Page 146 of A Trial of Two Worlds
“The fact that she was your mate made this entire endeavor all the sweeter,High King.” Minaeve laughed as she extended her hand to Anjani. “Thank you for retrieving the Heart.”
My eyes widened as I shot up in a panic.
No, no, no. Fuck! How did Anjani find it?
My heart stilled as I frantically pivoted toward the outcrop where I’d hidden the Heart of Valdor.
Nyssa.
I reached through our bond to try and sense her, but nothing answered my call. There was no panic or pain, only silence—like she was hiding.
Nyssa, where are you?
“Return to me, Seamus,” Minaeve commanded, drawing my attention. “We have work to do.”
“What makes you think—” Daxton paused as he watched Seamus rise, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Seamus?”
“I-I have no choice,” he said through gritted teeth. Every muscle in his body convulsed in response as he tried but failed to resist Minaeve’s command.
The blood bond.
“Our marriage ceremony was so special, especially when it was sealed with High Prince Seamus’s magical vow of servitude.”
The veins in Seamus’s neck popped as he forced his feet to stop.
“Seamus,” Minaeve said in a warning tone. “Return to me.”
Seamus clenched his jaw so tight I thought his teeth would crack. His emerald-glowing eyes turned toward my brother. He grunted as he fought the pull of the blood oath. His footsteps halted through the sheer force of his will.
“I will not…” Seamus’s voice fell as his breath stilled, the power of the oath stealing the air from his lungs, demanding his obedience.
Suddenly, Seamus sprang forward and retrieved a dagger discarded from battle, angling the blade in a downward strike across his already bleeding throat.
“Stop!” Minaeve commanded, strengthened by the Heart of Valdor clutched in her grasp. “You will not kill yourself.”
Seamus groaned against the power of Minaeve’s command.
“Nor will you allow or command another to end your life for you. I forbid it.”
Seamus remained motionless, locked between Daxton and the false queen.
“Drop the blade.”
And Seamus was forced to obey.
“Call your warriors,” Minaeve said.
“Why do you think any of Aelius would willingly side with you?” Daxton yelled, his gaze darting between Seamus and Minaeve.
“Who said anything about willingly?” Minaeve’s wicked grin grew.
“Daxton, Castor.”Seamus’s voice echoed inside my mind.“Do what you must.”
I swallowed a heavy gulp of dread, understanding Seamus’s intentions for us to fulfill if he couldn’t perform the task himself.“I deserve far less than the kindness of a quick death. I’m sorry for everything.”
“Fall in line.” Seamus’s voice boomed over the clearing, and every High Fae warrior sworn to Aelius followed his command.
“Every citizen sworn to Aelius and High Prince Seamus’s army is bound to him,” Anjani said with a conniving look of glee. “The blood oath is an ancient tradition in the Aelius realm, of course, to ensure loyalty.”
