ruler of the Kingdom of Windilum.”
Faust didn’t like that smile one bit.
“All ruling power will fall upon you,” Emoris said. “It will do your people good to have only one duke to follow.”
Kieran flipped another page. His gaze shifted to Emoris. “And for this power, I am to offer my daughter’s hand in marriage to King Faust?”
Faust’s eyes widened. He was to—what?!
“That would be correct.”
“She will be treated fairly here in Limorous,” Lathil added. “Such a strong warrior is always welcome in our court.”
Kees closed her eyes, but there was a slight twitch to her brow.
Faust’s eyes narrowed. She must have agreed to save her people, but he hadn’t been warned of this at all. He couldn’t imagine himself with a woman. Ignas may have enjoyed it, but he did not.
“And what of any heirs they produce?” Kieran placed the contract on the table again, his gaze stern.
“If the child can use more than three stones, they will become an heir to the throne, but if the child does not, they will be regarded as a prince or princess in title only.” Emoris glanced between Faust and Kees with a sly grin. “Two mighty stone users together are bound to produce fruitful heirs.”
Faust was going to be sick.
“It will also make Windilum a much stronger force,” Lathil said. “Your rank in society will only better, having a direct line with the sovereign.”
Kieran seemed to think about it a moment, but he motioned for the deities to continue.
“The marriage will be held during the Festival of Life in the city of Elyon, five months from now,” Emoris said. “We expect any problems within Windilum to be resolved by then.”
Lathil slid over a quill and inkpot to the duke. “All we need is your signature, and the power you wish to have will be in your hands.”
Kieran scribbled his name.
Emoris’s lips twitched with a small smile. “Commander Frei, guide Duke Easton to the throne room, I will see to him there. Then you will guard Lady Easton and Faust in the south study.”
Mika bowed and led the duke away.
Faust watched them leave. Emoris promised Kieran something, possibly a blessing. He doubted he’d be able to confirm it before the duke left. Faust turned his attention to Kees. She stared at him without any upset. Did she agree to this?
Emoris pushed up from his seat. “Faust, I expect you to get to know your future queen while she is here. You will not see her again until you are married.”
Faust clenched his jaw but bowed his head. “I understand, Your Excellency.”
Emoris left the room with a few Volant.
Lathil leaned his head on his hand, gaze boring into Faust. “I do expect you to fulfill your duties as a king and produce an heir. I have my theories as to why Konrad was unable to for so long, but you shouldn’t have that problem.”
“And if I do not?” Faust blurted. Fear shot down his spine at his lapse, but Lathil regarded him with only mild interest.
“We have another we will bring into our court,” Lathil said. “We’ve had an eye on him for many years.”
Faust remained poised, despite the fear prickling at the back of his mind. Only Terrence Clare fit the requirements to be king. Lathil stared at him with a growing smile. The deity had found another person to hold over his head.
“As you know, few can use more than two stones,” Lathil said. “We must continue to introduce such power into our ranks.” He turned to Nora. “Please escort Faust and Lady Easton to the study. After that, the evening is yours. Commander Frei will be responsible for them.”
Relan shifted on his feet near the doorway.
Lathil stopped. “On second thought, Nora you are relieved for the day. Relan, escort them to the study and remain with them until Commander Frei arrives.”
Relan bowed. “As you wish, Your Excellency.”
Faust took a steady breath. He didn’t want Relan near either of them, but he forced a smile. “Shall we, my lady?”
Kees nodded and rose from her seat with a practiced smile of her own.
Faust joined Kees at the end of the table and extended his arm to her. He was greeted with another twitch of a smile, but she took his arm. Lathil was watching his every move, and he only had Konrad’s example with women to act accordingly. Even if he didn’t like this, he wasn’t going to make her life miserable.
Faust stepped forward, and Kees gripped his arm. She gave him a side-glance, her eyes blazing with a quiet fire. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Faust sat on the couch opposite of Kees, uncertain what to do next. Relan hovered by the door, and there were no refreshments in the room. Emoris and Lathil must not have planned on the duke agreeing to the truce so quickly. Kieran’s rise meant something had happened to Ignas and the Guild of Smithery. Faust knew how many people died before negotiations began, but he couldn’t bring himself to believe they were among the dead.
Kees cleared her throat. “Blessed.”
Faust jerked to attention.
“What can I do for you, Lady Easton?” Relan asked, unamused.
“I think we would like refreshments. Perhaps some herb tea,” Kees said, a pleasant warmth radiating about her. “The king appears in need of relaxation, as am I. Hospitality would do us both good.”
“I will call for a servant,” Relan replied.
“Ah, I see.” Kees smirked. “Perhaps I am wrong to assume that the king may have such pleasantries?”
Relan’s dark eyes narrowed.
“The king fetched the deities a great victory, deserving of the utmost respect. The respect of a valuable warrior,” Kees said.