Free Kings: Chaos Book 5.5 by Claire Farrell Page B

large hall to watch him avoid glancing at the empty throne on the other side of the room. He and his wife had begun their marriage divided, and the entire court had followed suit. Even now, pressed against each wall, two factions grew apparent.
    Gathered on his side of the room were the daoine sídhe in their suits of armour and the banshees with their displeasing pallor and dark clothes. There were other fae with him, most of them dressed in poor fabrics closer to modern human styles. Those fae were loyal to him for other reasons. Many had once been solitary and craved to be part of something that was led by a man who knew what it was like to be alone. King of the Underdogs .
    The other side of the room was filled with Donella’s supporters, most of whom were wealthy and noble. Some were more open with their affection than others. Many were genuinely in awe of her. She was cruel and ruthless, but she knew how to charm them. And he saw his own daughter doing the same with her people. What kind of adult would she be? His throat ached.
    He needed to oust the leanan sídhe from his court for good. Some of his people would leave with Donella , certainly. But others were only concerned with power. Surely, if she were banished, they would fight amongst themselves to take her place. He released a sigh of relief. He was doing the right thing. Donella had spent her time at court undermining the queen while flirting with the king. He had only tolerated her for so long because she brought many nobles with her. He had reached his limits months ago.
    He tried to concentrate on the problems his court brought to his feet, tried to keep his temper even and his judgements fair, but all he could think about was Donella’s bloody face and the way Sorcha had looked when she asked him to love her. It was impossible. Love had no place in the games kings played. The women were foolish to think otherwise. Even Brendan was going to marry that awful woman, Yvette, for her army. And one day, the Darksiders would push Cara into a marriage she didn’t want, too. It was their way, and nothing could change that now.
    How foolish he had been, grabbing the opportunity to steal a kingdom with both hands, thinking it would solve all of his problems. Reality had quickly set in, sweeping away his precious ideals. Sorcha had taught him how to hold on to his court, but even she hadn’t realised how dangerous their lives would become.
    The doors burst open, and Dymphna strode in, hauling a pleading servant behind her. Five daoine sídhe followed, keeping wary eyes on the whispering crowd. The tension thickened, and Drake shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to watch every faction at once.
    Dymphna dumped the fae at Drake’s feet. “This is the one who dared defile the doors of this castle. This is the one.” She spoke loudly, kicking the fae at her final word. She made the fae stand. “He claims to have worked alone.”
    “Of course he does,” Drake murmured. He gazed down at the servant and recognised the same sullen eyes he had witnessed only that morning. “You again. Kneel.”
    “No,” the man said loudly.
    “Kneel for your king.” Dymphna kicked the back of the man’s knee so that he collapsed to the ground.
    He spat on the floor. “That’s what I think of your king.” He jumped to his feet, his eyes wild, and his voice excited. “I refuse to accept the authority of a king who stole the crown. I swear fealty to a true noble, Donella , the leanan sídhe , creator of the royal bloodline that rules the Darkside !”
    The room fell silent. A trickle of sweat ran down Drake’s back. So this was it. This was her play. Instead of leaving and taking half his court with her, she was simply going to take his court and his throne from him.
    Donella tittered, looking completely relaxed in her seat. “Me? Why, I’m flattered. It’s true I’m related to the Chaos queen, and also the heir of the Green Court.”
    “Do you think Cara lays claim to