Chapter 247: A maiden knows.
"You’ll get better," Ren tried to be positive, her voice shaky with hope. "Maybe the Fae..." She suggested. But the King raised a hand, silencing her gently but solidly. That would never happen.
"The Fae will only grant me one favor, daughter... and that is to end this miserable life. Only their punishment can burn out my sins and there is no blessing better than this." His voice was calm, resolved. "I’m ready to go... after the speech."
Ren froze, her breath catching in her throat. No one had told her. That he was going to the Fae realm, to be punished for marrying a High Fae. To be punished for hiding her, and not being able to keep her safe.
She turned toward Kai, eyes wide. "You knew about this?"
Kai shook his head, a troubled frown creasing his brow. "I’m hearing it now. I thought... I thought he’d wait. At least until you give birth to our children. But it seems he is so eager for his death."
Ren’s voice broke as tears welled in her eyes. "You don’t want to see your grandchildren? Can’t you just wait for five months?"
The King sighed, and for a moment, the hardness in his expression softened. "Of course, I do want that," he said, eyes dim with sorrow. "But I may not live to see that day. And if I must die, I want it to be through the Fae punishment. It’s not a gift most receive. It’s a form of... redemption. My heart is on the verge of explosion, if I don’t break my bond with Sunkiath fully, the rush of his power will burn this frail body." He clarified it.
Ren couldn’t speak. Her throat burned with grief. She simply reached forward and clasped his hand tightly.
"Then I’ll go with you," she whispered. "I’ll protect you... if they misbehave or treat you unfairly. My uncle, Lucieth. He is not that gentle. I saw how nonchalantly he killed Acelieth. He didn’t see him as a brother but a demon."