The Damned (The Beautiful #2)(79)

If Celine’s mother sat on the throne, it meant the Lady of the Vale ruled this court of elegant fey. Which meant Celine was not merely the daughter of an enchantress. She was the daughter of fey royalty.

Was this . . . was this the reason for Bastien’s rejection?

Were they more than simple rivals from opposing realms?

“Now that you are here,” her mother said quietly, “we can spend as much time as we wish becoming acquainted with each other. I can answer all your questions.” She stroked her fingers through Celine’s hair. “Why I made that misguided promise to your father, to keep away until your eighteenth birthday. Why I believed a childhood in the mortal realm was preferable to one here.” A kind smile curved up her face. She gazed out at the gathered crowd, the timbre of her voice growing louder. “Perhaps we can all make amends for the past.” Something glinted in her dark eyes. “And hope for a better future for fey and ethereals alike.”

It was everything Celine had never known she needed to hear. “I’d like that,” she murmured. “Very much.”

Then her mother extended her right hand toward one of the two figures standing silently behind Celine. Celine turned and saw Bastien waiting there, his hands in his pockets, his expression aloof. Arjun said nothing, an easy smile on his face, his brow hooded.

“Sébastien Saint Germain,” Celine’s mother began. In a swirl of ivory skirts, she shifted forward and wrapped Celine’s hand in one of her own. The hand Bastien had been holding not long ago. “I thank you for honoring your word and bringing my daughter to me of her own volition.”

His . . . word?

Celine’s brow furrowed. He’d agreed to bring her here? Why?

Bastien did not react, though Arjun’s eyes widened with dismay. The half fey said, “Celine, what my lady means is—”

“In accordance with our earlier agreement,” Celine’s mother interrupted, a knowing smile on her face, “Sébastien Saint Germain and Arjun Desai have my permission to travel through the summer lands of the Sylvan Vale toward the winter wasteland of the Sylvan Wyld. My daughter will remain here with me.”

Had Bastien . . . used Celine to get something he wanted from the Lady of the Vale?

It certainly seemed to be the case.

Celine stared at Bastien, her lips thinning into a line. Tension banded across her features, betrayal taking shape in her stomach. Her mother’s fingers laced through hers, and Celine responded without thought. Easily. All too easily.

It struck her all at once, as if she’d been doused by a bucket of cold water. Was it a simple coincidence that Celine’s mother had done and said everything Celine needed to hear? Where had Celine’s wrath gone? She’d been so angry at first. For a short time, it had been all she’d known.

Suspicion twisted through her chest. Her mother was an enchantress. Both Bastien and Arjun had said this world was dangerous. Just before they’d entered this court, Arjun made a specific point: the three of them were not to be separated.

And one of the very first things the Lady of the Vale wished to do was just that.

Celine stared down at Bastien from where she stood, before her mother’s throne.

Would he use Celine for his own personal gain?

He remained silent, his gaze locked on hers. No. He would not use her. Nor would he tell her how to feel or what to do. He trusted she would know the right thing. That she would tell her own story.

For far too long, Celine had looked to others for answers. It was time for her to look within herself.

She studied the gathered crowd. Despite her mother’s reassurances, Celine did not sense welcome among them. She sensed tolerance. As if this court of immortal fey were merely enduring her presence. They would not care what she wanted or how she felt. Bastien would respect her choices. Arjun would trust her to know the best course of action for herself. Not once had her mother asked what Celine wanted to do.

Her eyes found Bastien’s once more. His expression softened.

“If Celine wishes to remain in the Vale, of course she will stay,” Bastien said, his words clear. Unfaltering. “But if she wishes to go with us, that is her decision and hers alone.”

The Lady of the Vale tightened her grip on Celine’s hand. “I’m afraid I cannot allow my daughter to travel outside the safety of the Vale.”

For the first time since their reunion, Celine’s mother said the wrong thing.

“No.” Celine did not falter in her reply. “I will go wherever Arjun and Bastien go.”

“It is far too dangerous, my child,” her mother protested, pulling Celine even closer. “The Ice Clans run rampant in the Wyld. That lawless land has not had proper leadership for nearly four hundred human years. It is a world of perpetual darkness, filled with all manner of bloodthirsty beasts.”

“I understand,” Celine said. “But I do not wish to be separated from my friends.”

Hurt crossed the Lady of the Vale’s lovely face. “Do you not wish to spend time in my company after all these years? I was hoping to show you around my home and learn about the things that bring you joy.”

“Of course I do,” Celine said softly. “But I need some time to acclimate myself to this world. I will not be able to do that freely if I am worried about the safety of my friends.”

Her mother’s nostrils flared, highlighting the inhuman sharpness of her face. “And what of your safety, daughter?”