Page 74 of In Violent Waves

“She’s not wrong,” Wilder’s mother said, walking down the long green runner towards them. Her burgundy gown resembled the calla lilies in her garden.

King Oberon shifted in his chair to get a look at his wife and smiled a genuine smile.

“I was wondering when you would interject yourself, my dear.”

The queen smiled in return, taking his hand and standing beside the throne. Not behind the king, but directly beside him.

“Princess Lyra, this is my wife, Queen Aine.”

Aine gazed down at Lyra, a smile fighting to make its presence known on her stunning face.

She was ethereal and warm. Not at all what some had pictured for the Queen of the Wilds. Peaceful and serene.

It had been a divisive time in his father’s rule when he married her instead of whatever courtier his father had selected.

Lyra jerked her chin down in greeting.

“Darling,” Aine crooned to Wilder.

“Mother.” Wilder nodded.

“It has been a long time since anyone has spoken to my husband that way. I quite enjoyed it,” Aine mused.

Lyra stared straight ahead, deadpan.

Wilder could tell she was trying to read this interaction beyond the words that were said. A small crease formed between her brows as she thought through each slight movement and tone of voice.

“We will not be killing you—today at least,” Aine said, looking at Lyra. “To be frank, your life after this bargain could be better than the meager existence you had as the princess of Atlantis. So, if you were clever,girl, you would accept this deal. This plan might be foolish, but it’s the only one being offered to you.”

Wilder looked between his parents. It was not often they corrected each other, at least not in front of others.

His mother either hadn’t known of this plan or did not approve of it.

Lyra crossed her arms the moment his mother called her girl, and he could feel the ire radiating off of her.

“You have yet to explain how she will help you restore balance,” Wilder said.

Not just to diffuse what was about to be a descent into chaos, but to further understand what his part might be in all of this.

King Oberon looked away from his wife and studied Wilder and Lyra.

“She has unmatched power. Her voice could command gods and weave fate. I need her only to speak the words to undo the tithe. That is all, no more, no less.”

Lyra was shaking her head from side to side; her gown quivered with the movement, sending tiny ripples fluttering through the delicate silk. She was quaking like a newborn fawn.

“I cannot,” she said.

“It is not that difficult a task,” Aine replied, studying Lyra’s unusual reaction.

“I do not use the power. It is absolute. It will corrupt and destroy.”

King Oberon pondered her words. “It will if you continue to use it after our bargain.”

Lyra screwed her eyes shut and took a deep breath. Her entire body moved with her inhale and exhale. When her eyes opened, she spoke.

“You misunderstand. It will corrupt and destroy me.”

Wilder turned towards her then.