Page 110 of Hollow Court

A Year Ago

Would anyone hear me if I screamed?

Would it make a difference if they did?

I glanced around at the room of clansmen surrounding me and decided that it wouldn’t. So instead, I stood tall, forcing a smile while the churning sea of congratulations and well wishes threatened to drag me under.

Of course, they wished our union well.

Our betrothal meant a victory in this war. It meant more death and bloodshed and the beginning of a new era.

Or so my uncle claimed.

All I could do was hope that the care packages of salves I had sent to the soldiers I knew—from “my father,” obviously—would be enough to save their lives. Some of them. Any of them.

My uncle stood proudly next to my betrothed, soaking up the praise and power that this new alliance promised. With one move, one marriage contract, he had secured his place at the right hand of our would-be king.

And now Clan Wolf was right behind him.

Alexei’s possessive grip on my hand tightened, and I belatedly realized I had failed to respond to the latest well-wisher quickly enough.

I fought to keep from wincing, even though one more ounce of pressure could crack the delicate bones in my hand.

Did no one notice?

I supposed that was better than if they saw everything but said nothing.

At least there was still time before the wedding.

One of my uncle’s terms was that we wait to finalize the betrothal until the war had officially begun. He made up a story about wanting us to marry in the Obsidian Palace once victory was assured, but I knew it was because he was hedging his bets, in case the war hadn’t taken place and he wanted different prospects for me.

A glass of vodka was thrust into my hands as someone raised their cup to toast us. I stared down at the offending liquid for several long moments before Alexei’s grip tightened again.

“Is something wrong,Radnaya?” he asked.

It was impossible not to contrast his patronizing tone with Davin’s teasing one, to not remember the victorious smirk on Davin’s lips when I admitted I didn’t like the drink.

It was impossible not to wonder, all the time, if I had made a mistake in leaving before he could explain himself.

But then, what could he really have said? It wasn’t like the maid had been lying. Theodore had confirmed that much.

It was just more wishful thinking on my part, imagining a life that was anything but the one I had now. Forcing a smile to my lips, I peeked up at Alexei through my lashes.

“No, My Lord,” I said quietly. “I apologize.”

He smiled, nodding approvingly when I raised the glass to my lips.

“To the handsome couple!” Sir Nils called.

“To victory!” Mikhail added.

To Alexei dying on the front lines,I thought hopefully.

Then, I drained the glass.

THIRTY-SIX

Davin