Zander any attention, but I can tell by the way he clenches his knuckles and tightens his jaw that he's affected by his son's presence. I still can’t believe it, even when Gold told me earlier. Does Zander know the man he’s sitting next to is his father?
Going by the way Zander reaches for food, oblivious to the tension circulating around us, I highly doubt so. I wish he'd been here earlier and witnessed the awful things that were said.
"You know of Zander?" the king asks me, his voice the same emotionless timbre as always.
"We both go to Shadowborn Academy," Zander answers for me, cutting a piece of his steak off and shoving it into his mouth. "Well, we did go there. It's in ruins now."
My jaw drops, causing my heart to lurch. "Ruins?"
He nods, shoving more food into his mouth. He finishes before answering, "One of the Titans attacked it and nearly killed Corvina. It's why I'm here, to ask for the king's help."
A glimmer of hope swells inside me. So I'm not the only one seeking the dragons' help? If Corvina, the rightful heir to the Throne of Luna, is asking for her uncle's help, surely he can’t refuse her.
The king glances at me as if he can hear my thoughts. "Our discussion tonight has been somber. I told Princess Izora exactly what I told you, young Zander: I am not sacrificing my kingdom for a throne that turned its back on my kin."
Zander nods, but his grip tightens on his silver cutlery. "As I said, Your Majesty, I respect that more than anything. The only problem with that is the fact that Corvina Charles will ascend the throne, and when she does, she will not forget those who turned their back on her."
Gods, it takes everything in me not to smirk at the king.
Check. Fucking. Mate.
"This is complete nonsense," Julius scoffs, gripping the edge of the table. "Your Majesty, I beseech you to not endure this any longer. You have already entertained this nonsense more than necessary."
"Yeah, but they’ve made a good point," one of the princes says, much to the disgust of the brother beside him. "Corvina is still our blood. If we turn our back on her now, Draconia will forever be fucked."
The queen gasps at him. "Language, Drakon! There are ladies present."
Drakon lowers his head. "Forgive me, Mother. I'm just saying that I dislike this one"—he points at Zander—"and this one"—points at me—"as much as you do. But there’s truth in what they’re saying, whether we want there to be or not."
"I do not dislike my brother's mate." Valessia places her hands on the table, her eyes darkening and strands of her hair lifting as if caught on an ocean current. "I merely wish to protect our kingdom, as does your father and Sir Griscor."
"Then help us," I say, with every bit of conviction I can possibly muster. "Help us protect your kingdom by stopping the Titans. It's the only way. And once this war is over, once we have won, our kingdoms will no longer be divided. Corvina and I will make sure of that. There will be no more turning a blind eye or abandoning those in need. We'll be united together."
Gold looks at me, his expression one of utter pride. He lifts my hand from under the table and presses a kiss gently to my knuckles.
Valessia watches the exchange and her features soften.
"You fight a strong case," the king says, tapping his lower lip again. He nods. "Very well. I will consult my advisors to see what can be done to prevent this war from destroying the Forest. In the meantime, the key you seek is hidden far in the Deadlands. The Undead Lord stole it from me centuries ago. If you wish to retrieve it, you must plunder his horde of treasure caves where I am sure it is nestled." He stands from the table, a clear sign the feast is over, and turns to Zander. "Come with me. My council will wish to hear the tale you foretold me of earlier."
Zander grabs some food, nods pointedly at me, and then follows the king out of the hall.
"Did we do it?" I whisper to Gold, my heart thrashing so loudly I almost don’t hear his reply.
"Yes." He brushes his thumb down my cheek and kisses me on the lips. "Just like I knew you would."
"I hope we do not come to regret this decision," Valessia says, looking directly at Gold.
I